23 Must-See Waterfall Hikes in Oregon: A Guide for the Adventurous
Oregon is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with its lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and picturesque waterfalls. As the new year commences, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are eagerly planning their next adventure. If you’re among them, you’re in luck! Oregon is home to numerous breathtaking waterfalls, each one offering a unique hiking experience. In this article, we’ll explore the 23 must-see waterfall hikes in Oregon you can’t miss in 2023.
1. Multnomah Falls – Columbia River Gorge
Begin your waterfalls journey in the Columbia River Gorge, where the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a must-visit. This popular hike is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
2. Wahkeena Falls – Columbia River Gorge
Located just a short hike from Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot beauty surrounded by lush greenery. The 2.4-mile hike is moderately difficult, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
3. Latourell Falls – Columbia River Gorge
Another gem in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls drops 249 feet into a scenic pool. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with views of the falls, the gorge, and the surrounding wildflowers.
4. Bridal Veil Falls – Columbia River Gorge
Bridal Veil Falls is a 120-foot wonder accessible via a 1.2-mile hike. This short and sweet trail is perfect for families or those with limited time.
5. Salt Creek Falls – Umpqua National Forest
In the Umpqua National Forest, Salt Creek Falls drops 286 feet into a picturesque pool. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with scenic views of the surrounding forest and wildflowers.
6. Watson Falls – Umpqua National Forest
Watson Falls is a 113-foot beauty surrounded by lush vegetation and forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with options to combine with other trails for a longer adventure.
7. Toketee Falls – Umpqua National Forest
Toketee Falls is a 272-foot wonder accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through old-growth forest and along the squealing waters of the North Umpqua River.
8. Diamond Creek Falls – Oregon Dunes Nat’l Recreation Area
In the Oregon Dunes, Diamond Creek Falls drops 120 feet into a scenic pool. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with spectacular views of the coastal dunes and the surrounding wetlands.
9. Langford Creek Falls – Willamette National Forest
Langford Creek Falls is a 40-foot beauty nestled in the Willamette National Forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with scenic views of the surrounding forest and meadows.
10. Sweet Creek Falls – Willamette National Forest
Sweet Creek Falls is a 30-foot wonder surrounded by lush vegetation and forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with options to combine with other trails for a longer adventure.
11. Abiqua Falls – Willamette National Forest
Abiqua Falls is a 104-foot beauty accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through dense forest and alongside the scenic Abiqua Creek.
12. Rainbow Falls – Opal Lake Recreation Area
Rainbow Falls is a 80-foot wonder nestled in the Opal Lake Recreational Area. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with stunning views of the surrounding forest and the lake.
13. Clearwater Falls – North Umpqua River
Clearwater Falls is a 40-foot beauty accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through old-growth forest and along the scenic North Umpqua River.
14. GrottoOverlook – Columbia River Gorge
Grotto Overlook is a 100-foot wonder offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with scenic views of the surrounding forest and the river.
15. Metolius River Falls – Metolius River
Metolius River Falls is a series of small waterfalls accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through scenic meadows and alongside the Metolius River.
16. Cougar Falls – Willamette National Forest
Cougar Falls is a 60-foot beauty surrounded by lush vegetation and forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with options to combine with other trails for a longer adventure.
17. Roaring Creek Falls – Willamette National Forest
Roaring Creek Falls is a 40-foot wonder accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through old-growth forest and alongside the scenic Roaring Creek.
18. Devils Punch Bowl – Umpqua National Forest
Devils Punch Bowl is a picturesque waterfall accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through scenic meadows and forest, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
19. Holiday Lake Falls – Willamette National Forest
Holiday Lake Falls is a 40-foot beauty surrounded by lush vegetation and forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with options to combine with other trails for a longer adventure.
20. Steelman Lake Falls – Umpqua National Forest
Steelman Lake Falls is a 60-foot wonder accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through old-growth forest and along the scenic Steelman Lake.
21. Lower Table Rock – Siskiyou Mountains
Lower Table Rock is a towering waterfall accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through scenic meadows and forest, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
22. Lithia Park – Lithia Park
Lithia Park is home to a series of waterfalls and streams accessible via a 2.5-mile hike. The moderately difficult trail takes you through scenic forest and along the park’s meandering trails.
23. North Umpqua Hot Springs – Umpqua National Forest
North Umpqua Hot Springs is a 100-foot beauty surrounded by lush vegetation and forest. The 2.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hot springs.
These must-see waterfall hikes in Oregon offer a diverse range of experiences, from the popular and easily accessible to the more remote and challenging. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in Oregon’s waterfalls. So, pack your backpack, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the natural beauty that Oregon has to offer!
Remember to always practice safety and trail etiquette, and be respectful of the environment and wildlife. Enjoy your adventure!