The waterfalls near Multnomah Falls are honestly some of the best-kept secrets in the Columbia River Gorge, and I say that as someone who’s lived in Oregon for over a decade. Multnomah gets all the glory, and it deserves it. That 620-foot cascade is genuinely stunning. But here’s what most tourists don’t realize: there are at least 10 other waterfalls within just a few miles of Multnomah, and some of them are just as beautiful with a fraction of the crowds. A few of them? I actually think they’re better. So if you’ve already checked Multnomah off your list (or you’re planning a Multnomah Falls day trip) and want more, keep reading. I’ve got your entire waterfall-hopping itinerary right here.
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Multnomah Falls
I’ve organized these by how close they are to Multnomah Falls, starting with the ones you can practically walk to from the parking lot. All of them are along the Historic Columbia River Highway, so you can hit several in a single day without much effort.
1. Wahkeena Falls (0.2 Miles from Multnomah Falls)
Wahkeena is literally right next door to Multnomah Falls, and I’m always surprised by how many people skip it. The trailhead is a two-minute drive (or a short walk along the connector trail), and Wahkeena is a gorgeous 242-foot cascading waterfall that fans out over mossy rocks in a way that feels almost delicate compared to Multnomah’s brute force. It’s an incredibly easy add-on. If you’re already at Multnomah and you don’t pop over to Wahkeena, you’re leaving one of the Gorge’s prettiest waterfalls on the table. There’s a paved path to the base that takes about five minutes.
2. Fairy Falls (1 Mile via Wahkeena Trail)
This one’s a local favorite, and the name fits. You access Fairy Falls by hiking past Wahkeena Falls and continuing up the Wahkeena Trail for about a mile. The waterfall itself is a small, wispy cascade tucked into what I can only describe as a mossy grotto straight out of a fairy tale. It’s not the tallest or the most dramatic, but it might be the most magical. The moss-covered rocks and the way the light filters through the trees here is something else entirely. Bring your camera. This is the kind of spot that makes people fall in love with Oregon.
3. Horsetail Falls (Right Off the Highway)
Horsetail Falls is the ultimate “zero effort, huge payoff” waterfall. It’s 176 feet tall and you can literally see it from your car as you drive the Historic Highway. There’s a small pullout right in front of it. You don’t even have to get out if you don’t want to (but you should). It’s about a five-minute drive east of Multnomah Falls. Horsetail is also the starting point for the trail to Ponytail Falls, which is the real reason I’m sending you here.
4. Ponytail Falls (0.4 Miles from Horsetail Falls)
Ponytail Falls, officially called Upper Horsetail Falls, is one of those waterfalls you have to experience to understand. The trail from Horsetail Falls is only about 0.4 miles and relatively easy, and it takes you behind the waterfall. You walk through a rocky alcove with water cascading right in front of you. It’s one of the coolest things you can do in the Gorge, and most tourists at Multnomah have no idea it exists. This is the waterfall I recommend to every single person who asks me “what else should we see?” It’s that good.
5. Latourell Falls (15 Minutes West of Multnomah)
Latourell might be my personal favorite on this entire list. It’s a 249-foot plunge waterfall about 15 minutes west of Multnomah on the Historic Highway, and the cliff face behind it is covered in bright yellow lichen that makes the whole scene look almost alien. The short trail to the lower viewpoint is paved and takes maybe three minutes. If you want a closer look, there’s a 2.4-mile loop trail that takes you to the upper falls too. Latourell is the kind of waterfall that looks unreal in photos. People always think I’ve edited the colors. I haven’t. It really looks like that.
6. Bridal Veil Falls (0.5 Mile Easy Trail)
Bridal Veil Falls is about 10 minutes west of Multnomah, and it’s one of the most family-friendly waterfalls near Portland. The trail is a short half-mile out-and-back through the forest to a two-tier waterfall that drops into a shallow pool. It’s never as crowded as Multnomah, the trail is well maintained, and kids love it. There’s also a separate short walk from the same parking area to an overlook of the Columbia River that’s worth the five-minute detour. Bridal Veil doesn’t get much attention, which is exactly why I like it.
7. Elowah Falls (1.6 Mile Moderate Hike)
Elowah Falls is the hidden gem of this list. At 213 feet, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the Gorge, and it’s easily the least crowded waterfall I’m mentioning here. The hike is about 1.6 miles round trip with some moderate elevation gain, and it takes you through dense forest to this absolutely massive plunge waterfall surrounded by towering basalt walls. On a weekday, you might have the whole place to yourself. I’m not exaggerating. If you want that “I discovered a secret waterfall” feeling, Elowah is where you’ll find it. It’s about a 10-minute drive east of Multnomah Falls.
8. Coopey Falls (Roadside, Blink and You’ll Miss It)
Coopey Falls is tiny. I’ll just say that upfront. It’s a small cascade right along the Historic Highway near the Multnomah Falls area, and most people drive right past it without a second glance. But there’s something charming about it if you know where to look. There’s a short spur trail that gives you a better view. I wouldn’t make a special trip for Coopey alone, but if you’re already waterfall-hopping along the highway (and you should be), it’s a fun little bonus stop. Think of it as the amuse-bouche of Gorge waterfalls.
9. Shepperd’s Dell Falls (Viewpoint from a Bridge)
Shepperd’s Dell is another no-hiking-required waterfall. There’s a historic bridge along the highway, and you can look down into the narrow dell to see the falls from above. It’s honestly one of the most photogenic spots on the entire Historic Highway, and it takes about 30 seconds of your time. The dell itself is lush and green, and the waterfall tumbles down through this dramatic little canyon. It’s between Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, so you’ll pass it anyway. Just pull over and take a look.
10. Oneonta Falls (Currently Closed)
I’m including Oneonta Falls on this list because people ask about it constantly, and I want to be upfront: Oneonta Gorge is closed indefinitely. The narrow slot canyon that you used to wade through to reach the falls has been closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and there’s no timeline for reopening. Before the closure, it was one of the most unique waterfall experiences in Oregon. I’m hopeful it’ll reopen someday, but for now, please don’t try to sneak in. The closures exist for safety. You can still see the Oneonta Creek area from the highway, and the other waterfall hikes near Multnomah Falls more than make up for it.
How to See Multiple Waterfalls in One Day
Here’s what I tell everyone: drive the Historic Columbia River Highway from west to east and stop at each waterfall along the way. They’re all within about 10 miles of each other, and most require little to no hiking. Start at Latourell Falls on the western end and work your way east through Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah, Horsetail, and Ponytail. You can realistically see five or six waterfalls in a half day, more if you’re ambitious. Pack snacks, wear layers, and bring a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear. The Gorge makes its own weather. If you want to make a full day trip from Portland, pair your waterfall tour with lunch at one of the restaurants near Multnomah Falls.
2026 Access Updates for Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
A few important things to know before you go in 2026. Oneonta Gorge remains closed indefinitely. Eagle Creek Trail is also still closed. Wahclella Falls trail is closed as well. The good news? Everything along the Historic Columbia River Highway west of the viaduct construction closure is fully accessible, and that includes all the waterfalls on this list (except Oneonta). One big thing: timed entry permits are required for Multnomah Falls from May 22 through September 7, 2026. However, these permits are NOT required if you’re driving the Historic Highway and accessing the falls from there rather than from I-84. So if you’re doing the waterfall-hopping route I described above, you’re all set. Check the Oregon waterfalls guide for the latest trail conditions across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfalls are near Multnomah Falls?
There are at least 10 major waterfalls within a few miles of Multnomah Falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Columbia River Gorge as a whole has over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone. The 10 I’ve listed here are the closest and most accessible to Multnomah, and you can visit most of them without any serious hiking. Check out our Columbia Gorge hiking guide for even more trails in the area.
Can you see multiple waterfalls in one day?
Absolutely. Since these waterfalls are all clustered along the Historic Highway within about 10 miles of each other, you can easily see five or six in a half day. If you start early and you’re up for some short hikes, you could potentially hit all 10 (minus Oneonta) in a full day. I’d recommend starting at Latourell in the west and working your way east.
Are the waterfalls near Multnomah Falls free?
Yes! All of the waterfalls I’ve listed here are free to visit. There’s no entrance fee for any of the trailheads along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls itself requires a timed entry permit during summer months (May 22 through September 7, 2026), but the permit is free. The other waterfalls on this list don’t require any permits at all. Just show up and enjoy them.
What’s your favorite waterfall in the Gorge that isn’t Multnomah? I bet there’s one I haven’t found yet. Drop a comment below and tell me about it!
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