10 of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon
Looking to build the ultimate bucket list of the BEST waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest? In this blog post we share 10 of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon! These waterfalls are scattered throughout the state from the Columbia River Gorge in the north to the Highway of Waterfalls in Southern Oregon. We also feature hikes appropriate for a wide range of skill levels, from short and easy strolls to challenging 12 mile hikes.
The best waterfall hikes in Oregon
Tumalo Falls
Bend, Oregon | Length: 0.4 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Tumalo Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bend, and it’s also an easy trail that’s great for families! If you only want to hike to the lower viewpoint this hike is an easy 0.4 mile round trip journey. However, you can also extend your hike by going 2 miles (round trip) to see the top of Tumalo Falls, as well as Double Falls. If you’re really up for a challenge you can do the full 7 mile loop hike with additional waterfalls.
During the summer the parking fills up fast so arrive early! Otherwise, you may need to extend your hike after parking along the road. You’ll also want to bring bug spray, as the mosquitos can be brutal. In winter, Tumalo Falls is still accessible, but the hike requires a 4 mile (round trip) hike via snowshoeing or nordic skiing. The snow is often packed down enough that it is comfortable to walk on.
Toketee Falls
Roseburg, Oregon | Length: 0.8 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Even in a list of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon Toketee Falls stands out for its beauty! This is a two-tiered waterfall on the North Umpqua River that plunges an impressive 113 feet into a deep blue pool. The waterfall is surrounded by volcanic columnar basalt, and the waterfall almost appears to “split” the rock in two. The Toketee Falls Trail is a short forested hike that leads to a wooden viewing platform overlooking the falls. While people do hike to the bottom of the falls this requires cutting a badly eroded trail and navigating a dangerous, slippery slope. Please Leave No Trace and don’t contribute to the eroded side trail.
This waterfall is located along the Highway of Waterfalls (Route 138) near Crater Lake National Park. You can find our full Highway of Waterfalls itinerary here!
Koosah and Sahalie Falls
Bend, Oregon | Length: 2.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Located about halfway between Bend and Eugene, Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail is an easy 2.3 mile (round trip) loop that is family friendly. The hike takes you along the stunningly blue McKenzie River, and you’ll see two large waterfalls along the route, along with a few smaller rapids. While the majority of the hike isn’t accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, the Sahalie Falls viewpoint is accessible.
Multnomah Falls
Columbia River Gorge | Length: 0.2 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Everyone should see this iconic waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge at least once in their lifetime! At over 600 feet tall, Multnomah Falls is truly spectacular. Seeing the falls only requires a short, easy walk from the parking lot, and the lower viewing deck is ADA accessible. You can also hike to the top of Multnomah Falls, which is a more strenuous 2+ mile (round trip) journey that gains nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.
The waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge make for a great day trip from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington! During peak visitation season you’ll need a timed entry permit (unless you want to wake up early or arrive later in the day).
Susan Creek Falls
Roseburg, Oregon | Length: 1.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Located just 30 minutes east of Roseburg, Oregon, Susan Creek Falls is a beautiful 60 foot tall waterfall at the end of a short 1.5 mile (round trip) hike! The trailhead is located immediately off of Highway 138, and there is usually plenty of parking.Note that parts of this area were burned in a wildfire and are actively recovering, so please stay on the trail to help with restoration.
This waterfall is located along the Highway of Waterfalls (Route 138) near Crater Lake National Park. You can find our full Highway of Waterfalls itinerary here!
Silver Falls State Park Trail of Ten Falls
Salem, Oregon | Length: 7.4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
You probably already guessed this, but the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park takes you past ten stunning waterfalls! You can even walk behind several of the falls. This is a longer 7.4 mile (round trip) hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, making it moderately challenging. There are also a multitude of shorter trail options available within the park. You’ll need to purchase a $5 day pass to enjoy this beautiful state park.
Watson Falls
Roseburg, Oregon | Length: 0.8 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Fun fact: at over 272 feet, Watson Falls is actually the third tallest waterfall in Oregon! The waterfall is surrounded by sheer volcanic cliffs and honestly makes you feel like you’re in Iceland! The parking lot has plenty of parking spots and a pit toilet, and leads directly to the trailhead. The short hike parallels Watson Creek. This waterfall is extremely misty, so I recommend wearing a good rain jacket. This raincoat is one of our favorites for women and men.
This waterfall is located along the Highway of Waterfalls (Route 138) near Crater Lake National Park. You can find our full Highway of Waterfalls itinerary here!
Warm Spring Falls
Roseburg, Oregon | Length: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy
The short 0.6 mile (round trip) trail to Warm Spring Falls descends through a shaded cool forest, leading to a viewing platform from which you can see the waterfall. The falls descends 70 feet into a basalt canyon. This is a less popular trail, so you can expect to see very few visitors on the trail with you.
This waterfall is located along the Highway of Waterfalls (Route 138) near Crater Lake National Park. You can find our full Highway of Waterfalls itinerary here!
Sweet Creek Falls Trail
Eugene, Oregon | Length: 2.0 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Located near Eugene, Oregon, Sweet Creek Falls is a beautiful 2.0 mile (round trip) family-friendly hike that takes you past a multitude of cascading waterfalls. In fact, you’ll see 11 different waterfalls along this trail! The hike takes you through lush pacific northwest forest and is relatively flat. There is also a bathroom at the trailhead.
Tunnel Falls via the Eagle Creek Trail
Columbia River Gorge | Length: 12.3 miles | Difficulty: Hard
No roundup of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon would be complete without tunnel falls. This spectacular hike takes you along a dramatic cliffside and past eight spectacular waterfalls! The star of the show is tunnel falls, which is an impressive, large waterfall that you can walk behind. In the spring you’ll find flowers and abundant ferns along this lush and green trail. Arrive early if you want a parking spot!
Please note that the cliff sides are steep. Exercise caution with dogs and children. Leashes are required for dogs here, in part because they can easily run off the cliff sides by accident. Sadly, we witnessed someone lose a pet over the edge of this trail in 2022.
The waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge make for a great day trip from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington!