Last Updated on 21 January, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

There’s no shortage of waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon has some of the most beautiful in the entire country. Ranking at number 3 in the United States for having the most waterfalls, Oregon did not disappoint us in our quest to view some epic falls.

The best waterfalls in Oregon are spread throughout the state, with most located in the western half. From the famous Multnomah Falls to the gushing Tumalo Falls, Oregon will impress any waterfall chaser!

We’ve been traveling for a while and found Oregon’s lush, evergreen forests and hidden waterfalls enchanting. Follow along as we reveal our top 8 Oregon hikes with waterfalls!

This post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that we only recommend items we would use ourselves. If you choose to make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are no sponsorships; this is just the truth about our favorite finds.

1. Sahalie & Koosah Falls

I loved hiking the Sahalie and Koosah Falls. It’s a 2 for 1! The falls are stunning and surrounded by lush forest, making the entire hike feel like walking through a rainforest. These astounding waterfalls can be found in the Willamette National Forest off the McKenzie Highway (Hwy 126) and are two of the best waterfalls in Oregon.

Sahalie means “heaven” in Chinook and plunges about 75 feet over a 3,000-year-old lava ledge. Koosah means “sky” in Chinook and falls about 70 feet in a natural amphitheater.

Parking at Sahalie & Koosah Falls

You can park for free at two locations to see the waterfalls. Both parking lots are decently sized but will fill up quickly on the weekends. The waterfalls are heavily trafficked, so I recommend getting there early if you prefer to avoid people-ing!

• Sahalie Falls parking lot
• Koosah Falls parking lot

How To See Sahalie & Koosah Falls

There are several ways to see these waterfalls, but one of the best is by taking the Waterfalls Loop Trail. This 3.5-mile hike takes you to both falls and navigates on the west and east sides of the wild McKenzie River. We have a fantastic hiking guide that walks through hiking Sahalie and Koosah Falls step-by-step.

Multiple viewing platforms exist at both falls on the McKenzie River’s east side. The west side offers alternate angles of the falls, and you can get much closer to the Koosah Falls on the west side.

Special Considerations for Sahalie and Koosah Falls

If you decide to do the entire Waterfall Loop Trail, you may get wet on the western side if you take the offshoot trails that get you closer to the falls. I highly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket to throw on when you get close to the falls.

Something like the Houdini Jacket – Women’s & Houdini Jacket for Men works great because it’s light and packs down super small to fit in a backpack.

Sahalie and Koosah Falls are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your canine companion along! We have a fantastic guide on day hiking gear for dogs. Check it out to ensure you have everything your furry friend needs to enjoy the adventure!

2. Multnomah Falls

Many rate Multnomah Falls at #1 for the best waterfalls in Oregon – and for good reason! This famous Oregon waterfall is in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge area, about a half-hour east of Portland. The U.S. Forest Service tells us that this 620-foot waterfall is fed by underground springs from nearby Larch Mountain.

Multnomah Falls is unique because it never runs dry, even at the height of summer! The highest flows typically occur in winter and spring when snowmelt significantly increases the flow.

The name ‘Multnomah‘ refers to the Chinookan people who lived in the area of modern Portland. Multnomah is definitely one of the best waterfalls near Portland.

Parking at Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is extremely popular, with about 2 million visitors per year. As you can imagine, parking can get pretty hectic! There are two main parking areas for Multnomah Falls:

• Exit 31 off I-84: This is a large, free parking lot and is the main lot used to see Multnomah Falls. However, when the lot is full, the entrance to the parking lot will close.
• Paid Parking: A privately owned paid parking lot is available off Historic Columbia River Hwy. Sasquatch Shuttle owns this lot, which costs $20 to park during peak hours (2026).

Buses and shuttles are also available, but depending on which services you use, they may cost a fee. Columbia Gorge Express, Sasquatch Shuttle, and the Waterfall Trolley service most nearby towns.

How To See Multnomah Falls

Only one trail goes directly past the Multnomah Falls – Larch Mountain Trail #441. This trail will take you all the way to Larch Mountain, about 6.7 miles one way. However, it’s only around 2.5 miles out and back to get to the top of the falls. If you want to do an even shorter hike and only go to the famous Benson Bridge, it’s a short 0.5-mile out-and-back round trip.

Combine the Larch Mountain Trail with the Wahkeena Trail for the best experience. It’ll take you by several different waterfalls and loop back around to where you started, clocking in a total of around 6.15 miles.

You’ll be able to see the massive falls from the visitor center. To get to the trail, walk along the paved path toward the falls. The first viewpoint will give you a wonderful view of Benson Bridge above and the Lower Multnomah Falls.

Continue on the paved path, passing a sign that will give you the mileage to the bridge (0.2 miles), the top of the falls (1 mile), and Larch Mountain (6.8 miles). The path is completely paved to the bridge and most of the way to the top of the falls. However, beyond that, it turns to dirt and loose rocks.

Special Considerations for Multnomah Falls

If you visit Multnomah Falls from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you will need a Timed Use Permit to see the falls. These can be acquired for free at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale or the Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Timed Use Permit online, but you’ll be charged a $2.00 service fee.

You can pick the day you want to visit, and you have six choices for the time:

• Early Morning (Midnight to 7:59 a.m.)
• Morning (8:00 a.m. to 11:59 a.m.)
• Early Afternoon (12:00 p.m. to 2:59 p.m.)
• Afternoon (3:00 p.m. to 5:59 p.m.)
• Evening (6:00 p.m. to 8:59 p.m.)
• Late Night (9:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.)

You can arrive anytime within your chosen time slot, but the permit is only good for one hour. You can stay in the park for as long as you want, but if you leave the park after your one-hour slot, you will not be allowed re-entry.

Be sure to take everything you need with you so you won’t have to go back to the car and be denied re-entry! We have a great day hiking gear checklist to help you make sure you bring everything you need!

3. Toketee Falls

Toketee Falls is located north of Crater Lake in southwest Oregon, along scenic Highway 138. Compared to Multnomah Falls, Toketee sees less traffic but can still get extremely busy on nice weekends.

This two-tiered waterfall plunges a total of 120 feet over a sheer wall of volcanic basalt, offering gorgeous views from a viewing platform at the end of the trail.

Toketee Falls Parking

There is only one lot for Toketee Falls, located off Toketee Rigdon Road (GPS: N43.2640, W122.4272). You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see a sign for the Toketee Falls Trailhead and a smaller sign that says “no trailer turnaround.”

The parking lot can only accommodate about 10 vehicles, so consider getting there early to secure a spot. Some additional parking is available alongside the road near the entrance. There are bathrooms at the trailhead.

Along the parking lot, you’ll see the massive Toketee Pipeline, which diverts much of the North Umpqua River downstream to a powerhouse that generates hydroelectricity. This diversion helps control the flow of the Toketee Falls, giving it a consistent flow all year long instead of the usual seasonal fluctuations seen in other Oregon waterfalls.

How To See Toketee Falls

To see one of the best waterfalls in Oregon, you’ll take the Toketee Falls Trail #1495. The trail is out-and-back and totals 0.8 miles. A few sets of wooden and concrete stairs are mixed with dirt paths. The viewing platform is small, so you may have to wait or crowd elbow-to-elbow with others on busy days.

There are several offshoots to get closer to the river throughout the trail. Wear sturdy hiking boots to avoid slipping on the mud and mossy rocks. There are also ways to scramble down to the bottom of the falls.

Always obey any trail closures, as this helps revegetate the area. Stay on trails to avoid trampling vegetation. When vegetation gets trampled, it causes erosion, which causes changes to the landscape. Let’s keep things wild out there, folks! 🌲

Special Considerations for Toketee Falls

Toketee Falls is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry pal with you. Since Toketee can get crowded, always keep your pup on a leash and under your control. Avoid letting your dog greet other dogs or people without asking, as other dogs may not be as friendly as yours!

Always pick up after your doggo and dispose of the bag in a trash can, not on the side of the road or trail. Your dog’s waste may contain harmful bacteria that can affect wild canines like foxes, coyotes, and Oregon’s wild wolf population! You can read more about why you should pick up your dog’s business here!

Gas is extremely expensive along Highway 138 and most scenic byways in Oregon. Fill up in Roseburg if you’re coming from the West. If you are coming from the east…good luck.

4. Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is one of the easiest falls to view, as the viewpoint is just a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot. However, this is an extremely popular area, and you may end up adding miles to your trip just by walking up the road from where you park.

We visited Tumalo on a Sunday, and by the time we arrived in the Afternoon, it was packed with vehicles. If I could do it again, I’d come first thing in the morning and get out before the crowds.

This 97-foot waterfall gushes over Tumalo Creek and can be viewed from several places. The name may have originated from the Klamath Indian word ‘Temolo,’ meaning ‘wild plum,’ which is plentiful in the area. It could also refer to the Klamath word ‘Tumola,’ which means ‘ground fog,’ and could refer to the Tumalo Creek.

Parking at Tumalo Falls

There is a tiny paved lot (GPS: N44.0319, W121.5664) near the trailhead that fills up quickly. The road to get to the lot is gravel and washboard. Parking is allowed in some areas on both sides of the road. However, keep an eye out for the ‘no parking’ signs in certain areas and avoid parking there (This leaves the road open for emergency vehicles).

Most people come in from Skyliners Road and turn onto Tumalo Falls Road. Follow Tumalo Falls Road until you see an open spot on the side of the road, or take your chances and drive up to the parking lot.

We got lucky and pulled into the parking lot to turn around while someone was pulling out. We snagged the spot, much to the chagrin of the people behind us!

How To See Tumalo Falls

There are a few places to see Tumalo Falls, but one of the easiest ways with the best views is to go to the Tumalo Falls Viewpoint via the North Fork Trail. This is about a half-mile round trip. It is mostly uphill on a sandy/dirt path, so tennis shoes or hiking boots are recommended.

The viewpoint offers incredible views of one of the best waterfalls in Oregon from an elevation slightly above the top of the falls. You can also see Tumalo Creek’s white rapids cutting a path through the evergreen forest, making for fantastic photo opportunities.

Alternatively, an unnamed trail goes right alongside the creek and takes you up close and personal to the falls. However, this trail is challenging, with multiple areas where you must scramble over trees, traverse rocks, and mind the hillside drop-offs. Check out our article on how to sneak behind Tumalo Falls for more details on this lesser-used trail!

Special Considerations at Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a fee area. It costs $5.00 (2026) to park, and you must display the pass on your windshield. Passes can be obtained in a few different ways:

• There is a fee station on-site along Tumalo Falls Road.
• National Forest Day Pass accepted.
• Annual Northwest Forest Pass accepted.
• Digital Recreation Day Pass accepted.

Dogs are allowed at Tumalo Falls but are not permitted in the watershed. Tumalo Creek feeds the city of Bend’s water supply, so they ask that you keep your pups out of the water. 🐶

5. Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is the third-tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge Area. It is just 30 minutes east of Portland and about 20 minutes west of Multnomah Falls. The waterfall is split into the upper and lower Latourell Falls, and the upper Latourell Falls are further divided into two tiers.

The falls plunge about 250 feet in total, with the lower Latourell Falls plunging straight over an overhanging basalt cliff. This makes it one of the most unique waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge Area, as it does not tumble.

Parking for Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is partially located in Guy W. Talbot State Park and the George W. Joseph State Natural Area.

Parking is available at the Latourell Falls Trailhead off the Historic Columbia River Highway. Entrance to the park is free.

How To See Latourell Falls

Like Multnomah Falls, only one trail takes you to the Latourell Falls: the Latourell Falls Loop Hike. This 2-mile loop takes you to the lower and upper falls. If you don’t want to do the entire 2-mile hike, you can view the lower falls only with a short walk from the parking lot.

It’s recommended that this loop be done counterclockwise. On the parking lot’s southwestern corner, you’ll see one trail leading up a fairly steep slope and one trail leading down a flight of steps. Take the trail leading down first. It will lead to the lower falls first and then take you back toward the highway, across the road, and back toward the falls with some elevation gain.

Special Considerations for Latourell Falls

The Latourell Falls Loop Hike is dog-friendly, so go ahead and bring your furbag along for the adventure. The trail is paved in some areas and dirt/rocks in others. Make sure to wear proper footwear – waterproof is the best for waterfall hikes!

For being such a beautiful waterfall, Latourell is less crowded than some of the other popular waterfall hikes on our list. However, during busy summer weekends, it can still get crazy crowded. Depending on when you go, you may want to get an early start to avoid peopling too much!

6. Bridal Veil Falls

Between Latourell and Multnomah Falls is the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls in the Columbia River Gorge Natural Area. This two-tier waterfall cascades into Bridal Veil Creek, emptying into the Columbia River.

Oregon State Parks tells us that this gorgeous waterfall is around 120 feet. When enough water flows over the falls, it resembles a bridal veil, hence the name.

At one point, logging activity caused the falls to dry up. However, once logging operations ceased, the creek and falls returned to their normal levels.

Bridal Veil Falls Parking

Parking is straightforward for Bridal Veil Falls. The lot is labeled as the Bridal Veil Parking Lot off Historic Columbia River Highway. There is no fee to park here, but the parking lot is small, with about 20 spots.

How To See Bridal Veil Falls

While Bridal Veil Falls is visible from the highway, the best way to see this beauty is by taking the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. It’s a short but challenging 0.6-mile trail. From the parking lot, head towards the southeast corner, towards the informational signs.

The trail will break off toward the bathrooms just before the informational sign. This is the Overlook Loop Trail, which does not lead to the falls. Instead, continue straight by following the sign for the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. It’s half paved, half dirt and rocks, so a sturdy pair of shoes is recommended.

Special Considerations for Bridal Veil Falls

The Bridal Veil Falls Trail is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along to enjoy the views. The path is fairly easy for dogs, so no special gear is necessary.

The nearby town of Bridal Veil was a booming timber town in the late 1800s and remained occupied until around 1988. Now, it is a ghost town with little more than a post office and a cemetery. Many future brides and grooms make it a point to send out their wedding invitations from the Bridal Veil post office, bearing its unique postmark. This tradition has kept the post office open for many years!

7. Ramona Falls

Moving a bit south of the Columbia River Gorge, Ramona Falls sits along the western side of daunting Mt. Hood and is located within the Mt. Hood Wilderness.

The falls are unique from most of the other falls on our list because they are more cascading than plunging. The water runs in multiple rivulets down hexagonal columns of basalt cliffs, giving this waterfall an absolutely stunning appearance, surrounded by Oregon’s lush green forests.

Overall, Ramona Falls cascades about 120 feet down. There is a small bridge from which to view the falls, and you can walk practically right up to them if you don’t mind getting a little wet!

Parking at Ramona Falls

The parking lot for Ramona Falls is located on Forest Road 1825-024 (GPS N45.3869, W121.8322). It is a large open lot that can accommodate many vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended to get here.

How To See Ramona Falls

You’ll take the Sandy River Trail for a 7-mile lollipop loop adventure to see Ramona Falls. The trail is on the eastern side of the lot (as you drive into the lot, it will be on the right). It may be a longer hike, but to see some of the best Oregon waterfalls, sometimes you must trek far and wide!

One river crossing will require you to walk over a log. Those taking dogs should take care here and ensure their pup is secure and safe while crossing. When the river is really flowing, consider using an Airlift Emergency Dog Rescue Sling to safely get your pup across the water.

At the start of the lollipop loop, you can pick either way to complete the loop. You’ll hike along the Pacific Crest Trail for a little while, as it overlaps with this route. At the easternmost corner of the loop, you’ll approach a bridge with gorgeous views of the cascading Ramona Falls.

Special Considerations for Ramona Falls

Ramona Falls is one of the more challenging waterfalls to get to, not only because of the trail but also because of the road to get there and permit requirements.

• Trail: The trail crosses the rushing Sandy River, which can sometimes be treacherous. No bridge exists, but a fallen tree has provided a log crossing. Take care here, especially when the water level is high.
• Road to parking lot: It’s recommended to have a high-clearance vehicle to get to the parking lot. The road is rocky and rutted and will get muddy after rain.
• Snow: The road and trail are likely to be covered in snow from November through April. Snow can also fall well into June and as early as September.
• Permits Required: From May 15 to October 15, wilderness permits are required to enter this area. These must be obtained beforehand, as they are not sold at the trailhead. These can be a Northwest Forest Pass, a National Forest Day Pass, or an Interagency Pass.
• Dogs: The Ramona Falls trail is dog-friendly. However, use extreme caution crossing the river, especially in spring when the current is likely strong. The trail totals 7 miles, so make sure your pup is up for the challenge before taking them along.
• Road Closures: From approximately December 1 to April 1 (weather-dependent), NF-1825 (part of Muddy Fork) will be closed, affecting access to the trailhead. If you decide to walk from the closed gate, your hike will add approximately 4.5 miles.

8. Salt Creek Falls

As the state’s second-highest single-drop waterfall, Salt Creek Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oregon and is definitely worth a visit! It falls 286 feet into Salt Creek, which is more like a river!

Salt Creek Falls is located in Willamette National Forest off the Willamette Highway. Like most waterfalls in Oregon, it flows over basalt rocks formed by volcanic activity.

Parking at Salt Creek Falls

The Salt Creek Falls trailhead has a large paved parking lot. It is accessed from Willamette Highway (GPS N43.6115, W122.1265). On your way to the lot, you’ll pass the Salt Creek Summit Sno-Park.

The trail gets busy during the peak spring and summer seasons, especially on the weekends. The road to the lot is typically closed in the winter, but you can park at the Sno-Park and walk an additional 0.5 miles to the trailhead.

How To See Salt Creek Falls

Compared to Ramona Falls, Salt Creek Falls is pretty simple to get to. The viewing platform to see the falls is just 50 yards from the parking lot, making for an easy and accessible hike for all skill levels.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, a spur trail off the viewing platform dips steeply down into the canyon and takes you to the base of Salt Creek Falls. It’s a short but steep trail that is not paved, but it’s worth it when you see the falls up close!

If you’re feeling super adventurous, there is another waterfall in the area (Diamond Creek Falls) that can be accessed via the Diamond Creek Falls Loop Trail, a 4-mile loop that leads to the cascading 120-foot Diamond Falls.

Special Considerations for Salt Creek Falls

Like the rest of the waterfalls on our list, Salt Creek Falls is dog-friendly. Because this area gets busy on the weekends, take care on the trail and viewing platform if you have a reactive dog. The trail is narrow and difficult to move off of in some areas.

Check out our guide on hiking with a reactive dog for more tips!

Salt Creek Falls is a fee area. It is $5 per vehicle if you pay at the trailhead (currently on the honor system). Alternatively, a valid Recreation Pass is accepted.

Wrapping Up The Best Waterfalls In Oregon

The western half of Oregon is overflowing with stunning waterfalls (I’m not sorry for the pun). From the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge Area down to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon is chock full of waterfalls, with many plunging for hundreds of feet before landing in beautiful, clear pools of water.

To recap, the best waterfalls in Oregon are these eight falls:

1. Sahalie and Koosah Falls
2. Multnomah Falls
3. Toketee Falls
4. Tumalo Falls
5. Latourell Falls
6. Bridal Veil Falls
7. Ramona Falls
8. Salt Creek Falls

There are countless other famous waterfalls in Oregon, like South Falls, Watson Falls, Horsetail, Wahkeena, and Punch Bowl Falls, but these were our favorites and what we considered the best falls in Oregon. Let us know your favorite waterfall in Oregon in the comments below!

Until next time, give your furbag an extra pet from us dirtbags, and keep exploring! For more hiking guides and tips, check out our hiking blog. For more adventures in this state, check out our Oregon Hiking page!