17 Waterfalls Near Portland (#10 and #14 Are INSANE!)
Need a break from the big city? There are a bunch of waterfalls near Portland, making it easy to take a break from the hustle and bustle when you need it.
Whether you’re hiking the Columbia River Gorge, exploring Mount Hood, or venturing into Washington, you won’t have to travel too far to get your fix.
We have you covered on the best…
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Table of Contents
- Waterfalls Near Portland
- Waterfalls Near Portland in the Columbia River Gorge
- 1. Multnomah Falls (Most Popular Waterfall Near Portland)
- 2. Dry Creek Falls
- 3. Elowah And Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail
- 4. Latourell Falls (Lower & Upper)
- 5. Bridal Veil Falls
- 6. Wahkeena Falls & Fairy Falls
- 7. Horsetail Falls & Ponytail Falls
- 8. Wahclella Falls
- 9. Punch Bowl Falls
- Where to Stay Near the Columbia River Gorge
- More Waterfalls Near Portland in Mount Hood
- Other Waterfalls Near Portland
- Prepping to Hike The Waterfalls Near Portland
- More Oregon Waterfalls
Waterfalls Near Portland
We have some great waterfalls near Portland that will get you out of the city and into the outdoors.
The first set is in the Columbia River Gorge, then there’s more around Mount Hood and some just over the border into Washington. Waterfall chasing is one of the best things to do around Portland!
By the way, I grew up going to these waterfalls! I can’t wait for you to experience them…
✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…
You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…
🚗 Rent a car
If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!
🚐 Rent a home on wheels
For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.
Waterfalls Near Portland in the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge has a high concentration of epic waterfalls, and they will be the closest hikes with waterfalls near Portland for you to explore.
We actually have another guide to waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge for you to check out! (Spoiler alert: there are tons!)
1. Multnomah Falls (Most Popular Waterfall Near Portland)
35 minutes from Portland
Distance: 0-2 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Elevation Gain: 813.7 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way, right? Not to knock Multnomah Falls or anything, she’s a beaut! But this will be the busiest Portland waterfall you’ll find on the list.
Its popularity is no doubt because of its proximity to the road and being a waterfall near Portland—it’s visited by Portland visitors and locals alike.
While the actual hike is about 2 miles long, should you not want to hike up and over the bridge, you could just see it from the base below, a mere few feet from the parking lot.
Those who are in a rush can still get a glimpse of the falls with a simple “hike” from the parking lot and not much more.
TIP: Keep hiking over the bridge and you’ll catch other waterfalls behind Multnomah. If you go even further, you’ll run into Wahkeena Falls!
BONUS: If you want to make a full day out of chasing waterfalls near Portland, you can add on the Wahkeena Falls Trail to this route, where you’ll pass Ecola, Weisendanger, Dutchman, Fairy, and Wahkeena Falls.
→ There are a lot of fun waterfall tours from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge you can take, like this half-day waterfall hiking tour, or this hike and bike waterfall tour.
2. Dry Creek Falls
55 minutes from Portland
Distance: 4.4 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 898 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Plunging over 70 feet off a basalt cliffside in a secluded amphitheater is a secret waterfall near Portland that is so easily skipped. Consider yourself in the know because not too many people make it out to this waterfall!
The parking area is a bit more like you’re parking in someone’s backyard off their gravel trail, but soon after, you’re trekking up gradually to the ambient sounds of Dry Creek Falls in the distance.
Along your way, you’ll likely see plenty of remnants of the 2017 fire that ripped through here, but luckily the trail is now open and safe for trekkers.
The waterfall is a single drop fall that flows down a creek and eventually into the Columbia River Gorge. Don’t let the name fool you! It’s not dry, but it may not be gushing during the dry season, so try to hit this one after a bit of rain.
BONUS: Just down the road is another waterfall near Portland, Starvation Creek Falls. It’s not a hike and just a quicky you can see a few steps from the parking lot.
3. Elowah And Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail
40 minutes from Portland
Distance: 2.6 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 705 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- CURRENTLY: Partial closure beyond Upper McCord Creek, check here for updates.
Two waterfalls, one moderate (and scenic) hike. What could be better? The Elowah and Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail is one of the most underrated routes in the Columbia River Gorge, which makes it all the more magical.
The trail will lead you to both waterfalls, but I recommend doing McCord Creek Falls first, as it’s a bit less impressive. It’s also further away and steeper, so you might as well get the hard part over with right away.
As you climb, the views get better and better, but those with a fear of heights may want to skip this waterfall and head directly to Elowah Falls. At the top of the trial, you’ll be rewarded with views over the 64-foot falls. Worth it!
From there, you’ll head back the way you came until you reach the junction towards Elowah Falls. You can hike almost all the way to the base of these roaring, 213-foot falls—just be careful scrambling the slippery rocks.
TIP: You can also hike these trails separately, but since they start at the same trailhead, it’s worth checking out both.
READ MORE: Elowah And Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail
4. Latourell Falls (Lower & Upper)
40 minutes from Portland
Distance: 2 miles
Type of hike: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 639.8 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- CURRENTLY: Trail is currently closed indefinitely for construction, check here for updates
Latourell Falls freefalls over 200ft from Latourell Creek, creating an impressive single-dive waterfall. Being that it’s one of the closest of the waterfalls near Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, it’s a popular one to visit.
The best part of the falls? There’s more than one. A two-tier waterfall (aptly named Upper Latourell Falls) sits on your loop and greets you with more lichen-ridden volcanic rock and lush greenery.
Latourell Falls is just a few minutes off the trailhead if you’re short on time or up for a quick walk. Upper Latourell Falls requires you to hike further in, taking you through a loop.
5. Bridal Veil Falls
35 minutes from Portland
Distance: .6 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 121 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Bridal Veil Falls is hardly a hike at all, but nonetheless, it is still worth visiting. After a short, downhill walk through some plants you DON’T want to touch (poison oak!) you’ll come to the 120-foot-tall Bridal Veil Falls.
There’s a viewing deck here for convenience, but the better views are getting down to the base of the water or better yet, on the massive boulder with the best view in the area.
The falls plunge from the nearby Larch Mountain and meander through cliffs and just over the edge into the pool below before leading to the Columbia River.
To make your walk a bit longer if you’re trying to stretch those legs, there’s an interpretive forest trail option you can continue walking down from the initial trailhead.
NOTE: You should NOT try to see the falls from the Historic Highway which runs just above the waterfalls. There isn’t a pedestrian pathway, and the road is very narrow as it is. The only way to see the falls is by following this trail.
6. Wahkeena Falls & Fairy Falls
35 minutes from Portland
Distance: 3.4 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 915.4 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Twisting and turning through a narrow gorge, Wahkeena Falls doesn’t make you wait too long to enjoy its beauty. Just a bit over a mile in and you’ll be right in front of it.
However, for those who want a bit more, keep on hiking up a few switchbacks for a fantastic view of the Columbia River Gorge.
From up here, you can scramble around a bit at the upper parts of the waterfall and even head a little further to see Fairy Falls. I highly recommend the extra stretch.
Fairy Falls is not as big as the rest on this list, but its unique features make it a must-see amongst the other waterfalls near Portland.
TIP: You can keep going and loop this in with Multnomah Falls for an epic FIVE waterfalls in one hike!
RELATED: Wahkeena Falls: 2 Trails to Choose From!
7. Horsetail Falls & Ponytail Falls
45 minutes from Portland
Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 331.4 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
There is no excuse not to see Horsetail Falls as it lives adjacent to Multnomah Falls. It even has its own car park, and being right next to the road makes it an easy stop.
Surrounded by beautiful green foliage and shoreline rocks to admire, this waterfall had me staying longer than anticipated.
Oh but wait… there’s more.
Continuing on the path, a short walk of 1.2 miles awaits perhaps the most majestic falls of them all, Ponytail Falls.
After seeing all these other Portland waterfalls, you may be secretly hoping to find one you could walk under, and Ponytail Falls makes that happen!
8. Wahclella Falls
40 minutes from Portland
Distance: 1.9 miles
Type of hike: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 308 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- A Northwest Forest Pass is required for this hike
This is another less crowded hike in the Columbia River Gorge, but the short and easy trail makes it a no-brainer for anyone seeking out waterfalls near Portland.
You’ll follow a flat trail along a bubbling creek, which winds through a lush forest with beautiful views. There’s not much in the way of boulders or tree roots on this route, but you will have to navigate several river crossings and a narrow slot canyon along the way.
The 350-foot waterfall at the end of the trail makes it all worth it. There are two tiers of these mighty falls with a plunge pool below.
9. Punch Bowl Falls
1 hour 40 minutes from Portland
Distance: 4.8 miles
Type of hike: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 1,020 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Although the final destination is the magnificent Punchbowl Falls, you will pass more than one waterfall near Portland as you go along this trail.
The Punch Bowl Falls Trail is arguably one of the most scenic hikes in the Columbia River Gorge and you should get a lot of bang for your buck with this hike.
Despite the fact it is relatively short, you’ll be able to take in three of the ten major waterfalls along the creek.
It also features lush green temperate rainforests and towering cliffs, everything you want from an Oregon hike.
First, you will follow a well-marked trail above the creek, and at several points along the trail, you will have to be prepared to take the high cliffs with the help of cable handrails.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll see an impressive 100-foot waterfall. There are two ways to view these incredible falls, from the ground and an overlook, and we recommend both.
RELATED: 28 Stunning Oregon Waterfall Hikes
Where to Stay Near the Columbia River Gorge
- Ainsworth State Park: Ainsworth Campground is our preferred campground because it’s pretty central to any spot in the western Gorge area. There are about 40 full-hookup spots you can reserve along with six walk-in tent sites.
- Deschutes River State Recreation Area: Located where the Deschutes River flows into the Columbia, this campground is a great spot to access the east end of the gorge. It has 34 electrical sites and 25 primitive sites.
- Viento State Park: Viento State Park is a peaceful spot in a great area, though it’s a bit less popular than other campsites. That means there’s almost always a spot to camp when other sites are full.
- Dragonfly Creek Retreat Cabin: Located in Mosier, this artsy cabin sits on 24 wooded acres with a seasonal creek. It’s only two miles from town, but it feels secluded, and wildlife abounds.
- Cottage in the Heart of the Gorge: This beautifully remodeled cottage in Mosier has river views, which are best enjoyed from the deck. It has everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable vacation.
More Waterfalls Near Portland in Mount Hood
Mount Hood is in Portland’s backyard, so there are plenty more waterfall hikes near Portland if you’re willing to travel just a bit further outside of the Columbia River Gorge. All of these falls are within two hours from Portland.
10. Tamanawas Falls
1 hour 40 minutes from Portland
Distance: 3.4 miles
Type of hike: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 580.7 ft.
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- Northwest Forest Pass required for this hike
- Seasonal road closures may occur
The hike to Tamanawas Falls leads you through Douglas Firs for the first half of the hike and then you get to a rock scramble which is quite the spectacle itself.
As you emerge from behind a boulder, the dirt trail continues on the path to this impressive waterfall near Portland that you now have in view!
You can continue to clamber along the rocks on the right side of the falls to get behind it.
READ MORE: Hiking the Gorgeous Tamanawas Falls Trail
11. Ramona Falls
1 hour 20 minutes from Portland
Distance: 7.1 miles
Type of hike: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,046 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- Seasonal road closures may occur
This is probably one of the most famous waterfalls near Portland, and no wonder—it’s beautiful, of course!
The north part of the loop is a bit more scenic than the southern route, so you may want to start with the northern stretch and save the southern part for last.
RELATED: 9 Things To Do at Mount Hood For Adventurers!
12. Umbrella and Sahalie Falls
1 hour 50 minutes from Portland
Distance: 3.4 miles
Type of hike: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 711 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- Seasonal road closures may occur
While Mount Hood is no stranger to visitors, these falls are rarely busy, making them a great spot to visit while in the area.
You can easily reach Umbrella Falls from the Mount Hood Meadows parking lot, and Sahalie Falls is a bit further down.
There are a few steep areas on the hike, but otherwise, it’s pretty easy.
Where to Stay Near Mount Hood
- Nottingham Campground: Located off Highway 35, this campground is centrally located and is next to Tamanawas Falls and Hood River, and you’ll have a peaceful experience here.
- Sherwood Campground: Sherwood Campground is further down the road from Nottingham Campground, and is located on the East Fork Hood River. The campsites here are quite close together and had little privacy so it wouldn’t be my first choice to stay here.
- Trillium Lake Campground: Sitting next to beautiful Trillium Lake, Trillium Lake Campground is at an elevation of 3,600 feet, and offers dozens of single and double sites for tents and RVs.
- Little House on the Mountain: Relax and unwind in this custom-built, one-of-a-kind cabin that is furnished with art and furniture from local artisans. The cabin sits on four acres of private wooded land, bordering Mt. Hood National Forest Land.
- Private Cabin With Hot Tub: This dog-friendly cabin at the base of Mount Hood has a wood-burning stove to keep the inside cozy, and a hot tub to relax in after a day of adventure.
- Romantic Mount Hood Cabin: A cozy cabin with touches of home that is nestled in the Mt. Hood National Forest and is the perfect backdrop for any romantic getaway. Relax in the hot tub under a canopy of trees.
Other Waterfalls Near Portland
Here are even more options for waterfalls near Portland—yes, there are more! There are even a few waterfalls just over the Washington border, which are still close to Portland. Happy further waterfall chasing…
13. Trail of Ten Falls
1 hour 20 minutes from Portland
Distance: 7.4 miles
Type of hike: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,190 feet
Other important info:
- No dogs allowed
- Day use parking permit for Silver Falls required for this hike ($5)
The hike at Silver Falls State Park gives you ten waterfalls in one epic hike, so it is hardly surprising that the hike is called The Trail of 10 Falls.
You can walk right up to these gorgeous waterfalls and even walk behind a few of them, an opportunity not many waterfall hikes near Portland offer.
North, Middle North, South, and Lower South Falls are some of the most impressive, and they are not little either, with south falls boasting a remarkable 177-foot drop.
The hike is also beautiful, as a lush forest will surround you as you traverse the small park. It is hard to believe this incredible hike is just an hour from Portland. There are a few variations on how you can complete the loop.
The whole trail is worth doing at 7.6 miles, and we recommend doing it clockwise so you get some good waterfall action nearer the start of the hike.
TIP: For a shorter version, you can miss out on North and Upper Falls and cut the hike down to 5 miles, or if you are short on time, take the mile-and-a-half hike to the impressive North and South Falls.
These waterfalls are the stars of the show, both very impressive and with the option to walk right behind them.
READ MORE: Your Guide to Silver Falls State Park—The Trail of 10 Falls
14. Abiqua Falls
1 hour 25 minutes from Portland
Distance: 0.7 miles
Type of hike: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 249 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Nestled deep in the Santiam State Forest, Abiqua Falls lies ready to be discovered. This incredible hike takes you into the undergrowth, along an adventurous trail to a unique waterfall surrounded by towering basalt columns.
Arriving to Abiqua Falls and checking out the basalt columns.
Where to start the trail depends on how long you want to hike and what sort of car you have. To reach the official trailhead with your vehicle, you’ll need a 4×4, but there are plenty of other places to park a little further out.
The trail from the last parking lot is relatively short and downhill—the problem is that it is very steep and often muddy, which is not a great combination. That being said, there are ropes for you to hold on to and help you down the steep path into the canyon.
Take the roped path that leads you down to the river, and hooray, you have made it to a relatively flat path that leads you beside the river.
At this point, you are basically there! Abiqua Falls, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Portland, with 92 feet of powerful water falling into a mossy amphitheater surrounded by tall basalt cliffs.
READ MORE: Your Guide to Abiqua Falls Near Portland
15. Moulton, Lucia, and Sunset Falls
1 hour from Portland
Distance: 5.3 miles
Type of hike: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 292 feet
Other important info:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
Tucked away in Moulton Falls Regional Park sits Moulton Falls, a picturesque spot that screams Pacific Northwest. The park has so much to offer, from hikes to swimming spots, mountain biking, and plenty of waterfalls near Portland.
The gem of the park has to be the hike to Moulton Falls, which takes you through a thickly forested area next to the river via the Lewis River Trail. Head along a mossy cliff, frequently stopping to take in the views.
While in the area, you should also check out Yacolt Falls, Lucia Falls, and Sunset Falls. These three beautiful waterfalls are all within close proximity to Moulton, so you can quickly tick them off your Washington waterfalls bucket list on the same day.
READ MORE: Exploring Moulton Falls & Yacolt Falls + Lucia and Sunset Falls!
16. Panther Creek Falls
1 hour 20 minutes from Portland
Distance: 0.3 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 114 feet
Other important notes:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- There are NO facilities here
Panther Creek Falls is a lovely Washington waterfall that is less than an hour and a half from Portland.
Don’t be fooled by the short length—while most of the trail is fairly easy, there are a few steep rocky sections that will require you to use your lungs and brain.
The payout for less than a half-mile hike is epic. You can choose to hike to the viewpoint or directly down to the falls, but I recommend starting at the viewpoint before heading down.
The falls are gorgeous, with several streams trickling down in a wide cascade. There’s a nice viewing platform at the bottom, so you can soak in the surroundings and take some pics before heading back up.
READ MORE: Panther Creek Falls Hike
17. Falls Creek Falls
1 hour 20 minutes from Portland
Distance: 6.1 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,279 feet
Other important notes:
- Leashed dogs are allowed
- There is no fee for this trail
- The road to the trailhead can be rough, especially after a lot of rain
Delve into Washington’s wilderness and you’ll find one of the most underrated waterfalls near Portland—Falls Creek Falls. This six-mile loop will lead you along the stream all the way to the falls, with some incredible scenery along the way.
The moss-covered rocks and towering trees are a sight to behold year-round, but this area is especially fantastic when the fall foliage is at its peak.
The waterfall is a mighty 335-foot gusher, and the best views can be found by continuing uphill on the trail to the overlook above the falls.
RELATED: 21 Epic Waterfalls in Washington
Prepping to Hike The Waterfalls Near Portland
Hey, we like being detailed over here, so while some things on this list seem obvious, it’s a good reminder. Especially for those who may be visiting from out of the country and aren’t sure about the crazy weather we get here in Oregon.
Here are some things you may want to bring on these hikes. What you bring will definitely depend on the hike itself and when you’re actually going, so use your best judgment.
- Raincoat – Regardless if it’s raining or not, you may need one due to misting from the falls. If it’s cold out, the last thing you want is to be a soggy mess.
- Sunscreen – Parts of these hikes may be exposed, and just because it may be a bit cloudy out, that doesn’t mean you won’t get a bit crispy!
- Hat – Protect that beautiful face… Or not.
- Hiking shoes – Not all of the hikes are intense but if it’s been a bit rainy (totally typical for this area in case you’re not familiar!) then hiking shoes will come in handy for some slippery and muddy situations. You definitely don’t want to use open-toed shoes for these hikes.
- Daypack – If you’re hiking, and you don’t want a purse or an uncomfortable and floppy bag, get a bag that will be comfortable to carry your extra items. particularly a waterproof one or one with a “jacket.”
- Water bottle – Get a reusable one for your trip! Less plastic equals a happier Earth.
- Other reminders: A GoPro for any shots where you may get misted, sunglasses, and proper clothes for the weather—quick-dry items are probably a good winner
Which of these waterfalls near Portland are you most excited to see!? Here are more exciting things to do around Portland and more hikes in Oregon to tackle.
