25 Stunning Waterfalls in Oregon (Did You Know These Existed?)

With its lush forests, rugged coastlines, and dramatic mountains, Oregon is a nature lover’s paradise. However, waterfalls are its most captivating natural feature. From thunderous cascades to delicate veils, Oregon’s waterfalls provide a symphony of sights and sounds that entice visitors globally. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into the 25 best waterfalls that the Beaver State has to offer. So, let’s embark on a journey through Oregon’s most stunning liquid landscapes.

Multnomah Falls

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Let’s start with the crown jewel. At 611 feet, Multnomah Falls is a two-tiered behemoth that’s as iconic as it is beautiful. Its graceful descent, coupled with the picturesque Benson Bridge, make it a photographer’s dream.

Try to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the misty glow of sunrise.

Latourell Falls

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Just a stone’s throw from Portland, Latourell Falls offers a 249-foot single-plunge spectacle. What sets it apart? The vibrant yellow lichen adorning the basalt cliffs – it really is stunning.

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Proxy Falls

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Proxy Falls is the shapeshifter of Oregon waterfalls. Depending on the season, it can be a strong flow or a delicate lace-like curtain.

The 226-foot cascade splits into multiple streams, creating a mesmerizing effect that’s worth the moderate 1.5-mile hike.

Toketee Falls

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Two-tiered and tucked away in a basalt amphitheater, Toketee Falls is a geological marvel. The upper tier drops 28 feet, while the lower plunges 85 feet into a serene pool.

It’s like Mother Nature’s own theater, with the falls as the star performer.

Wahclella Falls

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A mere 2-mile round trip hike rewards you with the 350-foot Wahclella Falls. Its two-tiered drop into a gorgeous grotto feels like stumbling upon a secret oasis.

Just don’t expect to keep this secret to yourself for long!

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Salt Creek Falls

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At 286 feet, Salt Creek Falls is the second-highest single-drop waterfall in Oregon. The viewing platform offers a vertigo-inducing perspective not for the faint of heart. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Go big or go home.”

Punch Bowl Falls

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Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing boozy about this beauty. Punch Bowl Falls earned its moniker from the circular pool at its base.

The 35-foot plunge creates a scene so picturesque it’s almost too good to be true.

Tumalo Falls

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Just outside Bend, Tumalo Falls offers a 97-foot drop that’s accessible year-round. In winter, it transforms into a frozen spectacle that would make Elsa jealous.

Summer visitors can cool off in the mist – nature’s air conditioning at its finest.

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Horsetail Falls

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Not to be confused with its Yosemite namesake, Oregon’s Horsetail Falls is a 176-foot cascade that lives up to its equine-inspired name. The wispy tendrils of water do indeed resemble a horse’s tail – if horses had tails made of crystal-clear water, that is.

White River Falls

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White River Falls is a three-tiered wonder that drops 90 feet in its first plunge. The abandoned hydroelectric plant nearby adds a touch of human history to this natural spectacle.

It’s like stepping into a scene where nature is slowly reclaiming what was once taken.

Ramona Falls

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Ramona Falls is the introvert of Oregon waterfalls. Hidden away on the slopes of Mount Hood, its 120 feet of intricate cascades over columnar basalt create a scene of delicate beauty.

The 7-mile round trip hike ensures that only the dedicated get to witness its shy splendor.

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Sahalie and Koosah Falls

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Two for the price of one! These neighboring falls on the McKenzie River showcase the raw power of volcanic landscapes. Sahalie thunders down 100 feet, while Koosah drops 70 feet just downstream.

It’s nature’s version of a double feature.

Abiqua Falls

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Off the beaten path and requiring a bit of adventure to reach, Abiqua Falls is a 92-foot plunge into a basalt amphitheater. It’s like finding the holy grail of waterfalls – difficult to reach, but so worth it.

Watson Falls

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At 272 feet, Watson Falls is the third highest in Oregon. The moss-covered rocks and fallen logs create a fairytale-like scene.

You almost half expect to see a woodland creature reading a tiny newspaper on one of those logs.

Tamanawas Falls

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Tamanawas, meaning “friendly spirit guide” in Chinook, lives up to its name. The 100-foot falls appear to emerge from a cave-like opening, as if by magic.

The 3.6-mile roundtrip hike is a small price to pay for such enchantment.

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Munson Creek Falls

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At 319 feet, Munson Creek Falls is the tallest in the Coast Range. The short, easy trail makes it accessible to most people, demonstrating that good things can come easily. It is how coastal Oregon tells you, “We have waterfalls too!”

Silver Falls State Park

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Cheating? Perhaps. But with ten waterfalls in one park, including the famous South Falls, it would be criminal to leave it out. The Trail of Ten Falls is like a greatest hits album of cascades – each one a chart-topper in its own right.

Metlako Falls

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Visible only from a viewpoint, Metlako Falls in the Columbia River Gorge drops 100 feet into a stunning blue pool. It’s like nature’s infinity pool, minus the cocktail service and lounge chairs.

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Shellburg Falls

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Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Shellburg Falls is a hidden gem. The 100-foot cascade offers solitude rarely found at other popular falls.

It’s the waterfall equivalent of finding a parking spot in downtown Portland – rare and incredibly satisfying.

Umbrella Falls

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On the slopes of Mount Hood, Umbrella Falls spreads its watery canopy 60 feet down the mountainside. Best viewed in late summer when wildflowers paint the meadows, it’s a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to come in from the rain.

Youngs River Falls

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Just outside Astoria, Youngs River Falls offers a coastal waterfall experience. The 65-foot drop into a wide pool is a popular swimming hole in summer.

It’s where Oregonians go when they want to pretend they’re in a tropical paradise.

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Drift Creek Falls

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A 240-foot suspension bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of this 75-foot waterfall. It’s like walking on air while witnessing the power of falling water – an experience that’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

Waterfall at Oneonta Gorge

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More an adventure than a simple viewing, reaching this waterfall requires wading through a slot canyon. The payoff? A 100-foot waterfall in a scene so lush and prehistoric-looking that you half expect to see a dinosaur lumbering past.

Lemolo Falls

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This 165-foot plunge on the North Umpqua River is a testament to the raw beauty of Southern Oregon. The challenging hike to reach it ensures that you’ll have earned that sense of accomplishment when you finally hear its roar.

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Paulina Falls

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Lastly, Paulina Falls in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument offers a unique twin falls experience. The two 80-foot streams showcase the diverse volcanic landscape of central Oregon.

It’s nature’s way of saying, “Why settle for one when you can have two?”

Chasing the Cascades: Your Oregon Waterfall Adventure Awaits

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As you plan your cascading tour of Oregon, remember that these waterfalls are not just destinations but journeys. They remind us of the raw beauty of nature and our small place in it.

So, will you answer the siren call of Oregon’s waterfalls? The adventure awaits, with each misty plunge offering a new perspective on the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

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