There are hundreds of waterfalls in Oregon, but only a select few that you can actually walk behind the plunging column of water.
These 6 waterfalls in Oregon that you can walk behind are truly unique and memorable gems we are lucky to be able to visit.
After visiting these places ourselves, we’ve gathered our local knowledge here to help you experience the magic of these epic Oregon waterfalls.
We’ll cover everything you should know before setting out on your Oregon walk-behind waterfall adventure. Let’s dive right in!
Oregon Walk-Behind Waterfalls Overview
Walk-behind waterfalls are a rare occurrence and only form when through a unique combination of geological and erosional processes.
Typically, these waterfalls occur in locations where the rock behind the waterfall is softer and erodes more easily than the rock over which the water cascades.
Over time, the constant flow of water wears away the softer rock, creating a recess or a cave-like area behind the waterfall.
This creates the space for a trail or walkway to be established behind the falling water.
The result is a spectacular opportunity to view a waterfall from a unique perspective.
Fortunately for us, there are 6 epic waterfalls you can walk behind in Oregon. Each one is unique and has its own charms.
Some require a long hike to reach, but others are only steps from the parking lot. Also, all of the falls mentioned here are waterfalls near Portland.
Walk-Behind Waterfalls in Oregon Map
This map shows the locations of the 6 stunning waterfalls mentioned in this list. Use this map to get your bearings. You can also expand it in a new window.
Two of these six are in the Columbia River Gorge and four are within Silver Falls State Park.
| Walk-Behind Waterfall Name | Region | Minimum Hiking Distance Required |
| Tunnel Falls | Columbia River Gorge | 12 miles |
| Ponytail Falls | Columbia River Gorge | 1 mile |
| South Falls | Silver Falls State Park | 0.25 miles |
| Lower South Falls | Silver Falls State Park | 1.5 miles |
| North Falls | Silver Falls State Park | 0.5 miles |
| Middle North Falls | Silver Falls State Park | 3 miles |
Our Overall Tips for Visiting Oregon Waterfalls
- Dress for the season (prepare for rain and sun).
- Spring is the best time to see waterfalls in Oregon (snowmelt and rain produce high flows).
- Check road closures and conditions on TripCheck.
- Expect crowds on summer weekends.
- Research fees and permits as needed. Many trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass.
- Bring a topographic map if hiking is required.
Tunnel Falls
One of the most unique waterfalls near Portland is Tunnel Falls, accessible via the beautiful Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls 12 mile round-trip hike.
There really is no other waterfall quite like it. Why? Because you can walk behind it through a tunnel! If you hadn’t already seen photos, you probably wouldn’t believe it.
Furthermore, this scenery-driven trail was constructed in the 1910’s and the area has an exciting history that is fun to appreciate when you visit.
Be aware that this trail does have sections carved into the side of a cliff with steep drop offs. While this can be intimidating, and you should certainly tread carefully, it is also part of what makes this trail special.
In addition, there are actually 7 more noteworthy waterfalls along the trail (including the beautiful Punch Bowl Falls), which keep things interesting as the miles go by.
It is worth noting that the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned much of the forest canopy. Today the forest is still recovering and there are many areas that are exposed, which can be tough on a hot day.
Tunnel Falls itself is just fantastic. This waterfall gets 5 stars from us for its uniqueness and wow-factor! We highly recommend you do this trail and see if for yourself.
Our Tips:
- If you want to learn more, check out our full guide to Tunnel Falls.
- Be aware of six sections of sheer cliff with no protection, which may be spooky for kids and dogs.
- Bring sun protection on a hot day. Much of this trail is exposed.
- Consider doing this as an overnight backpacking trip. However, don’t leave valuables in the car at the trailhead. Our car has been broken into during the night in the past.
- Don’t forget there are lots more waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge that you can and should explore!
Ponytail Falls
Ponytail Falls (also known as Upper Horsetail Falls) is accessible via a short but steep trail that starts at Horsetail Falls (which is also worth checking out, even though you can’t walk behind it).
Ponytail Falls is the only waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge that you can walk behind (besides Tunnel Falls) that we know of.
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 provides up-close-and-personal views of towering basalt cliffs.
Along the way, 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.
Our tips:
- This is a great stop when seeing other epic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
- Consider taking a swim in the pool at Horsetail Falls by the parking lot on a hot day.
South Falls
South Falls is located within the beautiful Silver Falls State Park (which is one of the best state parks in Oregon).
Diving over 170 feet, this is the largest waterfall in Oregon that you can walk behind!
In fact, it is also the most accessible and most frequently visited as well. You can get a great view of the falls just a short walk from the parking lot.
The trail winds down behind the falls and presents incredible views of the plunging water and inverted rocky cliffs.
Due to the huge wow-factor, this is one of our favorite Oregon gems! We get excited each time we come here.
Note that dogs are not allowed on the trail that goes behind the falls but are allowed in other places in the park.
Our tips:
- Be prepared for crowds on weekends with good weather. Consider going during a weekday or extra early.
- Check out the cafe and historic lodge.
- Spend some time exploring more of Silver Falls State Park.
- Be mindful that you don’t hit your head on the low hanging rock (speaking from experience).
- Check out our full article about Silver Falls State Park.
Lower South Falls
Located just a mile or so downstream of South Falls is Lower South Falls.
While overshadowed by its larger counterpart, Lower South Falls is still totally worth a visit (and you might even like it better than South Falls).
There’s a set of stairs that lead down to the perpetually muddy part of the trail that goes behind the falls.
The trail behind the falls lets you get up close and personal with the rigorous cascade of water. You actually get closer to the water than at South Falls.
The moderate 3-mile Lower South Falls and Maple Ride Loop is a great way to experience both South Falls and Lower South Falls.
North Falls
On the lesser-visited northern side of Silver Falls State Park is North Falls.
The hike to North Falls is only 0.5 miles round trip, but does have a bit of a hill. Be careful as it is often wet and slippery.
That said, North Falls is definitely worth a visit. It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Oregon.
This memorable cascade dives off of a huge rock shelf that extends out into the air. The trail goes deep into the underlying grotto which is super exciting to explore.
Middle North Falls
Middle North Falls is yet another waterfall that you can walk behind in Silver Falls.
While it is smaller than the others, it is incredibly fun to explore. The sheet of water is very uniform, making it seem like it was built that way.
However, it is completely natural (apart from the constructed trail that goes behind it).
In our opinion, this is one of the most unique walk-behind waterfalls in Oregon. You get super close to the curtain of water in a way that is more immersive than other waterfalls on this list.
Overall, we would highly recommend visiting this waterfall in the spring, when the flow is highest.
Things to Know for Oregon Walk-Behind Waterfalls
Anytime you walk behind a waterfall you should be aware of these things:
- Low hanging rocks are a hazard: watch your head!
- The trail will likely be muddy or slippery (make sure you have some good hiking shoes and solid hiking poles).
- Consider bringing a rain jacket for potential rain but also the mist from the falls.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article about walk behind waterfalls in Oregon helpful! These are truly some of the most unique places to visit in Oregon.
At Rooted and Roaming, we are dedicated to providing you with accurate and informative information to help you level up your adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re interested, we have other articles about things to do in Portland and the Willamette Valley and adventures in the PNW.
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As always, be sure to leave no trace when you visit. Happy roaming!
