The waterfalls in Oregon aren’t only breathtaking but some are larger-than-life. We have falls that drop hundreds of feet in multiple tiers, with a misty beauty that can only truly be appreciated in person. Just looking up at them from only 5 or 6 feet tall is an incredible reminder of how small we really are. But the Pacific Northwest has falls around pretty much every corner. Which ones drop higher than the rest? Check them out below.
10. South Falls
Photo by Jasperdo on Flickr
Total height: 177 feet
Location: Silver Falls State Park
Not only can you enjoy misty views of South Silver Falls but you can literally walk behind it. The falls are one of 10 on Trail Of Ten Falls Loop, in Silver Falls State Park.
9. Elowah Falls
Photo by Michael Matti on Flickr
Total height: 213 feet
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Elowah Falls drops off McCord Creek into a rocky canyon formed by old lava flow. The hike is short and easy at two miles RT, and a great option for beginners.
8. Latourell Falls
Photo by cacophony on Wikipedia
Total height: 249 feet
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Latourell Falls only has one drop but it’s massive. It’s also a short hike off the Columbia River Highway, in Guy W. Talbot State Park. From the parking lot you can take two paths – one leading to a picture perfect viewpoint – and the other to the bottom of the falls. Either way the views are nothing short of spectacular.
7. Polallie Creek Falls
Photo by Youtube/lisaartista8
Total height: 275 feet
Location: Mount Hood National Forest
Polallie Creek Falls isn’t very well known because it’s nestled deep in the Mount Hood National Forest. It’s also no easy trek: the hike is actually quite rugged and dangerous, leading down steep rocky cliffs as it follows the creek upstream. To get a better idea of what the hike is like, check out this short clip on Youtube.
6. Salt Creek Falls
Photo by Mike Lavoie on Flickr
Total height: 286 feet
Location: Willamette National Forest
Salt Creek Falls may come in at #6 for total height but it does have the second highest single drop in Oregon. The 286-foot-beauty plummets into a rocky canyon along Salt Creek, on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. A viewing deck overlooking the falls is only 50 yards from the parking lot and it’s wheelchair-accessible. For better views, you can also take the Salt Creek Falls Trail along the canyon rim. There’s additionally a steep trail from the platform to the base of the falls if you want to climb down and feel the mist.
5. Lancaster Falls
Photo by Flickr/Mitchell Friedman
Total height: 303 feet (in two drops)
Location: Columbia Gorge/Hood River Valley
Lancaster Falls can be seen by foot, or from your car while driving on I-84. From the trail it may not seem as large because it passes underneath the final 20-foot drop. But there’s also a 231-foot tier that plummets off a mossy cliff from above, and channels through a narrow slot for 50 feet before plunging the final 20 feet visible from the trail.
4. Munson Creek Falls
Photo by astra04/TripAdvisor
Total height: 319 feet
Location: Tillamook County
Dropping over 300 feet, Munson Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall by the Oregon coast. It’s hidden among lush forest and can be reached by a short and easy 0.3-mile trail in Munson Creek Falls State Park off Highway 101.
3. Dalton Falls
Photo by pyles_94 on Oregon Hikers Forum
Total height: 350 feet
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Dalton Falls plunges about 350 feet down rocky cliffs near the Columbia River Gorge. It’s just a short hike west of Mist Falls (next) but it isn’t nearly as well-known. In fact there is some controversy over where this elusive waterfall is located. Here is a map that shows Dalton Falls between Mist Falls and Coopey Falls.
2. Mist Falls
Photo by Flickr/brx0
Total height: 520 feet (in two drops)
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Mist Falls may be Oregon’s second tallest waterfall but it doesn’t maintain a very powerful flow. The falls are just off the Columbia River Highway, and can be reached on an unmarked trail just west of Wahkeena Falls.
1. Multnomah Falls
Photo by Al Case on Flickr
Total height: 620 feet (in two drops)
Location: Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls isn’t only Oregon’s most famous waterfall but it also happens to be the largest. The top portion of this two-tiered beauty can be seen while driving the Columbia River Highway, but you can also pull off the interstate for closer views and photo ops. From the parking lot you can walk to the base of the falls, make your way to the bridge, or climb all the way to the top tier. If you have extra time, swing by Multnomah Falls Lodge to check out the restaurant and gift shop, and find additional hiking information.