Top 5 Waterfalls in Oregon

March 10, 2023

waterfalls in Oregon

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its stunning waterfalls, and Oregon is no exception. So if you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out these incredible falls!

Multnomah Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oregon and a must-see for any nature lover. Featuring a beautiful bridge and multiple tiers, this is definitely one to add to your bucket list!

Multnomah Falls

A roaring waterfall that's as majestic and memorable as they come, Multnomah Falls is a must-see in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. A short drive outside of Portland, the 611-foot-tall awe-inspiring cascade lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close.

The trail to the top of the falls is steep, but if you're prepared for it, it's worth the climb. You'll traverse eleven switchbacks that climb a tier and then round a corner to a new view out over the Columbia River Gorge.

There's a ledge that allows you to rest while you take in the views, and you'll also find someone thoughtfully placed a bench here.

The trail is one of the most crowded in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 2.5 million visitors coming here every year on average. It's best to start early and avoid the midday crowds, which can be incredibly tense.

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a 134-foot tall waterfall that drops from an overhanging basalt cliff.

It’s one of the first waterfalls you’ll see when driving along the scenic highway. The lower falls are visible from the highway, while you’ll need to hike up a trail to get a good look at the upper falls.

If you want to take a hike, head down towards the parking lot from the Vista House. The trail starts off fairly easy and you’ll soon start to encounter some cool viewpoints as you climb up the hill.

After about a mile of hiking, you’ll find an overlook of Upper Latourell Falls. It’s a 134-foot-tall waterfall that slides down a basalt overhang and plummets into a pool.

Toketee Falls

Toketee Falls is one of Oregon’s most popular waterfalls and for good reason. This 113-foot waterfall is carved out of a gorge created by the North Umpqua River.

It’s a two-tiered drop into an amphitheater of columnar basalt. The lower fall plunges 85 feet into a pool that is planked by deep alcoves.

If you’re interested in seeing this amazing waterfall, you can take the 0.4-mile trail to the viewing platform. The hike is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment, but it can be busy during the summertime.

The viewpoint is a great place to capture some incredible photos of the river passing through a narrow gorge. You can also go down to the base of the falls to get another angle or dip into some refreshing water. This is a very fun and adventurous activity that’s perfect for the whole family!

Proxy Falls

Proxy Falls is a spectacular waterfall that is located in the Willamette National Forest. Its two cascading legs drop from 69 m high (226 ft). They are particularly impressive in the spring when the water flow is most intense.

There is a trail that makes a loop around the falls. It is 1.6 miles long and is very easy to hike.

The trail begins at the southwest corner of the parking lot next to the information sign. The first section of the trail runs through an ancient lava field. It is rocky for the first 0.5 mile, but eventually the terrain levels out and you can enjoy a stroll through a moss-covered forest.

After traversing the lava field, you will come to a trail split that will lead you down to Lower Proxy Falls or along the main trail towards Upper Proxy Falls. It is a good idea to check out both viewpoints, as they are equally impressive.

Mission

Tornado Dave is the best place to learn more about severe weather and climate science. He's a veritable tornado of information, and he loves nothing more than educating others about the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. Make sure to check in with Tornado Dave often, as he's always updating his blog with the latest news and information!
hello world!
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram