20 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
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Does it get any better than a waterfall hike? You follow a pretty trail through the woods, usually next to a babbling creek, until arriving at the perfect finale. The sight of tumbling water, the sound of it roaring as it falls, and the feel of cool mist after a tiring journey all make waterfalls a tempting place to linger. The parks around my home in Portland, OR, are unusually blessed with waterfalls and I visit them as often as I can. Here are the best waterfall hikes near Portland, chosen for the number of falls, the beauty of the falls, and hike coolness. Everything is within two hours of the city and is accessible year-round unless I mention a season. Enjoy!
Best waterfall hikes for the wow factor
Multnomah Falls
If you’re visiting Portland or have limited time, I’d suggest these hikes for the most spectacular (if often crowded) waterfall hikes:
Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls Loop (#3)
Eagle Creek Trail (#7)
Trail of Ten Falls (#15)
Best waterfall hikes to escape the crowds
Elowah Falls
If you’ve already tried the famous waterfall hikes and are looking for something more under the radar, I’d suggest these:
Elowah and Upper McCord Creek Falls (#5)
Punchbowl Falls (#10)
McDowell Creek Falls County Park (#16)
Columbia Gorge
1. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls
Number of waterfalls: 2
Distance: 2.4-loop
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: None
ADA access: Not past the viewpoint next to the parking lot. Accessible parking and restrooms.
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes
Upper Latourell Falls
After months of closures, the Latourell Falls Trail reopened in the spring of 2024. Its reopening came just in time for this article, which was a relief since I felt weird about including a closed hike on the list but didn’t want to leave off one of Portland’s best and closest waterfall hikes. At 224 feet, Latourell’s impressive single plunge is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge. You’ll see the first glimpse of it from the parking lot through the tree cover. Take the trail to the right of this viewpoint down to the base of the falls to see its full height. It will be crowded, but most people turn around here.
If you continue, you’ll follow Latourell Creek through a conifer forest to Upper Latourell Falls, a 120-foot two-tiered waterfall that plunges over an unusual grotto in a basalt cliff. After seeing the upper falls, you can continue along the other side of the creek to reach more views of Latourell Falls.
2. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 0.5 - 1.2 mile (two trails, each about 0.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: None
ADA access: Some. There is a flat, paved 0.5-mile trail to the viewpoints. The trail to the falls has steep and unpaved sections. Accessible parking and restrooms.
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes
Serviceberry bushes bloom at the Bridal Veil overlooks in spring
Of all the waterfall hikes near Portland, Bridal Veil Falls offers some of the biggest rewards for the least amount of hiking. If you’re trying to see as much as possible in the Columbia Gorge but still want to have a little time in the woods, this one is a perfect choice. Two hikes begin at the Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead. One leads 0.6 miles out and back to the waterfall. The other makes a 0.5-mile loop to a series of viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River. Each short hike has a different character and both are worth doing.
If you’re pressed for time, the waterfall hike is my favorite of the two. After a quick jaunt down a hill through the forest, you’ll cross a footbridge over Bridal Veil Creek, then see the lovely two-tiered falls making its elegant plunge behind a massive moss-covered boulder. To avoid hill climbing, try out the paved loop trail to the overlooks. You’ll pass a few picnic tables on the way where you can spend some time with the views.
3. Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls Loop
Multnomah Falls
Number of waterfalls: 6
Distance: 5-mile loop
Elevation gain: 1600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: A timed entry permit is required seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day) to park at Multnomah Falls.
ADA access: Not past the bases of Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls, although those are both well worth visiting. Accessible restrooms and parking.
Restrooms: Yes, at the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes
Wiesendanger Falls
I wouldn’t say this about every famous hike near Portland, but the Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls Loop lives up to the hype. Over five miles, you’ll see six official waterfalls, lush Doug fir forests, cascading streams, and sweeping Columbia Gorge views. Although not easy, it doesn’t have a single boring minute. If you’re up for an adventure and have at least a few hours to commit to a hike, this one is a great choice. You can start from Wahkeena Falls or Multnomah Falls and hike clockwise or counterclockwise. It will be incredible regardless. On a practical note, Multnomah Falls has more available parking, but be sure to reserve a timed entry permit during the most popular months (Memorial Day to Labor Day). If you visit in the summer, I’d suggest starting early. The trail gets very crowded around both Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls. Once you’ve trudged uphill for a mile or two, it’s a different story.
4. Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls
Expect great views on the way to Triple Falls
Number of waterfalls: 4
Distance: 4.2 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: None
ADA access: Not past the Horsetail Falls viewpoint.
Restrooms: No
Drive time from Portland: 35 minutes
Triple Falls
The trail from Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls is so full of highlights that I (almost) forget that it’s uphill the whole way. The hike begins at the beautiful and ever-so-slightly sidewinding Horsetail Falls, which tumbles 176 feet over a mossy cliff. Less than a half mile up the trail, you’ll walk behind charming Ponytail Falls. Next up, a viewpoint looks onto the Columbia Gorge in three directions. Then, as you approach the hike’s third waterfall, Middle Oneonta Falls, you’ll look down into the bizarre slot canyon that is the Oneonta Gorge. From here, cross a metal footbridge next to Middle Oneonta Falls and head up the final switchbacks to Triple Falls, perhaps the most recognizable waterfall near Portland with its three distinct streams. This forest on the way to Triple Falls is regrowing after a wildfire. In spring, wildflowers spring up around the charred tree trunks.
5. Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls
Elowah Falls
Number of waterfalls: 2
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: None. Do not leave anything in the car.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: No
Drive time from Portland: 40 minutes
Upper McCord Creek Falls
Just down the road from the most famous Columbia Gorge waterfalls, Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls receive a fraction of the visitors. I suspect the trailhead’s small, low-profile, and often burglarized parking lot is to blame. It’s certainly not because the hike is any less worthy of exploration. From a shared trailhead, two short spur trails lead to two very different waterfalls. Elowah Falls is a tall and dramatic single plunge over a lichen-covered basalt amphitheater. Upper McCord Creek Falls is a small and pretty waterfall that tumbles over a basalt lip in two streams. Beyond the beauty of the waterfalls, the hike will take you past incredible views of the Columbia Gorge, including Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain. At one point, the trail becomes a narrow ledge on a cliff face, mercifully guardrail-lined, where you can look down onto Elowah Falls from above.
6. Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls
Number of waterfalls: 2 (plus seasonal waterfalls)
Distance: 2-mile lollipop loop
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
Wahclella Falls
The short trek to Wahclella Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes near Portland with a big payoff at the end. The trail follows Tanner Creek as it flows through a steep canyon. After about a mile, the powerful, 130-foot Wahclella Falls is the perfect climax. Officially, there are two waterfalls along this trail. The actual number varies since so many seasonal waterfalls appear in winter and spring. The most interesting of these is the closest to Wahclella Falls. While technically taller than the trail’s namesake, this unnamed waterfall is wispy and ethereal, adding a wonderful contrast to surging Wahclella Falls. Surrounding the waterfalls are mossy cliffs, enormous fallen boulders, and the cascades of Tanner Creek.
7. Eagle Creek Trail
The Eagle Creek Trail is impressive for both its scenery and engineering
Number of waterfalls: 6 (plus a whole bunch of seasonal waterfalls)
Distance: 4.5 miles to Punch Bowl Falls or 12 miles to Tunnel Falls, out and back
Elevation gain: 500 feet (Punch Bowl Falls) or 1600 feet (Tunnel Falls)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: No. Dogs are allowed, but the narrow trail has steep drop-offs that make it unsafe to navigate with a dog.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
Punch Bowl Falls
The Eagle Creek Trail is an adventure whether you make the 4.5-mile out-and-back trek to Punch Bowl Falls or the 12-mile journey to Tunnel Falls. You’ll see some excellent waterfalls, especially in winter and spring when seasonal falls appear, but the trail itself is at least as much of a draw. The hike follows the magnificent Eagle Creek Canyon, where mossy cliffs rise dramatically from the rushing stream at the canyon’s base. At times, the trail becomes a narrow ledge along the canyon wall where you’ll walk next to a sheer drop. It’s not a good choice for hiking with small children or dogs. I also prefer to avoid crowded days since the narrow passages get harrowing when many people are on them. If can find a quiet time (mornings, weekdays, rainy days) and you don’t mind heights, this hike is one of the most stunning and memorable in Oregon.
8. Dry Creek Falls
Dry Creek
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 4.4 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Pass required: Yes, the Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass is required at the Bridge of the Gods parking lot. You don’t need a pass at the overflow parking lot.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes, at the Bridge of the Gods parking lot.
Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
Dry Creek Falls
Dry Creek Falls is not the largest or most powerful waterfall near Portland, but it has a unique symmetry that makes it stand out. Like so much of the Columbia Gorge, lava flows deposited the rock behind Dry Creek Falls. This rock is a fantastic example of columnar basalt, which forms when lava cools evenly into well-defined hexagons. Dry Creek Falls makes its elegant 74-foot single plunge in front of this striking cliff. The hike to the falls is a short segment of the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail climbs steadily but gently uphill through a forest that survived a recent wildfire. You’ll see scorch marks on the tree trunks but still have plenty of shade from the living canopy. This hike is a great one for kids and dogs.
9. Starvation Creek waterfalls
Starvation Creek Falls
Number of waterfalls: 3-4 based on season
Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation gain: 150 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass.
ADA access: The trail is flat, wide, even, and paved until the Mt Defiance trailhead. You can see 3 waterfalls before you reach the steep, unpaved portion of the trail. Accessible parking and restrooms.
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 55 minutes
View of Dog Mountain from the Mt Defiance Trail
The Starvation Creek Trail is one of the easiest hikes near Portland that will take you to multiple waterfalls. It has one major drawback: the road noise. The trail starting at Starvation Creek Falls is paved and pretty but runs parallel to Highway 84. If you can look past the sounds of semis barreling past you, it’s worth a visit. Start by seeing the impressive 190-foot Starvation Creek Falls, only a few steps from the parking lot. Head west past small and seasonal Cabin Creek Falls, tucked away behind a big ol’ boulder, then stop at the viewpoint for lovely Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. If you continue onto the Mt Defiance Trail (unpaved), you’ll reach Lancaster Falls and excellent views of Washington across the Columbia River. If you have a ton of energy left after Lancaster Falls, the trail continues up to the summit of Mt Defiance, becoming much steeper and more challenging.
10. Punchbowl Falls
Punchbowl Falls
Number of waterfalls: 2
Distance: 2-mile loop with a spur
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes
Pass required: None
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 80 minutes
Confluence of the East and West Fork Hood River
Not to be confused with the Punch Bowl Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail, the Columbia Gorge has a hike to Punchbowl Falls near Hood River, which feels very different. For one thing, it’s much less famous and a good place to escape the crowds. There are some drop-offs, but they are easily avoided, making it safe for hiking with kids and dogs. Although not as dramatic as the Eagle Creek Canyon, the scenery is far from disappointing. Cliffs of columnar basalt frame the turquoise water spilling over Punchbowl Falls. Looking upstream, you’ll see the distant point of Mt Hood’s summit. Just after, another viewpoint overlooks 75-foot Dead Point Falls, partially hidden by the dense greenery. With many deciduous trees mixed in with the conifers, it’s an excellent place to see fall color. In the summer, look for wildflowers and an idyllic wading spot.
11. Lucia and Moulton Falls
Lucia Falls
Number of waterfalls: Up to 4 if you do 3 short hikes
Distance: About 2 miles total
Elevation gain: About 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: None for Lucia Falls or Moulton Falls. You need a NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park at Sunset Falls.
ADA access: The trail to the Lucia Falls viewpoint is paved and even. It doesn’t have steps or steep grades.
If you park at the Hantwick Trailhead (29601 NE Hantwick Road), look for a 5-mile out-and-back trail along the south bank of the Lewis River that is unpaved but flat, wide, and even. Find more details on All Trails.
The short trail to the Sunset Falls viewpoint is paved and fairly flat.
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
Note that swimming is allowed at Moulton Falls and Sunset Falls but not Lucia Falls.
Moulton Falls Bridge
Lucia Falls, Moulton Falls, and Sunset Falls are three short waterfall hikes on the East Fork Lewis River that are easy to combine for a beautiful day trip near Portland. Although somewhat obscure for Portlanders, these hikes are no secret on the other side of the Columbia River. Besides the waterfalls, they lead to a couple of very popular swimming holes. Arrive early on hot summer weekends to park near Moulton Falls.
Coming from either Portland or Vancouver, you’ll first reach the parking lot for Lucia Falls. Take the trail about a quarter mile down to a viewpoint for the falls. You can’t swim here (the area is protected) but can scramble around the rocks or have a picnic with a view of the waterfall. Next, drive a few minutes to Moulton Falls, where an easy 1-mile loop hike leads through the woods past Yacolt Falls and over a lovely arched bridge. Take a picture of the map when you start. The confusing network of trails here makes it easy to get turned around. Finally, drive to Sunset Falls Day Use Area (15-ish minutes away) and take the 0.2-mile out-and-back trail to the falls.
Sunset Falls
12. Hardy Falls, Rodney Falls, and Pool of the Winds
Rodney Falls
Number of waterfalls: 3
Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: Washington Discover Pass ($10/day). You can buy a pass at the trailhead. Arrive early on summer weekends. The parking lot fills up fast.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
Rodney Falls
Beacon Rock State Park is best known for the hike up its namesake monolith, the core of an extinct volcano. Just across the road is an awesome waterfall hike, one of the closest to Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. This hike leads to Hardy Creek, which makes so many plunges and cascades that it’s hard to know what to call a separate waterfall versus a tier. A short and family-friendly hike will bring you to all three official waterfalls along the creek. The first is the 90-foot single plunge of Hardy Falls. Next are the elegant streams of Rodney Falls tumbling over dark and angular stone. Just upstream is Pool of the Winds, a 20-foot vertical chute where water drops through a hollow cylinder in the rock. You can turn around here, continue to the summit of Hamilton Mountain, or try out one of the other hikes in Beacon Rock State Park.
13. Panther Creek Falls
Panther Creek Falls
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 1 mile out and back
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes
Pass required: None
ADA access: No
Restrooms: No
Drive time from Portland: 75 minutes
Season: Summer and fall
Panther Creek Falls
For being one of the coolest and most unique waterfalls near Portland, Panther Creek Falls doesn’t get many visitors. It takes some driving to get there and the last few miles go by slowly. Although doable in a low-clearance vehicle (I made it no problem in my Honda Fit), the narrow and unpaved forest service road goes around some tight corners. Once you arrive, it’s easy to pass the trailhead without realizing it. Google Maps has taken me to the wrong place before. Look for an unmarked gravel lot without amenities on the right side of the road. Cross the road to find the nondescript trailhead.
The hike to Panther Creek Falls is short. Two spur trails lead to an upper and lower viewpoint. If you see both, it’s a mile of hiking tops. Although the hike is over almost as soon as it starts, the views are unforgettable. At once surging and delicate, this complex waterfall has thin rivulets trickling over moss and a powerful side-winding chute scouring the sides of a rocky channel. I like visiting Panther Creek Falls on my way to or from the hike to Falls Creek Falls (below) since it’s a fairly short detour with a big payoff.
14. Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 3.4 miles out and back, or a 6.3-mile loop
Elevation gain: 850 feet or 1400 feet (loop hike)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
Season: April 1st - Nov 30th
Falls Creek Falls
Only 90 minutes from Portland, the hike to Washington’s Falls Creek Falls is one of my favorites in the Pacific Northwest. The trail along Falls Creek is lovely throughout, but the waterfall is what makes the hike special. The 335-foot Falls Creek Falls is so tall that it’s hard to see its three tiers at once. From the waterfall’s base, you’ll see only a hint of the 109-foot top tier above the cascading 135-foot middle tier. The lowest tier, an elegant 90-foot plunge, is the smallest of the three but will look largest when you are standing at the viewpoint, craning your neck upwards. Even the towering cedars around the falls look like dinky little toothpicks by comparison.
Cascade foothills
15. Trail of Ten Falls
Middle North Falls
Number of waterfalls: 10
Distance: 7.5-mile loop
Elevation gain: 1200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed on portions of the hike. You can bring a dog on the Rim Trail and the trail to Upper North Falls at Silver Falls State Park.
Pass required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day). You can buy a pass in the park.
ADA access: Not past the South Falls Viewpoint, but check out the North Rim Trail for a waterfall hike you can reach on a flat and even path.
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 70 minutes
The trail passes behind South Falls
If you only have one day to try out a waterfall hike near Portland, I highly recommend the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park. Over a 7.5-mile loop, you’ll see ten official waterfalls plus cascading creeks, giant moss-covered boulders, dramatic basalt cliffs, and an old-growth forest. As a bonus, the trail will take you behind several waterfalls. Even if it isn’t raining when you visit, prepare to get wet. The mist coming off the waterfalls is close enough to give you an unplanned shower. If you are looking for a shorter or more low-key hike, the park has options. Check out my article on the waterfall hikes at Silver Falls State Park for details.
16. McDowell Creek Falls County Park
Majestic Falls
Number of waterfalls: 3
Distance: 1.6-mile loop
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Pass required: None
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 1 hour 40 minutes
Royal Terrace Falls
McDowell Creek Falls County Park is a lot like a mini Silver Falls State Park. Although smaller and a bit farther from Portland, it has several advantages. It’s free to visit, much less crowded, and you can bring your dog to the waterfalls. A short and family-friendly loop hike will take you through the forest to a few waterfalls. The most interesting are the 119-foot Royal Terrace Falls that flows over three gently sloping tiers and the 40-foot curtain of water that forms Majestic Falls. Spring is a great time to try out this hike. The waterfalls will look more impressive than they do in the summer and you won’t have to worry about icy staircases.
Mt Hood
17. Ramona Falls
Mt Hood from the trail to Ramona Falls
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 7-mile lollipop loop
Elevation gain: 1000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass. Buy a pass before arriving at the trailhead.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 65 minutes
Season: Late spring through fall. Turn around if the Sandy River is too high to cross safely.
Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls is one of the mega-popular and often-suggested waterfall hikes near Portland. I feel lucky to have done it before my bike accident because it’s a stunning trail that is farther than I can walk now. Despite its large parking lot and pothole-filled access road, it does fill up. Arrive early on summer weekends. Once you start the hike, there’s room on the trail to spread out.
Know that you’ll need to walk over some logs to cross the Sandy River about a mile into the hike. The crossing requires balance, confidence, and cooperation from nature. It’s usually most challenging in spring when melting snow and glacier ice fill the river with cold rushing water. Don’t attempt to cross the river when it’s too high or moving fast. A fall could be deadly. After you make it across, the hike is smooth sailing. You’ll walk through a tranquil forest on your way to the 120-foot Ramona Falls, which tumbles over a cliff as a latticework of tiny streams. Look for views of Mt Hood on the way.
18. Umbrella Falls and Sahale Falls
Umbrella Falls
Number of waterfalls: 2
Distance: 3.4-mile out-and-back or 4.4-mile lollipop loop
Elevation gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: None
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
Season: Summer and fall
Look for stunning views of Mt Hood at the beginning of the trail
When the trail to Ramona Falls is too dangerous or crowded, Umbrella Falls is a great alternative. Although just as interesting, it’s a much easier waterfall to reach. You’ll start with an excellent view of Mt Hood’s summit from the parking lot, then walk about 0.1 miles to the 60-foot cascading Umbrella Falls. From here, a trail leads through an alpine forest to secluded 100-foot Sahale Falls. To get a good view of it, you’ll need to climb down a steep slope to reach its base. If I remember right, I think there was a rope involved in the descent. The scramble pays off once you are sitting on the rocks by the pool beneath the falls, feeling the mist come off it. I like this trail best in mid to late summer when the wildflowers are at their peak.
19. Tamanawas Falls
Andesite boulders on the way to Tamanawas Falls
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 3.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass. Buy a pass before arriving at the trailhead.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 90 minutes
Season: Summer and fall, but it is also a great snowshoeing trail in the winter.
Tamanawas Falls
Located on Mt Hood’s eastern side, the Tamanawas Falls trailhead is a longer drive from Portland than most of the mountain’s hikes. Once you get there, the trail along Cold Spring Creek to 110-foot Tamanawas Falls makes the extra mileage worth it. Plus, the parking lot is directly off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about navigating a dirt road full of Honda Fit-sized potholes. Something I think about a lot. The highlights of the hike are the waterfall and its grand amphitheater, but there is another exciting stretch on the way there. Just before you reach the waterfall, you’ll walk through a field of andesite boulders guaranteed to make even the largest person feel like a minuscule ant. Beyond the boulder field is the towering cliff they fell from.
Coast
20. Drift Creek Falls
Suspension bridge over the Drift Creek Canyon
Number of waterfalls: 1
Distance: 3 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass. Buy a pass before arriving.
ADA access: No
Restrooms: Yes
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
Drift Creek Falls
The Coast Range has some fantastic waterfall hikes, many of which are overlooked and lightly trafficked. The trouble is that most are not near Portland. One of the closest is Drift Creek Falls, a 75-foot single-plunge waterfall that tumbles in front of a chunky basalt cliff. Adding to the allure of the falls, a 100-foot suspension bridge takes you over a canyon to reach it. Drift Creek Falls is popular. I visited on the Fourth of July, which I don’t recommend if you want to avoid encountering a small city’s worth of people when you arrive. After your hike, drive about 20 minutes to enjoy the beaches of Lincoln City. You’ll also pass the picturesque Drift Creek Covered Bridge on your way to and from the falls.
What to bring to the waterfall hikes near Portland
I like wearing hiking boots rather than sneakers when hiking to waterfalls. They’re more comfortable on muddy, wet, and uneven trails. Here’s the men’s version of mine.
Bring a waterproof jacket for rain or waterfall mist. Or this for men.
Camera
Water bottle and trail snacks
Ponytail Falls
In summary, the best waterfall hikes near Portland are:
Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Multnomah Falls - Wahkeena Falls Loop
Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls
Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls
Wahclella Falls
Eagle Creek Trail
Dry Creek Falls
Starvation Creek waterfalls
Punchbowl Falls
Lucia, Moulton, and Sunset Falls
Hardy Falls, Rodney Falls, and Pool of the Winds
Panther Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls
Trail of Ten Falls
McDowell Creek Falls County Park
Ramona Falls
Umbrella and Sahale Falls
Tamanawas Falls
Drift Creek Falls
Enjoy the waterfalls hikes near Portland!
With love,
Emma
More hiking ideas near Portland
Try the best spring hikes near Portland.
Find beautiful snow-free winter hikes near Portland.
Spend some time by the water after a hike for hot days near Portland.
Try out the best Columbia Gorge wildflower hikes.
