Do not let the rain stop you from visiting Oregon’s Magnificent Waterfalls. They are even more powerful after the storms and many are a bit more difficult to get to once the snow falls. Not impossible for the adventurous but snow gear may be required. And Oregon’s spectacular Fall Foliage will be coming to an end soon. Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face!
From misty trails to roaring falls and hidden gems, Oregon’s waterfalls offer a sensory feast for adventure seekers. Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls across the state (and 1,000+ according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey.
Ramona Falls: This shaded waterfall is in a forest along the Pacific Crest Trail on the upper Sandy River — on the west side of Mount Hood. The falls are about 120 feet tall, consisting of a wall of cascades.
Tamanawas Falls: Bring your binoculars and prepare to see a lot of birds and a stunning waterfall! The falls are AMAZING at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood River hosting nesting Harlequin Ducks. Belted Kingfisher are common but it’s the songbirds you’re likely to remember long after they’ve sung their tunes.
Little Zig Zag River Falls: One of Oregon’s hidden gems. A picturesque stream leads to a photogenic waterfall on this family-friendly trail; complete with a picnic table at the very start.
Yocum Falls: This waterfall is right in the heart of the Mount Hood National Forest. It sits in Zigzag canyon with many waterfalls, including Little Zigzag River Falls and Ramona Falls.
Pencil Falls: This glacier-fed waterfall is in the alpine area of Mount Hood Meadows. A small path leads to a great viewing.
Upper Heather Canyon Falls: Where the Timberline Trail crosses Heather Creek, is thought to be one of the most scenic areas of Mount Hood. In Heather Canyon a series of waterfalls tumbles beneath this trail.
Umbrella Falls: This popular and family-friendly waterfall is accessible from scenic hiking trails. Look up! You’ll see a chair lift too.
White River Falls: The waterfall is the main focus of the White River Falls State Park and for good reason — the scenic White River plunges 90-feet from a basalt shelf.
Historic Columbia River Highway waterfalls
You can tour the waterfalls that make up the Columbia River Gorge by car or on foot, but you won’t have the full-on spectacular experience unless you do both. Whatever you do, make sure to save time to see Multnomah Falls. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and more than 2 million visitors come each year to take in its view. Before you go, print this map of a waterfall tour loop on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Ecola Falls: Ecola Falls is the last major of the falls as you travel upstream on the Larch Mountain Trail. What does ecola mean? It’s the Chinook word for whale.
Wahclella Falls (W12): OregonHikers.org describes this fall as one of the more interesting falls in the Columbia River Gorge. It runs along Tanner Creek and features two drops.
Starvation Creek Falls: Starvation Creek Falls is the best waterfall accessible from the Starvation Creek State Park area. The powerful fall drops out of a narrow channel and into a natural bowl, where the creek spills out and down to a rocky mess before cascading past a picnic area and on to the Columbia River.
Ponytail Falls: Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls, is on Horsetail Creek just above Horsetail Falls. This is one of the more popular waterfalls for professional photographers, for stunning pictures looking out from behind the falls.
Elowah Falls: Elowah Falls drops 289 feet into an amphitheater of lava flows of millions of years ago.
Bridal Veil: Hidden beneath the Historic Columbia River Highway, this small two-tiered waterfall is easy to reach. Make sure to check out the romantic messages carved into the handrails of the viewpoint.
Wiesendanger Falls: Named after Forest Service Ranger, Albert Wiesendanger, the 55-foot falls are also known as Upper Multnomah Falls, Twanklaskie Falls, and Double Falls (the latter together with Ecola Falls).
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We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnerships for adventure discounts
Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – ask us for a discount code: $10 each person on your raft adventure
Cascade Canyon Guide – request code for 10% off trips
Heart of the Gorge Sailing – request link for 10% select sails
Offers for our registered guests only and our guests must redeem during stay.
