Everybody and their mother stops at Multnomah Falls, and I get it. That 620-foot drop is the real deal, and I’m not going to be the local who rolls her eyes at it. But here’s the thing nobody tells the tour buses: there are at least 10 other waterfalls near Multnomah Falls within a few miles, and a couple of them I’d take over Multnomah any day of the week. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life and driven this stretch of the Gorge more times than I can count. So if you’ve already done Multnomah (or you’re mapping out a Multnomah Falls day trip) and you want the good stuff the crowds skip, here’s your whole waterfall-hopping route.
The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Multnomah Falls
I’ve lined these up by distance from Multnomah, starting with the ones you can practically reach from the parking lot. They all sit along the Historic Columbia River Highway, so you can knock out a handful in one day without breaking a sweat. That’s the magic of this place. The waterfalls are stacked.
1. Wahkeena Falls (0.2 Miles from Multnomah Falls)
Wahkeena is right next door to Multnomah, and it kills me how many people drive past it. Two minutes by car, or a short walk on the connector trail. It’s a 242-foot cascade that fans out over mossy rock, and where Multnomah just hammers straight down, Wahkeena spreads out soft and almost dainty. The paved path to the base takes about five minutes. If you’re standing at Multnomah and you skip this one, you’re leaving one of the prettiest falls in the Gorge on the table. Don’t do that.
2. Fairy Falls (1 Mile via Wahkeena Trail)
This one’s a local favorite, and the name earns it. You reach Fairy Falls by hiking past Wahkeena and continuing up the Wahkeena Trail about a mile. It’s a small, wispy cascade tucked into a mossy little grotto that looks made up. It’s not the tallest or the most dramatic out here, not even close. But it might be the most magical, and I don’t throw that word around. The moss, the way the light comes down through the trees. Bring your camera. This is the kind of spot that turns visitors into Oregonians.
3. Horsetail Falls (Right Off the Highway)
Horsetail is the zero-effort, big-payoff waterfall. It’s 176 feet tall and you can see it from your car as you drive the Historic Highway, with a small pullout right out front. You don’t even have to get out (but get out). It’s about a five-minute drive east of Multnomah. And honestly, the real reason I’m sending you to Horsetail isn’t Horsetail at all. It’s the trail behind it to Ponytail Falls. Keep reading.
4. Ponytail Falls (0.4 Miles from Horsetail Falls)
Ponytail Falls, officially Upper Horsetail Falls, is one you just have to stand inside to get. The trail from Horsetail runs about 0.4 miles and it’s easy, and it takes you behind the waterfall. You walk through a rocky alcove with the whole thing pouring down right in front of your face. It’s one of the coolest little surprises in the Gorge, and most of the crowd at Multnomah has no idea it’s here. When people ask me “what else should we see?” this is my answer, every time. It’s that good.
5. Latourell Falls (15 Minutes West of Multnomah)
Latourell is probably my favorite on this whole list, and I’ll defend that hill. It’s a 249-foot plunge about 15 minutes west of Multnomah, and the cliff behind it wears this bright yellow lichen that makes the entire scene look a little alien. The paved trail to the lower viewpoint takes maybe three minutes. Want more? There’s a 2.4-mile loop up to the upper falls. The colors are so loud people always assume I tweaked them in editing. I didn’t. It really looks like that, I swear.
6. Bridal Veil Falls (0.5 Mile Easy Trail)
Bridal Veil is about 10 minutes west of Multnomah, and it’s one of the easiest waterfalls near Portland to do with little kids. The trail is a half-mile out-and-back through the forest to a two-tier waterfall dropping into a shallow pool. It’s never the zoo Multnomah is, the path is well kept, and my daughter could handle it. There’s also a separate short walk from the same lot to a Columbia River overlook that’s worth the five-minute detour. Bridal Veil doesn’t get the attention, which is exactly why I love it.
7. Elowah Falls (1.6 Mile Moderate Hike)
Elowah is the one nobody talks about, and I’d like to keep it that way (so naturally I’m writing about it). At 213 feet it’s one of the tallest falls in the Gorge, and easily the emptiest one on this list. The hike runs about 1.6 miles round trip with some moderate climbing, through thick forest, out to this massive plunge ringed by towering basalt. On a weekday you might have the whole place to yourself. I’m not being dramatic. If you’ve ever wanted that “I found a secret waterfall” feeling, this is where it lives. About a 10-minute drive east of Multnomah.
8. Coopey Falls (Roadside, Blink and You’ll Miss It)
Coopey is tiny. I’ll say that right up front so nobody emails me disappointed. It’s a small cascade along the Historic Highway near the Multnomah area, and most people blow right past it. But there’s something charming about it if you know to look, and a short spur trail gets you a better view. Would I make a special trip for Coopey alone? No. But if you’re already hopping waterfalls down the highway (you should be), it’s a fun little bonus. Call it the warmup act.
9. Shepperd’s Dell Falls (Viewpoint from a Bridge)
Shepperd’s Dell is another no-hiking-required stop. There’s a historic bridge over the highway, and you look down into the narrow dell at the falls from above. It’s one of the most photogenic spots on the entire Historic Highway, and it costs you about 30 seconds. The dell is lush and green and the water tumbles through this dramatic little canyon below. It sits between Latourell and Bridal Veil, so you’re driving right past it anyway. Just pull over and look.
10. Oneonta Falls (Currently Closed)
I’m putting Oneonta on this list because people ask me about it constantly, and I’d rather be straight with you: Oneonta Gorge is closed indefinitely. That narrow slot canyon you used to wade through to reach the falls has been shut since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and there’s no reopening timeline. Before the closure it was one of the most unusual waterfall experiences in the state. I’m holding out hope it comes back someday. But for now, please don’t try to sneak in. The closure is about safety, not red tape. 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 every waterfall along the way. They’re all within about 10 miles of each other and most need little to no hiking. Start at Latourell on the western end and work east through Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah, Horsetail, and Ponytail. Five or six in a half day is realistic, more if you’re feeling it. Pack snacks, wear layers, and bring a rain jacket even when the forecast looks clean. The Gorge makes its own weather, and I’ve learned that one the hard way. If you want the full day trip from Portland, pair the waterfall tour with lunch at one of the restaurants near Multnomah Falls.
2026 Access Updates for Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
A few things to know before you go this year. Oneonta Gorge is still closed indefinitely. Eagle Creek Trail is still closed too. Wahclella Falls trail, also closed. The good news? Everything along the Historic Columbia River Highway west of the viaduct construction closure is fully open, and that’s every waterfall on this list except Oneonta. The big one to plan around: timed entry permits are required for Multnomah Falls from May 22 through September 7, 2026. Here’s the catch worth knowing, those permits are NOT required if you drive the Historic Highway and reach the falls that way instead of from I-84. So if you’re doing the waterfall-hopping route I just laid out, you’re already set. Check the Oregon waterfalls guide for the latest trail conditions across the state.
For the full list of things to do around here, take a look at my Hood River things to do guide.
Quick Tips
- 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.
- So if you've already checked Multnomah off your list (or you're planning a Multnomah Falls day trip) and want more, keep reading.
- Wahkeena is literally right next door to Multnomah Falls, and I'm always surprised by how many people skip it.
- 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.
- You don't even have to get out if you don't want to (but you should).
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, which is a wild number when you sit with it. The 10 I’ve listed here are the closest and most accessible to Multnomah, and you can reach 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 clustered along the Historic Highway within about 10 miles of each other, five or six in a half day is no problem. Start early, throw in a couple of short hikes, and you could hit all 10 (minus Oneonta) in a full day. My advice? Begin at Latourell in the west and work your way east. Don’t flip the order.
Are the waterfalls near Multnomah Falls free?
Yes. Every waterfall I’ve listed here is free to visit, and there’s no entrance fee for any of the trailheads along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls itself needs a timed entry permit during summer (May 22 through September 7, 2026), but the permit is free too. The other falls on this list don’t require any permits at all. Just show up.
What’s your favorite waterfall in the Gorge that isn’t Multnomah? I’d bet there’s one out here I still haven’t found. Drop a comment and tell me about it. Until next time, Antonina
