There’s something truly magical about a wintery waterfall; the stunning sight of an ethereal cascade framed by ice and snow is an almost otherworldly beauty. Here are nine waterfalls in Oregon that are breathtaking that become even more enchanting when the temperature drops below freezing. Bundle up and grab your gear, and prepare for a day of stunning scenery on these best winter hikes in Oregon!

1. Elowah Falls
Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
flickr/ Michael Matti
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this stunning waterfall is more than 200 feet tall, and it's absolutely stupendous when it freezes. A short 1.5-mile hike will lead you to the falls, but be extra careful in the wintertime. The path can be quite muddy, and extremely slippery closer to Elowah Falls.
2. Salt Creek Falls
Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Willamette National Forest
At 286 feet, Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon. Located in Lane County, this amazing waterfall looks straight out of a fairytale in the wintertime. Seeing it in person is one of the best things to do in Oregon in the winter!
3. Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls, Oregon, USA
flickr/ dvdmnk
Horsetail Falls is a wonderfully graceful waterfall located right off the Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. It's especailly wondrous when adorned with snow and ice.
4. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Michael Matti
Latourell Falls is an absolute gem. Also located in the Columbia River Gorge, you can reach the base of the falls on an easy 2.5-mile loop hike that's open year round. Again, you'll want to bring sturdy shoes and be careful not to slip as you get closer to the magical, misty waterfall.

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5. Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
flickr/ Andrew Warren
Located near Bend, Tumalo Falls is truly breathtaking. There's a great viewpoint right next to the parking area where you can see the snowy falls and surrounding scenery, or if you're feeling adventurous you can hike in closer.
6. Weisendanger Falls
Wiesendanger Falls, Multnomah Falls Overlook Spur Trail #441A, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
flickr/ Michael Matti
One of the most beautiful frozen falls in the country, Weisendanger Falls is another gorgeous Columbia River Gorge waterfall located between Portland and Hood River. One great way to see it up close is to hike the amazing Multnomah-Wahkeena loop trail.
7. South Falls (and the rest of the Silver Falls State Park waterfalls)
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Kabayanmark Images
Silver Falls State Park is an amazing state park located near Silverton, and it's full of gorgeous waterfalls that will blow you away any time of year - just take a look at South Falls in the winter. Take a hike along the Trail of Ten Falls for an unforgettable experience.
8. Abiqua Falls
Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
flickr/ Darryll DeCoster
Abiqua Falls is a lovely hidden gem waterfall located near Salem, Oregon. The short hike to the base of the falls can be a bit tricky in the winter, but for sure-footed folks, the view of the waterfall surrounded by crystalline icicles makes it oh-so-worth-it.
9. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
flickr/ audreykristine
Multnomah Falls is a stunning natural wonder. It's the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country, and it's located right off Interstate 84, making it easily accessible even in the depths of winter in Oregon, when the massive cascade is surrounded by glowing white snow and ice.

Find out about some of the best winter hikes in Oregon. Which of these waterfalls in Oregon do you think is the most beautiful? Tell us in the comment section below!

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More to Explore

best winter hikes in Oregon

Sarah | December 12, 2021

How many waterfalls are there in Oregon?

It's estimated that there are at least 238 in Oregon -- and that's not including smaller falls and seasonal falls, like what you'll discover after an abundant spring rain or post-winter melt. Want to see them all? We can help with that; we've put together an adventure where you can explore some of the best waterfalls in Oregon -- check out this epic road trip!

What are some fun things to do during the winter in Oregon?

Winter in Oregon is a wonderful time of year, full of lovely scenery and crisp-perfect conditions for a whole slew of outdoor recreation. We suggest going *all in* on winter and hitting the ski slopes. Colorado and Utah may get the spotlight in terms of skiing and snowboarding, but Oregon holds its own in terms of winter recreation. Happily, the forecast this year looks promising for snow lovers, and you can enjoy the best the PNW has to offer at these five fantastic ski resorts in Oregon. Among those on the list, we especially love Timberline Lodge; it is perhaps the most iconic and well-known Oregon ski resort! In fact, with its picture-perfect perch on Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge offers one of the most thrilling and unique alpine mountain experiences in the country and attracts skiers from all over. The park offers myriad pass options for singles and families, beginners and advanced, the details of which are available through their website.

What's the most famous waterfall in Oregon?

The most famous waterfall in Oregon is, hands down, Multnomah Falls. This 620-foot stunner is located in the incredible Columbia River Gorge, a veritable treasure trove of waterfalls! (There are 90+ waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge alone, in fact.) But of course, Multnomah isn't the only superlative superstar here in Oregon; Silver Falls State Park also boasts its own impressive array of waterfalls. On the Trail of Ten Falls, you'll pass not one, not two, but, as its name suggests, 10 glorious waterfalls! Each is more impressive than the last, so it you want to be dazzled by some of the best waterfalls in Oregon, definitely head to this beautiful Beaver State park.

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