10 Best Waterfalls Near Portland for a Perfect Day Trip

Looking for the best Portland waterfalls an easy drive from the city? This guide has you covered. Keep reading to find the top waterfalls near Portland, OR for the perfect day trip.

For those looking for a scenic escape from the city, Portland is surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural wonders the Pacific Northwest has to offer, and they’re just a short drive away.

One of the most breathtaking day trips you can take is to explore the stunning Portland waterfalls located in the Columbia River Gorge, a region famous for its dramatic landscapes and cascading falls.

These majestic waterfalls are not only a photographer’s dream but also an ideal way to immerse yourself in the lush, moss-covered wilderness just outside the city. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking hikes near Portland with waterfalls or simply want a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature, Portland’s nearby waterfalls offer something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best waterfalls near Portland Oregon that are perfect for an unforgettable day trip.

*This ‘waterfalls near portland’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Best Time to Visit the Portland Waterfalls

The waterfalls near Portland can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a unique experience.

Spring is one of the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are at their fullest. Melting snow and rainwater cause the falls to roar with power, creating a dramatic sight. The surrounding forest is also lush and vibrant, with wildflowers beginning to bloom, making the landscapes pretty.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the warm weather and clear skies. The trails are more accessible, and the area is perfect for a family-friendly day trip. However, waterfalls can be a bit smaller during this season due to less rainfall, but the comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours make it a great time for leisurely hikes.

During the summer months permits to access many of the waterfalls are also needed adding an extra something to think about.

Fall brings cooler weather and fewer crowds. The waterfalls remain impressive, and the changing leaves add a stunning backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows to your adventure. It’s a quieter, more peaceful time to explore, though you should be prepared for occasional rain and slippery trails.

Winter in the Portland area offers a magical, tranquil experience. Although some trails can be icy, those willing to brave the cold are rewarded with fewer visitors and the possibility of snow-dusted waterfalls.

Always check conditions before heading out and dress appropriately, as weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable year-round. It’s essential to be prepared with waterproof gear, layers, and proper footwear to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Best Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon

Northern Oregon is filled with beautiful and dramatic waterfalls, but this post focuses on the best falls in the Columbia River Gorge, a region perfect for an easy day trip from Portland. The Gorge offers numerous breathtaking waterfalls close to each other, making it ideal for a quick getaway.

While other spectacular falls in northern Oregon are worth exploring, many require more time and travel, making them better suited for multi-day trips. For a convenient yet awe-inspiring experience, the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge are the perfect choice.

Best Waterfalls Near Portland Oregon Map

Use the map below by clicking on it and saving it on your phone for easy access to all the Portland Oregon waterfalls and trails.

1. Multnomah Falls – Top Portland Waterfall

Multnomah Falls is the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge and the tallest waterfall in Oregon, plunging a staggering 620 feet in two tiers. As one of the most iconic and photographed waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Located just a 30-minute drive from Portland, Multnomah Falls is incredibly accessible, making it a perfect destination for a quick day trip.

You can enjoy the view from the easily accessible lower viewing platform, which is just a short walk from the parking lot. For those looking for a little more adventure, the paved trail leads up to Benson Bridge, which sits between the two tiers of the falls and offers a stunning vantage point and photo opportunity.

The bridge is just 0.2 miles from the base, making it an easy, family-friendly walk.

For a more challenging hike, you can continue up the trail to the top of the falls. The 2.4-mile round trip ascends about 700 feet, rewarding hikers with a breathtaking view down the Columbia River Gorge. However, be prepared for switchbacks and some steep terrain on the way up.

Multnomah Falls is open year-round, though the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially in summer. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the day or visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and remember that between May 26th-September 4th you must use exit 31 to show your permit.

Regardless of when you go, as one of the top waterfalls in Portland Oregon, the sheer beauty is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

Know Before You Go! Between May 26th and September 4th, be aware that a timed-use parking permit is required to visit Multnomah Falls. This permit helps manage the heavy flow of visitors during peak season. Permits are available for purchase online.

2. Wahkeena Falls

Located just a short half-mile from Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls is another beautiful gem along the Columbia River Gorge. Unlike the sheer drop of Multnomah, Wahkeena Falls cascades gracefully over a series of tiers, plunging 242 feet in a winding, misty descent.

Its name, derived from a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful,” perfectly captures the serene charm of this waterfall.

Wahkeena Falls is easily accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway, and a short walk from the parking lot leads to a viewing area near the base. For those seeking more adventure, a well-maintained trail continues uphill, offering a 1.4-mile loop that connects to other nearby waterfalls, like Fairy Falls and Multnomah Falls, for a longer hike.

The trail is moderately challenging, with some switchbacks and elevation gain, but it rewards with stunning views of the Gorge, lush greenery, and several smaller cascades along the way, making it well worth the extra effort.

Wahkeena Falls offers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to its famous neighbor, making it a peaceful stop on any Columbia River Gorge day trip.

3. Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is a delicate and enchanting 20-foot waterfall tucked away in the Columbia River Gorge, offering a more secluded experience than the larger falls in the area.

Accessible via a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip hike from Wahkeena Falls, the trail to Fairy Falls will take you through lush forest, alongside smaller cascades. The waterfall itself fans out gracefully over moss-covered rocks, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere perfect for photos or simply enjoying nature.

While the hike includes some elevation gain, the reward is a quiet, picturesque spot that feels like a hidden gem amidst the more well-known waterfalls in the Gorge.

4. Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is one of the most striking waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, known for its unique geology and impressive 249-foot single plunge. Located about 30 minutes from Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway, Latourell Falls is the closest major waterfall to the city, making it an excellent starting point for a day trip.

The waterfall is particularly distinctive due to the columnar basalt formations surrounding it, which give it a dramatic appearance.

A short, easy walk from the parking area leads to a viewing platform at the base of the falls, where you’ll be able to take in the full force of the water as it crashes into the pool below.

For those seeking a longer adventure, a 2.4-mile loop trail winds through lush forest, leading to the upper falls and offering various vantage points along the way. The trail includes moderate elevation gain but has beautiful views of the gorge and surrounding scenery.

Latourell Falls is accessible year-round and is less crowded than Multnomah Falls, providing a quieter experience without sacrificing beauty. Its easy access and dramatic drop make it a must-see on any Columbia River Gorge waterfall tour.

5. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a gorgeous two-tiered waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge, just off the Historic Columbia River Highway. Though smaller than some of its neighbors, Bridal Veil Falls stands at a combined height of 120 feet and offers a serene and picturesque setting.

Its name comes from the way the water fans out as it cascades, resembling a delicate bridal veil.

A short 0.5-mile trail from the parking area leads through lush greenery to a viewing platform at the base of the falls, making access easy and family-friendly.

The short trail winds through a beautiful forest, offering glimpses of the Gorge and occasional wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

For those looking for a longer walk, another short trail nearby leads to a scenic overlook of the Columbia River, providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit en route to other Portland waterfalls hikes or exploring the area further, Bridal Veil Falls is a charming and accessible stop along the Columbia River Gorge.

6. Elowah Falls

Elowah Falls is one of the hidden gems of the Columbia River Gorge, offering a more secluded and peaceful experience for waterfall chasers. At 213 feet, Elowah Falls tumbles over a basalt cliff into a lush, mossy amphitheater, creating a calm and picturesque scene.

Located in John B. Yeon State Park, Elowah Falls is less crowded than some of the more popular waterfalls in the Gorge, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter adventure.

The hike to Elowah Falls is moderate, spanning about 1.6 miles round-trip. The well-maintained trail leads through dense forests, across footbridges, and past steep canyon walls before arriving at the base of the falls.

The hike itself is rewarding, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding nature along the way. The mist from the waterfall and the surrounding greenery create a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere.

Elowah Falls is a great option for visitors seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience in the Columbia River Gorge, with the trail providing a balance of solitude and scenic beauty. Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike, and enjoy the serenity this lesser-known waterfall has to offer.

7. Wahclella Falls

Hands down, Wahclella Falls is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and a visit here should be at the top of your list if you’re exploring the area. Sitting in a lush canyon, this stunning two-tiered waterfall plunges 350 feet into a crystal-clear pool, creating an oasis of misty beauty that feels almost otherworldly.

The best way to experience Wahclella Falls is by taking the 2-mile round-trip hike that meanders along Tanner Creek, through a moss-covered wonderland of towering trees and rocky cliffs. The trail is easy enough for most hikers and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the surrounding natural beauty along the way.

You’ll even pass a smaller waterfall before reaching the main event, adding to the magic of the journey.

Once you reach the falls, the sight is truly something to write home about. The way the water crashes down into the gorge below, framed by ferns and greenery, is nothing short of picture-perfect.

It’s one of those spots that’s not only beautiful but also feels peaceful and rejuvenating—ideal for a picnic or just some quiet time by the water.

And if you visit in the off-season, you may even have this little slice of paradise all to yourself. Wahclella Falls is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem, and trust me, once you visit, you’ll want to come back again and again.

8. Punch Bowl Falls

If you’re exploring the Columbia River Gorge, Punch Bowl Falls is an absolute must-see. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit more than once. This iconic waterfall, tucked away on the Eagle Creek Trail, is famous for its unique shape—where the water pours into a circular basin, creating a natural punch bowl effect that’s just mesmerizing to watch.

The hike to Punch Bowl Falls is about a 4-mile round trip – ideal for those with more time and adventurous spirit. The trail takes you through towering trees, steep canyon walls, and along the rushing waters of Eagle Creek.

There are plenty of spots to stop and marvel at smaller waterfalls and the incredible greenery that blankets the gorge. And then, when you finally reach the falls, it’s like stepping into a hidden paradise.

Punch Bowl Falls is perfect for cooling off on a hot, summer’s day—dip your feet in the icy waters, or if you’re feeling brave, take a swim in the emerald pool at the base. The vibe here is pure magic, with the waterfall framed by moss-covered cliffs and overhanging pines, creating an idyllic scene that feels miles away from the everyday world.

9. Oneonta Gorge and Falls

Oneonta Gorge and Falls is one of the most adventurous and unforgettable spots in the Columbia River Gorge.

What sets this waterfall apart is the journey to reach it—visitors must wade through the narrow, moss-covered gorge, navigating slippery rocks and, depending on the season, waist-deep water.

The experience feels like entering a hidden world, with towering canyon walls closing in on both sides, covered in lush green ferns and moss.

At the end of the gorge, you’re rewarded with the stunning Oneonta Falls, which cascades into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by the canyon.

While the trek can be challenging and wet, especially during higher water levels, the experience is completely worth it for the breathtaking views and the sense of adventure. Oneonta Gorge is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers who want to experience something truly unique in the Gorge.

10. Horsetail Falls & Ponytail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a striking 176-foot waterfall located along the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. Easily accessible from the roadside, it gets its name from the way the water fans out, resembling a horse’s tail, making it a perfect quick stop for visitors exploring the area.

Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls, is a hidden gem in the Columbia River Gorge that offers a unique and exciting waterfall experience. What makes Ponytail Falls special is that the trail leads you directly behind the waterfall, giving you a rare opportunity to walk underneath the roaring cascade.

The water plunges 80 feet over a basalt cliff, creating a curtain of mist that adds to the magic of the scene.

The hike to Ponytail Falls is a short and moderate 0.8-mile round trip from the Horsetail Falls trailhead, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.

The trail winds through a beautiful, forested area, with stunning views of the gorge as you approach the falls. Once you reach the waterfall, the experience of walking behind it and watching the water pour down in front of you is pretty spectacular.

This waterfall is less crowded than some of the more famous falls in the area, offering a peaceful and intimate experience, especially in the fall and winter seasons.

Where to Stay to Visit the Portland Waterfalls

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In Portland

Hotel Grand Stark – a light, bright, and stylish boutique hotel located in the city’s Central Eastside district. With its modern design, vintage-inspired decor, and convenient access to local cafes, bars, and shops, it offers a trendy and comfortable stay for those looking to explore Portland’s vibrant culture. Book your stay here.

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The Hoxton, Portland – a chic, modern hotel located in the heart of the city’s Old Town Chinatown district. Known for its sleek design, rooftop bar, and vibrant atmosphere, it provides a stylish and centrally located base for exploring Portland’s urban scene. Find out more and book a stay.

Ready to plan your trip to the best Portland waterfalls? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

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