Chasing Waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where Oregon’s diverse landscapes and majestic waterfalls come together to create an extraordinary outdoor adventure. This spectacular region, carved by the mighty Columbia River, boasts lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers that paint a picturesque backdrop for visitors.

Below is a comprehensive guide and one-day itinerary with valuable tips to enhance your visit. This includes the best times to go, recommended hiking trails, and important safety precautions to keep in mind as you navigate Oregon’s incredible waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway.

Entrance Fee:

$5 Day Pass

TIMED USE PERMIT is required for the Multnomah Falls I-84, Exit 31 parking lot.

May 26, 2025, through September 1^st, 2025, 9 am to 6 pm.
First Booking opportunity- 14 days prior to the visit date at 7 am PST.
Second Booking opportunity- 2 days prior to the visit date at 7 am PST.
Bookings can be made online at Recreation.gov

Lodging:

Two campgrounds are situated within the National Scenic Area: Eagle Creek Campground and Wyeth Campground. Both are open from May to September, and you can make reservations for either one at Recreation.gov. Although neither campground provides RV hookups, several private RV parks are available in the surrounding area.

If you’re looking for other lodging options, consider checking out Hood River, OR, to the east and Troutdale, OR, to the west. Both towns offer a decent range of hotels, cabins, and VRBO options.

Dining:

The Multnomah Lodge has a restaurant right in front of Multnomah Falls. Hours and menus can be found here: Multnomah Lodge. Check out Cascade Locks, Hood River, or Troutdale for other dining options.

Personal recommendations for Troutdale: Lolo’s Boss Pizza and the Sugarpine Drive-in.

Must Know Before You Go:

While this area is stunning year-round, the waterfalls are particularly impressive in the spring.
Both sides of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area are stunning, however this itinerary will only explore the Oregon side. The Washington side is a post for another day😊
The trails are often muddy and slick. Proper footwear is recommended.
I recommend downloading an AllTrails map for any trails on this itinerary. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
This is one of Oregon’s most popular areas, and most stops have minimal parking. Plan on arriving early, or consider a weekday visit to escape the crowds.
Don’t want to deal with parking? Check out these shuttle options: Gray Line Trolley and Sasquatch Shuttle.
Pets are allowed on all trails but must be on a leash.
Wildlife sightings are increasing in the area- including bears and mountain lions. Please review wildlife safety before heading out.

1 Day Itinerary

Multnomah Falls

Distance: 0.4 mi. Rt to Benson Bridge or 2.4 mi. Rt to the top of the falls

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +100 ft/+800 ft

Restrooms Available: Yes

To visit Multnomah Falls, you’ll have two parking options:

Option #1 Multnomah Falls Lot off I-84-

TIMED USE PERMIT REQUIRED: May 26-Sept 1^st, 9 am-6 pm
Inexpensive: $2
Large Lot
Not connected to Highway 30, where you will access the rest of the waterfalls
The timed use permit does not guarantee you a parking spot

Option #2 Multnomah Falls Lot off Highway 30-

Extremely small
Privately owned
Expensive: $20

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, reaching an impressive height of 620 feet. Each year, approximately 2.5 million people visit the falls; however, even on the busiest days, the breathtaking view is worth navigating through the crowds. To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive as early as possible, ideally by 8:00 AM at the latest.

The trail begins just east of the lodge near the concrete steps, where you’ll quickly see the magnificent falls behind the large stone bridge. After taking a few pictures, start the short but steep climb up to the bridge for a closer view of the falls. This bridge is often the most crowded spot on the trail, so if you’re looking for a bit of solitude, consider going past the bridge and continuing your climb to the top of the falls.

If you are headed to the top, at the first trail junction after the bridge, continue straight toward the Multnomah Falls Overlook on Larch Mountain (Trail 441). You will navigate steep switchbacks for just under a mile before taking a quick spur trail (Trail 441A) that leads to the overlook.

If you’re pressed for time, you may want to skip the climb to the top. While the views that high up are incredible, the views of the actual falls themselves are obstructed and might not be worth the extra trek.

After visiting the falls, head back down the trail to explore the restaurant, gift shop, and Visitor Center before moving on to your next destination.

Multnomah Falls

Horsetail Falls/Ponytail Falls

Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +300 ft

Restrooms Avaiilable: No

The Horsetail Falls parking area is about 3 miles east of Multnomah Falls on Highway 30. If you are coming from the I-84 lot, take exit 35 and head right off the exit. The parking area is approximately a mile and a half from the exit.

Horsetail Falls is located just off the parking area, where it cascades over a mossy cliff, dropping 178 feet into the pool below. You’ll find the trail leading to the 88-foot Ponytail Falls to the left of the Horsetail Falls. Like many trails in the gorge, this one is short and steep; you will climb 0.4 miles before reaching the stunning waterfall that crashes over a massive rock overhang. This overhang even allows you to walk behind the waterfall for more fantastic views of the falls before heading back to your vehicle and moving on to waterfall number 4!

Horsetail Falls

Wahkeena Falls

Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +200 ft

Restrooms Available: Yes

The parking area for Wahkeena Falls is located three and a half miles from the Horsetail Falls Lot. If you are facing Wahkeena Creek, the trailhead is to your right (the sign is small and easy to miss!). It is an easy 0.2 miles to Wahkeena Falls and back, where you can enjoy a stunning up-close view of the two-tiered, horsetail-shaped waterfall.

Optional Add-on: Continue to Lemmons Point and Fairy Falls from Wahkeena Falls. It will add 1.8 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain onto your hike.

Wahkeena Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +100 ft

Restrooms Available: Yes

Three miles west of Wahkeena Falls on Highway 30, you’ll find the parking area for Bridal Veil Falls. From there, you will start your hike on a short, paved path that winds through the forest before transitioning to a mix of dirt and stone. As you descend the cliffside, you’ll arrive at a footbridge at the bottom. The path on the other side leads to an observation deck where you can enjoy stunning views of the majestic 120-foot, two-tiered falls beautifully surrounded by lush green moss on either side.

Optional Add-on: Once you are back near the parking area, take a short hike on the Bridal Veil Overlook Trail. This easy 0.5-mile loop will take you past several beautiful lookout points and informative signs about the area’s native plants.

Bridal Veil Falls

Shepperd’s Dell

Distance: 0.2 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Route: Easy

Elevation Gain: <20 ft

About a mile and a half west of the Bridal Veil Falls parking area, there is a small pull-off for the 220-foot Shepperd’s Dell Falls. Although there is a sign at the bridge, the turn-off can be easy to miss, so you may want to go slow. The walk down to the falls is short and sweet, but no less lovely than the other falls you’ve seen today. Your view at the small observation deck will be slightly obstructed (although you’ll be close enough to feel the water’s spray), so make sure to check out the views from the bridge as well when you head back up!

Sheppard’s Dell Falls

Latourell Falls/Upper Latourell Falls

Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Loop

Trail Route: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +600 ft

Restrooms Available: Yes

The day’s last stop is just one more mile down Highway 30.

I know it’s probably late in the day, and your legs are tired, but I highly recommend completing this entire loop. You can hike the 2.5-mile loop in either direction, but I suggest heading to Latourell Falls first before crossing the bridge and continuing the loop counterclockwise.

The base of the 250-foot Latourell Falls is located about 0.3 miles from the parking area. The bridge at the base is usually crowded, but once you cross over the bridge at the bottom of the falls, you’ll likely have the rest of the trail to yourself. Most of the elevation gain occurs within the first half mile, so when you see the “rainbow tree,” you’ll know the climb is nearly complete.

Shortly after the rainbow tree, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous viewpoint of the Columbia River and then pass a spur trail (skip it!). Continue following the rushing waters of Latourell Creek until you reach a footbridge that leads to the magnificent Upper Latourell Falls. Cross the footbridge for a view of both tiers of the stunning 130-foot waterfall.

After enjoying the peaceful solitude at Upper Latourell Falls, begin your steep descent back to the parking area. Just before reaching the bottom of the last set of stairs, you’ll pass a stone observation deck with one last spectacular view of Latourell Falls, providing the perfect ending to your Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour.