Located in Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls is a Northwest classic and a must-do for any Portland-area hikers. Referred to as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon parks, this hike is one of the scenic treasures of our area and a wonderful day trip from the city. You are going to have to work to see all ten waterfalls, but this lovely trip is well worth it.

The nationally-recognized loop, consisting of the Canyon and Rim Trails, takes you by 10 waterfalls over its 7.2-mile stretch. Rated as a moderate hike, you gain about 800 feet in elevation during the hike, and most people can complete the hike in approximately three to five hours.
Ian Sane / Flickr
One of the highlights of the hike is walking behind South Falls, pictured here. In total, you will walk behind four waterfalls on the trail.
South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
If you don't want to do the whole loop, that is fine, too. There are several turnouts throughout the trail that allow you to reduce your trip distance, while still being able to view several falls along the way.
Ian Sane / Flickr
As the largest state park in Oregon with more than 9,000 acres of forested land, Silver Falls and its trails are green, peaceful, and for a spirited hike.
J We / Flickr
No matter the season, you are bound to find lush Oregon forest while you hike.
Patrick Nelson / Flickr

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If you take the trip in the fall, which is a great time to do so for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, you will be treated to the amazing changing of colors. To visit at peak fall color season, plan on visiting the last few weeks of October.
Ian Sane / Flickr
All along the trail, you will follow the sounds of water, and be met with beautiful sights around each twist and turn.
Ian Sane / Flickr
From the distant North Falls to...
North Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
...the Lower South Falls, and every waterfall in between, this is one gorgeous hike that will have you feeling inspired.
Lower South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
Steven Robinson / Flickr
Unfortunately, there are no dogs allowed on the Canyon Trail or any trail that takes you into the canyon, so you are going to have to leave your pets at home for this one.
Steven Robinson / Flickr

Have you hiked the Trails of Ten Falls? Do you have a favorite waterfall on the trail? Let us know in the comments below.

Searching for the best waterfalls near Portland? Head out to the Columbia River Gorge; with over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, it’s a veritable treasure trove of falls!

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More to Explore

Waterfalls near me

Sarah M. | April 19, 2022

What's the tallest waterfall near me in Portland?

To see the tallest waterfall near Portland -- and in all of Oregon, in fact -- you'll head to the Columbia River Gorge to visit mighty Multnomah Falls. This glorious waterfall is a vision; a sublime sensory experience. This 620-foot-tall, roaring waterfall is in a league all its own; and while the Columbia River Gorge is home to over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, Multnomah truly is its crown jewel.

What are some waterfall hikes in Portland, Oregon?

If you love waterfalls, Portland, Oregon, is a marvelous place to be. One of our favorite waterfall trails near Rose City can be found in the Columbia River Gorge: the Wahkeena Falls Trail. This is one trail where you can get two beautiful waterfalls for the price of one! For this waterfall twofer adventure, you'll start at the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead to take this moderate, two-mile hike that leads you to both the Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls. Stick to the trail to the right when a junction occurs, and be prepared for spray from the water most of the year when traveling the trail -- it's quite remarkable! While the hike is relatively short at just two miles, it gains over 800 feet, making this waterfall trail a great workout along the way. The entire trail is like stepping into a magical world and you will be thrilled to traverse this beautiful area; we guarantee you'll love it!

Looking for a waterfall weekend adventure? Check out this epic road trip we put together, which visits some of the most beautiful falls near Portland, Oregon. You'll start on the Columbia River Highway and head to some of the Gorge's finest falls, including Latourell Falls, Shepperd's Dell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Coopey Falls!

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Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA