The best waterfalls near Portland are some of the most stunning in the entire Pacific Northwest, and I’ve spent years exploring them all. I spend most of my weekends hiking with my husband in Oregon, and in that time I’ve seen hundreds of waterfalls. There’s a surprising number near Portland (where I’m proud to call home), and today I’m sharing my favorites with you.
I didn’t want that knowledge to go to waste, so today I wanted to share my personal list of the best waterfalls near Portland. I’m not one for small talk, let’s dive into the good stuff.
Best Waterfalls Near Portland
Good to know: The numbers on this list are for organizational purposes, not ranking. All of these waterfalls are great!
Click for the Table of Contents
Table of Contents: Waterfalls Close to Portland
1. Latourell Falls
Here’s a quick overview to help you plan. Scroll down for the full details on each one.
| Waterfall | Distance from PDX | Trail Length | Difficulty | Dogs | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latourell Falls | 30 min | 2.4 mi loop | Easy | Leash | No |
| Wahkeena Falls | 35 min | 5 mi (via Multnomah) | Moderate | No | Timed permit |
| Multnomah Falls | 35 min | 2.4 mi RT | Moderate | No | Timed permit |
| Tamanawas Falls | 1 hr 30 min | 3.4 mi | Easy-Moderate | Leash | NW Forest Pass |
| Ramona Falls | 1 hr 15 min | 7.1 mi | Moderate | Leash | NW Forest Pass |
| Trail of Ten Falls | 1 hr 15 min | 8 mi loop | Moderate | Leash | Day-use ($5) |
| Punch Bowl Falls | 45 min | 3.4 mi | Moderate | Leash | NW Forest Pass |
| Gorton Creek Falls | 45 min | 4 mi | Moderate | Leash | NW Forest Pass |
| Bridal Veil Falls | 30 min | 0.5 mi | Easy | Leash | No |
| Elowah Falls | 40 min | 1.6 mi | Easy | Leash | No |
| Wahclella Falls | 40 min | 2 mi | Easy | Leash | NW Forest Pass |
| Abiqua Falls | 1 hr 15 min | 0.5 mi (steep) | Moderate | Yes | No |
| Horsetail Falls | 35 min | Roadside | Easy | Leash | No |
- Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
- Mileage: 2.4 miles
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 550 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Latourell Falls is the closest waterfall to Portland within the striking Columbia River Gorge. As such, it’s one of the most popular hikes in the area. Seriously, everyone and their dog has seen it, loved it, and told the tale.
Read: The Columbia River Gorge: A Local’s Guide to Oregon’s Best Day Trip
Plunging a jaw-dropping 220 feet over the lip of an impressive columnar basalt amphitheater, Latourell Falls is the third largest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. You can get right to the base of the waterfall, but plan to get sprayed if you do.
After admiring the falls, ascend the easy 2.4-mile trail towards Upper Latourell Falls as well. Big rewards for little effort, Latourell Falls serves as the perfect introduction to the best waterfalls near Portland.
2. Wahkeena Falls
- Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
- Mileage: 0.5 miles out and back
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
At 242 feet, Wahkeena Falls may not reach the towering heights of its famous neighbor, Multnomah Falls, but don’t make the mistake of writing it off. The trail to the falls winds through a lush forest adorned with ferns, mossy rocks, and tall Douglas firs, offering a calming escape into nature.
To really soak it in, follow the short path straight to the waterfall itself (this feels more like a walk than a hike). Much less crowded than Multnomah Falls but no less beautiful, this is one of my favorite waterfall hikes near Portland.
If you continue down the trail for three miles you’ll find yourself in front of another beauty, Fairy Falls. Seeing both waterfalls would clock in at a six miles, which is the perfect length and effort before hitting up your favorite Portland brewery.
3. Multnomah Falls
- Distance from Portland: 30 minutes
- Note: Timed Entry Only
- Mileage: 1/4 mile
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, must reserve in advance
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be kept on leash.
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet (to upper viewpoint)
- Difficulty: Easy to Benson Bridge, Moderate to upper viewpoint
Plunging a staggering 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Attracting international visitors on a daily basis, this waterfall is a breathtaking sight that can be enjoyed up close and personal. Take a hike to the Benson Bridge (pictured above) for a better vantage of the towering falls.
Meander past the rushing force of Multnomah Falls and feel the mist along the paved trail. The hike isn’t too taxing on the knees and well worth the effort, which makes this this one of the best family-friendly waterfall hikes near Portland.
If you’re feeling up for an adventure, I suggest continuing the hike past the Benson Bridge en route to Multnomah Falls Upper Viewpoint. The full hike is 2.4 miles out and back through a series of switchbacks, but it’s a great way to separate yourself from the crowds if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
As you can imagine, this is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Portland, heck, probably the state as a whole. To mitigate overuse, parking and timed entry have been implemented. Make sure to read up on the rules using the reservation links above.
4. Tamanawas Falls
- Distance from Portland: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Mileage: 3.4 miles out and back
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass or $5 at trailhead
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 550 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Of all the incredible waterfalls near Portland, none has impressed me more than Tamanawas Falls at Mount Hood National Forest (although Ramona Falls does come close). The waterfall reveals itself at the lip of an impressive lava cliff and cascades down a thundering 110 feet before reaching the chilly pool below.
The best part? Reaching this epic waterfall requires a 3.4-mile hike so the waterfall isn’t as crowded as some of the other more popular waterfalls near Portland. Clean mountain air and a striking evergreen forest guide the way as the trail hugs the pristine Cold Spring Creek for 1.5-miles before spitting you out at a breathtaking viewpoint.
Don’t rush your time at the viewpoint and allow the magic of the moment to enchant you. You’re at the base of one of Oregon’s best waterfallstake it all in because you’ve earned it.
5. Ramona Falls
- Distance from Portland: 1 hour 11 minutes
- Mileage: 7 miles out and back
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass or $5 at trailhead
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Speaking of Ramona Falls. Tell any Portlander that you plan to spend a day at Mt. Hood National Forest and you’re bound to get a recommendation to visit Ramona Falls, one of the best waterfalls near Portland, Oregon.
Following the Sandy River, the 7-mile trail to Ramona Falls is best described as moderate, but it’s so scenic the time seems to fly by. We’ve hiked so many trails in Oregon over the years and consider this one of the most beautiful.
Update (March 2026): The seasonal bridge at Ramona Falls is no longer installed by the Forest Service (since 2021). Hikers must ford the Sandy River, which can be dangerous during high water. Check current conditions before your trip.
Reaching Ramona Falls requires sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure. An old bridge that connected the trail past the Sandy River was washed out so hikers now need to cross the river by balancing on logs. The adventurous hike to the falls is half the fun!
This is an increasingly popular waterfall hike near Portland during summer because of the trail’s proximity to the city. I recommend getting to the falls as early as possible to avoid crowds. We hiked it last summer about an hour after sunrise and had the whole trail to ourselves.
6. Trail of Ten Falls
- Distance from Portland: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Mileage: 7.9 miles loop
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, $5 day-use fee
- Dogs Allowed? No (on Canyon Trail where waterfalls are)
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
At 9,000 acres, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon. Home to numerous waterfalls, it’s considered the crown jewel of the state park system. The best way to explore this area? Hike the epic Trail of Ten Falls where you’ll wander past 10 waterfalls in the span of less 8 miles.
Of all the breathtaking waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls, none is more photographed than South Falls. Plunging to striking depths of 175 feet, hikers are allowed to go behind the thundering curtain for a unique hiking experience that feels like a sacred privileged.
So if you’re looking for the best waterfall hikes near Portland, the Trail of Ten Falls simply can’t be missed.
Note: Dogs are prohibited on the Canyon Trail portion of this Oregon hike, which is where the waterfalls are located.
7. Punch Bowl Falls
- Distance from Portland: 45 minutes
- Mileage: 4.2 miles
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass or $5 at trailhead
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (exposed cliffs)
Located about 2-miles into the epic Eagle Creek Trail en route to Tunnel Falls, Punch Bowl Falls is an aptly-named waterfall well worth the trek. This adventurous hike lives up to to the hype, even with the charred tattoo of the teenager-caused Eagle Creek Fire of 2017.
Trail Update (March 2026): Eagle Creek Trail is currently closed due to severe storm damage from December 2025. No reopening date has been set.
The trail follows towering basalt walls, mammoth conifers, vine-tangled maples, and plenty of cascading waterfalls. Indeed, every inch of the trail treats hikers to the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, which is why it’s one of the best waterfall hikes near Portland.
Local’s Advice: One thing to note is that while the photo above is current, most of the images you see of Punch Bowl Falls are no longer accurate. As a result of the fire, a massive log jam now blocks the original entrance to the falls. Reaching the waterfall requires a difficult (but doable) trek over the log pile.
Good to Know: Locals swarm to this beloved watering hole in the hot summer months, but take warning, cliff diving is prohibited (and subject to a $300 fine).
8. Gorton Creek Falls
- Distance from Portland: 50 minutes
- Mileage: 1.5 miles
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass or $5 at trailhead
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (scrambling required)
This epic waterfall hike is as whimsical as you can image. It starts at Wyeth Trailhead near Gorton Creek where a heavily moss-laden trails leads you to Gorton Creek Falls, a secluded 115 feet waterfall.
The trail follows a path for 1/2 mile before ending at Emerald Falls, another pretty waterfall worth admiring. This is where the fun starts. The hike between Emerald Falls and Gorton Creek Falls requires sturdy slip-proof shoes and a sense of adventure.
Hiking to this incredible waterfall close to Portland feels like a true adventure because you need to scramble up some boulders to reach it. As long as you watch your step and don’t rush, you’ll be completely fine, I’ve done it a few times without any issues.
For reasons unbeknown to me, Gorton Creek Falls is a hidden gem. It’s much less popular than most of the waterfall in the Columbia Gorge making it a great option for anyone interested in uncrowded waterfalls near Portland.
9. Bridal Veil Falls
- Distance from Portland: 30 minutes
- Mileage: 1.4 miles
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 230 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Multnomah Falls for kids because it’s easily accessible (this is more of a walk than a hike). There’s two short hikes to choose from.
The first is the Overlook Trailwhich is a half-mile walk to a paved overlook with gorgeous views of the Gorge. You’ll get a unique vantage of Beacon Rock, Hamilton Mountain alongside sweeping views of the Columbia River below.
The second option is the lower trailwhich is 1/2 mile walk to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, a beautiful 118 foot waterfall that’s only accessible via short hike. Since both trails are easy to do with kids I recommend tackling them in tandem.
10. Elowah Falls
- Distance from Portland: 40 minutes
- Mileage: 1.5 miles
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
At 213 feet, Elowah Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls near Portland. Better still, the trail leading to the waterfall is considered one of the most scenic hikes in the Columbia Gorge, reason alone to visit.
The huge basaltic alcove the waterfall commands (which practically glows green with lichen), is an unforgettable sight. Popular with beginners, this easy 1.5-mile round trip jaunt might only wet your whistle for a longer hike.
If that’s the case, you can tack on a longer hike to the twin-barrel drop of Upper McCord Creek Falls. Build your own adventure? Yep. One of the many reasons this is one of the best waterfall hikes near Portland.
11. Wahclella Falls
- Distance from Portland: 45 minutes
- Mileage: 1.9 miles out and back
- Parking Pass Required?: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass or $5 at trailhead
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 350 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Wahclella Falls might be the most underrated waterfall near Portland. Tucked into a narrow canyon at the end of Tanner Creek, this two-tiered beauty plunges about 350 feet into a gorgeous emerald pool that feels almost tropical on a warm day.
Trail Update (March 2026): Wahclella Falls Trail is currently closed due to storm damage from December 2025. No reopening date has been set.
The trail is short and sweet at just under two miles round trip, but it packs a serious scenic punch. You’ll follow Tanner Creek through old-growth forest, crossing a footbridge with views of a smaller cascade along the way. The final stretch opens up into a natural amphitheater where Wahclella Falls absolutely steals the show.
My husband and I hiked this one on a random Tuesday morning and had the whole place to ourselves. If you can swing a weekday visit, this is one of those waterfalls near Portland that feels like your own private paradise.
12. Abiqua Falls
- Distance from Portland: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Mileage: 0.5 miles out and back
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet (steep descent)
- Difficulty: Moderate (rough access road, steep scramble)
Abiqua Falls is one of those places that makes you feel like you stumbled into a movie set. A 92-foot waterfall pours over a horseshoe-shaped basalt cliff into a crystal-clear pool below, and the whole scene is surrounded by towering columns of volcanic rock covered in bright green moss.
Fair warning: getting here’s an adventure in itself. The access road is unpaved and can be rough (especially after rain), and the final descent to the falls involves a steep scramble down a muddy hillside. Sturdy shoes are a must. But honestly, the effort is part of what keeps this waterfall feeling special and uncrowded.
If you love waterfalls near Portland that still feel wild and untouched, Abiqua Falls belongs at the top of your list. Just please practice Leave No Trace when you visit, this place deserves to stay pristine.
13. Horsetail Falls
- Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
- Mileage: 2.6 miles loop (includes Ponytail Falls)
- Parking Pass Required?: No
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
You can literally see Horsetail Falls from your car. This gorgeous 176-foot waterfall sits right along the Historic Columbia River Highway, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls near Portland. But don’t just snap a photo from the parking lot and drive away.
The real magic happens when you take the 2.6-mile loop trail that connects Horsetail Falls to Ponytail Falls (also called Upper Horsetail Falls). The trail actually passes behind Ponytail Falls, which is one of those pinch-me hiking moments that never gets old no matter how many times I do it.
Along the way, you’ll also catch views of Oneonta Gorge from above. This loop is perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick but incredibly rewarding waterfall hike near Portland.
Trail Update (March 2026): Oneonta Gorge remains closed indefinitely due to ongoing hazards from the 2017 fire. There is no reopening date.
Can’t get enough of these epic waterfalls? Head to Bend, Oregon for a high concentration of show-stopping waterfalls. You can see some of them in the video above!
Best Time to Visit Waterfalls Near Portland
One question I get all the time is when to visit the waterfalls near Portland. The honest answer? Every season brings something different, and they’re all worth experiencing.
Spring (March through May) is hands down the best time if you want to see waterfalls at their most powerful. Snowmelt from the Cascades and spring rain combine to create thundering flows that are absolutely mesmerizing. The downside? Trails can be muddy and the weather is unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproof boots.
Summer (June through August) brings warm, dry weather that makes hiking a joy. Water flow tapers off at smaller falls, but the big ones like Multnomah and Latourell run strong year-round. This is peak season, so expect crowds at popular trailheads, especially on weekends.
Fall (September through November) is my personal favorite. The crowds thin out, the maple trees lining the Gorge turn brilliant shades of orange and gold, and the waterfalls start picking up again with the early rains. It’s genuinely magical.
Winter (December through February) is quiet and moody in the best way. Some trails close due to ice or fallen trees, but many waterfalls are still accessible and you’ll often have them to yourself. Just check trail conditions before heading out and bring traction devices for icy paths.
Getting There: Columbia River Gorge Tips
Most of the best waterfalls near Portland are located in the Columbia River Gorge, and there are a few things you should know before planning your trip.
Timed Entry Permits: Several popular areas in the Gorge (including Multnomah Falls) now require timed entry reservations during peak season, typically from late May through early September. You can book permits through Recreation.gov. These sell out fast, so plan ahead. Permits are usually released in blocks, and I recommend setting a reminder for release dates.
Parking: Many Gorge trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day pass or $30 annual). You can pick one up at ranger stations, some outdoor retailers, or buy online. Some trailheads like Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls have free parking, which is a nice bonus.
Getting There by Car: Take I-84 east from Portland and you’ll be at the first waterfalls in about 30 minutes. For a more scenic drive, take the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30), which winds past several waterfalls and viewpoints. Just know that this route takes longer and parking fills up fast on weekends.
Shuttle Option: The Columbia Gorge Express bus runs from Gateway Transit Center in Portland to several popular Gorge stops including Multnomah Falls. It costs just a few dollars and saves you the headache of parking. My husband and I’ve used it on busy summer weekends and it’s a game changer.
Waterfalls Near Portland FAQ
What is the closest waterfall to Portland?
Latourell Falls is the closest waterfall to Portland, sitting just 35 minutes east of downtown in the Columbia River Gorge. The trailhead is right off the Historic Columbia River Highway in Guy W. Talbot State Park, and the hike itself is an easy 2.4 miles. No parking pass required either, which is always a plus.
Do you need a pass to see waterfalls near Portland?
It depends on which waterfall you visit. Several waterfalls in the Gorge like Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Elowah Falls, and Horsetail Falls have free parking and don’t require a pass. Others, including Tamanawas Falls, Ramona Falls, Punch Bowl Falls, Gorton Creek Falls, and Wahclella Falls, require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day pass or $30 annual). Multnomah Falls requires a timed entry reservation during peak season, and Silver Falls State Park charges a $5 day-use fee.
Can you swim at waterfalls near Portland?
Swimming is allowed at some waterfalls near Portland but not all. Punch Bowl Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail has a popular swimming hole, though cliff jumping is prohibited (and comes with a $300 fine). Abiqua Falls also has a swimmable pool at its base, though the water is cold year-round. Most other Gorge waterfalls are too shallow, too rocky, or too dangerous for swimming. Always check current regulations and use common sense around fast-moving water.
What is the easiest waterfall hike near Portland?
Multnomah Falls is the easiest waterfall hike near Portland because you can see the falls from a paved path that’s less than a quarter mile from the parking area. If you want something with a bit more of a trail feel, Bridal Veil Falls (1.4 miles) and Wahkeena Falls (0.5 miles) are both very easy and family-friendly. Horsetail Falls is also visible right from the roadside, though the loop trail adds a bit more effort.
Are waterfalls near Portland crowded?
The most popular waterfalls near Portland (especially Multnomah Falls) can get very crowded during summer weekends and holidays. My biggest tip is to visit on weekdays, arrive early in the morning, or explore during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Waterfalls like Gorton Creek Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Elowah Falls tend to be much less crowded even during peak times. If you want solitude, skip the big-name falls on Saturday afternoon and head to a lesser-known gem instead.
Best Waterfalls Near Portland (Post Summary)
- Multnomah Falls
- Ramona Falls
- Punch Bowl Falls
- Trail of Ten Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Latourell Falls
- Tamanawas Falls
- Wahkeena Falls
- Gorton Creek Falls
- Elowah Falls
- Wahclella Falls
- Abiqua Falls
- Horsetail Falls
Starting in spring summer of 2022 you will need a pass to drive the scenic highway in the Columbia gorhe. You can’t just decode to go for a drive at the last minute.
Thankfully they repealed that for lack of funding and it is now drivable without a permit. There is construction going on through 2026 though so check that for road closures.