If you’re in northern Oregon and wondering where to find the best waterfalls, you simply need to pack up and head to the Columbia River Gorge. Located at the border of Washington and Oregon, the stunning Columbia River Gorge is known for its immense natural beauty and the most abundant waterfalls in Oregon – lots and lots of waterfalls! Here are 12 of the most spectacular Columbia River Gorge waterfalls on the Oregon side. These are some of the most glorious cascades in the PNW and definitely worth chasing!

1. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon 97010, USA
Scott McCracken/Flickr
This majestic two-tiered waterfall plummets gracefully through lush, emerald-green scenery into a crystal clear basin.

Let's go on an adventure to one of the most scenic Oregon gorge waterfalls, Bridal Veil Falls, in this quick but enchanting video:
2. Elowah Falls
Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Mohib Ahmad/Flickr
Located at the end of a short 1.5-mile (round trip) hike, this stunning hidden waterfall is 289 feet tall and absolutely breathtaking.
3. Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls, Oregon, USA
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
This picturesque 176-foot waterfall is located just off the Historic Columbia River Highway; no hiking is necessary.
4. Oneonta Falls
Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA
Jeff Jones/Flickr
This beautiful 100-foot waterfall is a true hidden gem. Tucked away at the end of a magical canyon, this beautiful cascade can only be reached by taking a short -- but incredibly scenic -- hike through the narrow Oneonta Gorge.
5. Ponytail Falls
Horsetail Falls, Oregon, USA
Charles Knowles/Flickr
Ponytail Falls is located above Horsetail Falls and can be reached on the Horsetail Falls Trail #438. The trail runs directly behind the waterfall through a natural cavern that lets hikers view the waterfall from a unique vantage point.
6. Wahkeena Falls
Wahkeena Falls, Oregon 97019, USA
Thomas Shahan/Flickr
Wahkeena Falls is a beautiful 242-foot waterfall that can be easily accessed by taking a short 0.2-mile stroll to a viewpoint or by taking a 1.5-mile hike to the top of the falls. This hike is like something out of a fairy tale!

Enjoy a soothing video of Wahkeena Falls and the beautiful hike leading up to the falls - certainly another one of the best waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge:

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7. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
The 250-foot-tall Latourell Falls flows gracefully over a basalt ledge and into a small and beautiful basin. Hikers can take a short walk right up to the base of the falls to feel the cool mist of the tremendous cascade.
8. Starvation Creek Falls
Starvation Creek Falls, Columbia River Highway, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
John Clare/Flickr
Located just off Interstate 84, Starvation Creek Falls is an incredible waterfall that plummets 190 feet through the rugged, verdant green landscape.
9. Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Souvik Das/Flickr
This unique waterfall is located pretty far along the legendary Eagle Creek Trail, but it's absolutely worth the trek. The trail actually runs along the cliff wall and continues behind the 160-foot waterfall in a tunnel that was blasted through the rock wall in the early 1900s.
10. Punchbowl Falls
Punchbowl Falls, Oregon 97031, USA
Darek Farmer/Flickr
Much earlier along the Eagle Creek Trail, you'll find the pristine Punchbowl Falls. This lovely little waterfall twirls into a large, crystal-clear basin that's a perfect swimming hole in the summertime.
11. Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
Ian Sane/Flickr
This powerful waterfall is located at the end of the amazing Wahclella Falls Trail. An easy two-mile (round trip) hike will lead you on a scenic journey to this impressive 120-foot waterfall.

Experience the beautiful Wahclella Falls hike in this lovely trail guide video:
12. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
melfoody/Flickr
Last, but not least, the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge: Multnomah Falls. This stunning 620-foot waterfall is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country and it is absolutely mesmerizing. Plus, it's easily accessible from both the Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84.

These amazing Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are certainly breathtaking. If you haven’t been to the PNW it is a magical place that should definitely be on your bucket list. If you are looking for more waterfall-chasing adventures in Oregon, here are some of the most incredible hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, including several waterfall trails!

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More to Explore

More Columbia river gorge waterfalls

Sarah M. | March 18, 2022

What are some other beautiful waterfalls near Portland, Oregon?

Some beautiful waterfalls in Oregon include:

 

One of the most beautiful and perfect waterfalls in Oregon is actually located just outside of Columbia River Gorge at the incredible Portland Japanese Garden. With its cool canopy of trees, vibrant and verdant foliage, and sounds of babbling cascades and fluttering wildlife, strolling through the Portland Japanese Garden is a total sensory experience sure to calm your busy mind and bring a sense of peace. And the centerpiece of this garden is something truly glorious: the 35-foot Heavenly Waterfall. This winsome waterfall is of divine inspiration; named as such because designer Professor Takuma Tono thought the falls seemed to flow down from the Milky Way, a galaxy also known as the River of Stars. Sounds totally dreamy, right? This beautiful place is also a wonderful spot for wandering, strolling, and enjoying the abundant and artfully arranged flora and fauna.

What are some other adventures I can have in the Columbia River Gorge?

While the Columbia River Gorge is best known for its amazing waterfalls (there are over 90 on the Oregon side alone), it truly is a bucket-list-worthy destination for numerous other reasons. Immensely scenic and breathtakingly beautiful, one of the best ways to see the highlights of this natural wonder is by driving the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway. This 75-mile scenic highway winds past dozens of amazing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas. Lewis and Clark first happened upon the Columbia River Gorge during their expeditions in 1806, and we can only imagine how awestruck they were at discovering this pristine PNW paradise. Go explore the Columbia River Gorge for yourself and be ready to experience total awe and wonder.

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