Get ready to experience the 5 best Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. This article is your full guide to the most epic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge!
The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is a natural wonderland famed for its stunning waterfalls and awe-inspiring scenery. We have been exploring this special corner of the Pacific Northwest for many years and we are excited to share our knowledge with you!
From the iconic Multnomah Falls to the lesser known gems, each waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge has its own unique charm. Whether you’re seeking an accessible roadside stop or an exhilarating hike, there’s something here for every explorer.
Join us as we uncover the best Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, providing insider tips and maps to help you plan your own adventure. Let’s jump into these 5 epic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Overview
The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area stretches for over 80 miles along the border of Oregon and Washington, offering a stunning array of waterfalls, hiking, viewpoints, and history.
The Columbia River Gorge is a geological masterpiece, shaped by volcanic activity and the relentless force of water over millions of years. Towering basalt cliffs flank the gorge, providing a dramatic backdrop for the numerous waterfalls that cascade down their rugged slopes.
Designated as a National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a vital ecosystem supporting diverse flora and fauna. The frequent rain and snowmelt nourish lush forests, creating a habitat for wildlife and adding to the area’s enchanting allure.
In this article, we’ll focus on the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you’re marveling at the iconic Multnomah Falls or exploring the lesser-known treasures like Shepperd’s Dell Falls, there’s no shortage of Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to explore.
As we journey through the Columbia River Gorge, we’ll uncover the secrets of each waterfall, offering insights into their history, geology, and accessibility.
Get ready to be immersed in the natural splendor of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating destinations!
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Map
Use the interactive map below to view the location of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls mentioned in this article. You can also expand it to view in a new window.
Best Waterfalls Columbia River Gorge
Prepare to be enchanted as we unveil the best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Each cascade is a testament to the beauty of this region, offering a glimpse into the wonders of this pristine landscape.
The table below shows the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls that we mention in this article. This is by no means every waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge (far from it), but we consider these the best ones!
| Waterfall | Height | Accessibility | Crowd Level | Additional Information |
| Multnomah Falls | 620 ft | Accessible by road | High | Iconic two-tiered cascade. Epic Benson Footbridge. |
| Latourell Falls | 249 ft | Short hike | Moderate | Single drop waterfall. Vibrant hues of lichen-covered rocks. |
| Horsetail Falls | 176 ft | Short hike | Moderate | Awesome waterfall and swimming hole. |
| Ponytail Falls | Varies | Moderate hike | Low | Allows walking behind the waterfall. Truly immersive experience. |
| Shepperd’s Dell Falls | Varies | Short hike | Low | Tranquil setting. Unique waterfall and bridge. |
All of these Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are within a 45 minute drive of Portland (which is why they are often called “gorge Portland waterfalls”). At the same time, these are also considered waterfalls near Hood River Oregon because they are a short drive from Hood River.
The accessibility of these 5 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge vary. In fact, some are just a few steps from a parking lot. Others require a short hike, but the experience is well-worth the effort.
Let’s go into each of these Columbia River falls in more detail below.
Multnomah Falls
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer magnificence of Multnomah Falls, a quintessential icon of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Multnomah Falls is the most visited recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with over 2 million people laying eyes on the falls each year!
This popularity is for a good reason: Multnomah Falls is incredible. Multnomah Falls is a towering two-tiered, year-round cascade nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, boasting a total height of 620 feet.
One of the highlights of Multnomah Falls is the iconic Benson Footbridge, which spans the lower cascade at 105 feet above the ground. This picturesque bridge provides a perfect vantage point for capturing photos of the falls and offers stunning views of the surrounding gorge.
For those looking to explore further, Multnomah Falls offers several hiking trails that provide varying perspectives of the falls and the surrounding scenery. The paved trail to the Benson Footbridge is accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, while more adventurous hikers can continue on to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the gorge.
The Multnomah Falls Visitor Center is a hub of activity, offering an interpretive exhibit, gift shop, a restaurant, and restroom facilities for visitors. There is also a snack shack that is our go to when we visit.
Due to its popularity, Multnomah Falls can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Arriving early in the day or later in the evening can help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
Multnomah Falls is open year-round, but a Timed Use Permit is required from the end of May to the beginning of September.
Overall, we consider Multnomah Falls a must-visit waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. If you can only visit one on this list, Multnomah Falls should be prioritized. It will take your breath away!
Latourell Falls
Although Multnomah Falls gets the most attention, it is so worth it to look for another waterfall near Multnomah Falls. In fact, Latourell Falls is probably our second favorite (behind Multnomah Falls of course).
Latourell Falls showcases a graceful single drop waterfall plunging over a towering basalt cliff, creating a captivating scene that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. The falls stand at approximately 249 feet tall and are renowned for their vibrant hues and pristine surroundings.
The trailhead to Latourell Falls is just a short drive from the Multnomah Falls area and offers ample parking for visitors. In addition, it is the closest of the major Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to Portland.
A paved trail leads from the parking area to an overlook, providing stunning views of Latourell Falls and the surrounding canyon. For those seeking a longer hike, the Latourell Falls Loop Trail offers a scenic journey through old-growth forests and showcases additional viewpoints of the falls.
While Latourell Falls does not have a visitor center, there are picnic areas and restroom facilities available near the parking area. Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the area’s natural history and geology, enhancing your outdoor experience.
Compared to Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls tends to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful and tranquil experience for visitors. Arriving early in the day or visiting during weekdays can further enhance your enjoyment of this natural oasis.
Horsetail Falls
Our third Columbia River Gorge waterfall is Horsetail Falls, another one of the most impressive waterfalls on the Columbia River
Horsetail Falls derives its name from its distinctive appearance, resembling the graceful tail of a horse as it cascades down the basalt cliffs. Standing at approximately 176 feet tall, this idyllic waterfall captivates visitors.
Horsetail Falls is just a few minutes east of Multnomah Falls, making it easy to add as an extra stop. The falls are right next to the parking lot, which is great for accessibility. For those seeking a longer hike, there are several trails that start at the base of Horsetail Falls.
At Horsetail Falls, visitors will find picnic areas and restroom facilities available near the parking area. On a hot summer day, the pool at the base of Horsetail Falls provides a refreshing swimming hole, which we highly recommend taking advantage of.
Ponytail Falls (Also Called Upper Horsetail Falls)
Ponytail Falls (also known as Upper Horsetail Falls) is accessible via a short but steep trail that starts at Horsetail Falls.
Ponytail Falls is a captivating waterfall renowned for its distinctive feature that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading waters, providing an immersive and exhilarating experience. Fed by the same creek as Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls offers a tranquil retreat amidst the lush greenery of the gorge.
The trail to Ponytail Falls is a moderate hike that winds through moss-covered forests and offers up-close-and-personal views of towering basalt cliffs along the way. In addition, you also get great views of the Columbia River Gorge.
As you approach the falls, you’ll have the opportunity to walk behind the falls which is truly awesome. In fact, this is one of only a handful of waterfalls in Oregon that you can walk behind. For this reason, we say add this Columbia River Gorge waterfall to your list!
Shepperd’s Dell Falls
Shepperd’s Dell Falls is a lesser-known gem, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the verdant forests and moss-covered cliffs of the gorge. Fed by a pristine creek, the falls cascade gently into a serene pool below, creating a picturesque setting that is often overlooked.
The trail to Shepperd’s Dell Falls is a very short and easy hike. There is not a proper parking lot but rather a pull-off. Besides the falls themselves, we love the bridge just downstream of the falls because it adds to the allure of this special spot.
There are no facilities at this waterfall, but that is no problem as there are lots of restrooms nearby at other spots along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Shepperd’s Dell Falls is a hidden gem that tends to be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls in the area.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about the 5 best Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. We are excited to help others explore this special region that we love so much ourselves. Please do your part to leave no trace and preserve these areas for future visitors.
We highly recommend visiting these 5 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge scenic area in one day! In fact, it is easy to see all of these falls in under 4 hours, which leaves time for more exploring or grabbing lunch at the Multnomah Falls visitor center.
As a bonus, check out Tunnel Falls if you’re up for a challenging hike but a rewarding waterfall.
Feel free to check out more of our articles about the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood area as well as our articles about Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast, two areas that we also love dearly. Happy adventuring!
