12 Epic Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

Few places in the world rival the Columbia River Gorge when it comes to chasing waterfalls. From the iconic Multnomah Falls, to hidden gems tucked along mossy trails, there are some incredible Columbia River Gorge waterfalls.

With more than 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, this dramatic canyon carved by the Columbia River is a dream fore adventurers, hikers, and photographers alike.

Whether you’re road tripping the Historic Columbia River Highway, lacing up your hiking boots for a trail adventure, or simply seeking a scenic stop along the way, these cascades are must-see highlights of the Pacific Northwest.

👉 In this guide, we’ll take you through the 12 best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge you won’t want to miss. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Gorge on several occasions since I now live in Central Oregon. 

Then at the end of the post, I’ll add any useful guides that will help you plan a trip of a lifetime to the Gorge and Oregon in general.

Columbia River Gorge Map of Waterfalls

Below is the list of 12 epic waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge. I have each waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge on this list linked below on Google Maps for easy viewing. If you need an accurate location of a Gorge waterfall, just click on any of the blue links below.

• Punch Bowl Falls 
• Elowah Falls 
• Oneonta Falls
• Dry Creek Falls 
• Wahclella Falls
• Hardy & Rodney Falls (Pool of Winds)

Best Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

Latourell Falls

• 📍 Location: Guy W. Talbot State park, along the Historic Columbia River Highway
• 💦 Height: 224 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: 2.4 Mile loop to see both upper falls and lower falls
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially spring for full flow and late fall for colorful foliage.
• 🚗 Accessibility: Lower viewpoint just steps from the parking area.

Starting off our list of the best waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge is Latourell Falls. Latourell Falls is a stunning waterfall and often the first waterfall you encounter along the Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall corridor coming from downtown Portland, and it sets the tone for the Gorge’s stunning beauty.

Dropping an elegant 224 feet in a single plunge, the falls are framed by dramatic hexagonal basalt columns and moss-covered cliffs, giving it a striking appearance. Unlike many Gorge waterfalls, Latourell can be admired from a viewpoint right by the parking area, making it accessible for all visitors.

For a fuller experience, the Latourell Falls Loop Trail winds through the forest to the lesser-seen Upper Latourell Falls. With easy access, stunning scenery, and fewer crowds than Multnomah, Latourell Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls and a must see stop on any Columbia River Gorge adventure.

Multnomah Falls | Most Iconic Columbia River Gorge Waterfall

• 📍 Location: Historic Columbia River Highway, Exit 31 off I-84
• 💦 Height: 620 Feet (Tallest waterfall in Oregon)
• 🌿 Trail: 2.4 Miles round trip to the top, paved lower trail to Benson Bridge (0.2 miles)
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring (full flow) or early mornings to avoid crowds.
• 🎟️ Permit: Timed Enty tickets required in summer (May-September 9am to 6pm)

No list of Columbia River Gorge waterfalls would be complete without the iconic Multnomah Falls. Cascading in two dramatic tiers down sheer basalt cliffs, Multnomah Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Gorge. It’s the most visited natural attraction in Oregon – and for good reason.

The short paved walk to Benson Bridge puts you right in the misty heart of the tallest waterfall in Oregon, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Pacific Northwest. For more adventure, a longer trail climbs to the top for sweeping views of the Columbia River.

While it can get crowded in peak season, arriving early or visiting off-season allows you to soak in the magic of Multnomah Falls with fewer people. I first saw Multnomah at the end of November before a holiday weekend and it wasn’t crowded at all.

Multnomah Falls can be found along the historic Columbia River Highway and is less than a ten minute walk from the parking lot and the historic lodge. At the base of the falls is the Multnomah Falls lodge with contains a restaurant, a snack and espresso bar, gift shop, and visitors center.

Wahkeena Falls

• 📍 Location: Along the Historic Columbia River Highway, 0.5 miles from Multnomah Falls
• 💦 Height: 242 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: Wahkeena Trail 1 mile round trip to the base, longer loops connect to other Gorge trails
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for peak flow
• 🚗 Accessibility: Viewable from the road with a short hike to get closer

Wahkeena Falls is a graceful, fan shaped cascade that offers a softer beauty compared to some of the Gorge’s more dramatic plunges. Its name, derived from a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful,” fits perfectly.

The falls drop in a series of tiers surrounded by mossy cliffs and wildflowers in the spring time. A short, paved trail leads to a stone bridge at the base, where you can feel the cool mist.

For my fellow hikers, Wahkeena connects to nearby trails, including the popular Wahkeena-Multnomah loop, which links multiple waterfalls in a single adventure.

Bridal Veil Falls

• 📍 Location: Bridal Veil Falls State Park, off the Historic Columbia River Highway
• 💦 Height: 118 Feet (two-tiered)
• 🌿 Trail: An easy 0.6 miles round trip
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Year round, especially spring for lush greenery
• 🚗 Accessibility: Easy family friendly Columbia River Gorge waterfall hike with a picnic area nearby

Tucked into a peaceful gorge, Bridal Veil Falls is a romantic two-tiered cascade that lives up to its name. The short hike winds through forest and ferns before opening up to a wooden viewing platform at the base.

Though not as tall as Multnomah or Wahkeena, its intimate setting and classic “bridal veil” flow make it one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

The area also includes an interpretive trail that leads to sweeping viewpoints of the Columbia River, making this a great stop for both waterfall lovers and sightseers.

Horsetail Falls

• 📍 Location: Along the Historic Columbia River Highway, near Oneonta Gorge
• 💦 Height: 176 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: 2.6 mile Horsetail to Ponytail loop for more adventure
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Summer for easy roadside access, spring for stronger flow
• 🚗 Accessibility: Directly on the side of the road with parking across the street

Shaped like the flowing tail of a horse, Horsetail Falls is one of the most accessible and photogenic waterfalls in the Columbia Columbia River Gorge. Its 176 foot plunge is visible from the road, making it a perfect quick stop for photos. This was one of my favorite waterfalls to take pictures in front of.

For those with more time, the short Horsetail falls trail above the falls lead to Ponytail Falls, where the path passes behind the waterfall. Horsetail’s roadside beauty combined with its adventurous trail option makes it a must-see stop on your waterfall tour.

Tunnel Falls | My Favorite Waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge

• 📍 Location: Eagle Creek Trail
• 💦 Height: 172 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: About 12 Miles round trip – Strenuous Columbia River Gorge waterfall hike
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Late spring – fall (check trail conditions, closures possible)
• ✨ Highlight: Trail passes directly behind the waterfall through a tunnel

Tunnel Falls is one of the most thrilling waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Located deep along the Eagle Creek Trail, this towering 172 cascade is unique because the trail literally tunnels behind the waterfall itself, giving hikers a surreal perspective as water thunders down beside them.

While the hike is long, along steep cliff sides, and not for beginners, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Tunnel Falls is one of the most unforgettable adventures in the Columbia River Gorge and one of my personal favorites.

💦 Read Full Post: Tunnel Falls Hike – Everything you Need to Know

Punch Bowl Falls

• 📍 Location: Eagle Creek Trail
• 💦 Height: 35 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: Moderate 4.8 miles round trip
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall
• ✨ Highlight: Iconic ‘punch bowl’ pool perfect for photos and swimming under.

Punch Bowl Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge – and one of the most photographed. The falls drop into a round, emerald pool that looks straight out of a postcard.

The hike along the Eagle Creek Trail (you’ll pass by this Columbia River Gorge waterfall on the way to Tunnel Falls) is as much a highlight as the destination, with dramatic canyon views and smaller cascades along the way.

In the summer, visitors often wade into the large pool for a refreshing dip with a view. This is one of the only waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge that you can swim around.

Elowah Falls

• 📍 Location: John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor
• 💦 Height: 289 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: Moderate 1.4 Miles round trip hike
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for peak flow
• 🚗 Accessibility: Small parking area, trail can be muddy

Often overlooked compared to Multnomah or Latourell, Elowah Falls is a towering cascade that fells wonderfully wild and secluded. Dropping nearly 300 feet into a mossy amphitheater, the falls are accessed via a relatively short but worth it hike.

A footbridge near the base provides the perfect vantage point to feel the spray and admire the falls in their full glory. For those looking for a quieter experience away from the typical Historic Columbia River Highway crowds, Elowah is a short walk and true gem.

Oneonta Falls

• 📍 Location: Oneonta Gorge, off the Historic Columbia River Highway
• 💦 Height: 100 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: 0.6 Miles through the gorge (requires wading/swimming)
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Summer when water levels are lower
• 🚫 Note: The gorge trail has been closed in recent years due to wildfire damage – check current conditions before visiting.

Oneonta Falls was once a true hidden gem, requiring visitors to wade through chilly creek water and scramble over a log jam to reach the base of this magical slot-canyon waterfall.

At just 100 feet tall, it’s not the biggest, but the journey through mossy, narrow canyon walls made it unforgettable. While the gorge trail has been closed since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the area is still worth a stop for photos and in hopes of future reopening.

Dry Creek Falls

• 📍 Location: Near Cascade Locks, along the Pacific Crest Trail
• 💦 Height: 230 Feet
• 🌿 Trail: Easy to Moderate 4.4 Miles round trip
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall
• 🚗 Accessibility: Trailhead starts in Cascade Locks (Bridge of the Gods Trailhead)

Hidden just a short hike from Cascade Locks, Dry Creek Falls is one of the most underrated Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. Despite its name, the falls flow powerfully most of the year, dropping 230 feet into a rocky, moss-draped canyon.

Because it’s less known than Multnomah or Latourell, the trail is usually quiet, making it a perfect option for those who want a peaceful waterfall hike. Starting in Cascade Locks, it’s also an easy way to connect your Gorge adventure with the charming small-town atmosphere nearby.

Wahclella Falls

• 📍 Location: Near Bonneville Dam, Tanner Creek Trailhead (Exit 40 off I-84)
• 💦 Height: 350 Feet total, final drop about 65 feet into a turquoise pool
• 🌿 Trail: 2 miles round trip (easy-moderate family friendly hike)
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for peak flow, autumn for colorful foliage
• 🚗 Accessibility: Small parking lot, requires NW Forest Pass or day-use fee

Wahclella Falls is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The trail follows Tanner Creek through a mossy canyon, crossing bridges and winding past small cascades before reaching the spectacular amphitheater where Wahclella plunges into a crystal-clear pool.

The falls are technically a series of drops totaling 350 feet, but the final two-tiered plunge is the star of the show. With its lush setting, easy to moderate hike, and family friendly trail, Wahclella is great for those who want a quieter alternative to the busier Columbia Gorge waterfalls.

Hardy & Rodney Falls (Pool of Winds)

• 📍 Location: Hamilton Mountain Trail, Beacon Rock State Park (Washington side)
• 💦 Height: About 90 feet (series of drops), Rodney Falls ~ 60 feet into “Pool of Winds”
• 🌿 Trail: 5.5 miles round trip to Hamilton Mountain summit: 2 miles round trip to the falls
• ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer when flow is strongest
• 🚗 Accessibility: Day-use parking at Beacon Rock State Park (Discover Pass required)

Hardy and Rodney Falls are two beautiful waterfalls tucked into Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side of the Gorge. The hike begins with Hardy Falls, a multi-tiered cascade of viewed from a series of platforms.

A little farther up the trail lies Rodney Falls, which crashes into a powerful chamber known as the Pool of Winds. Here, water explodes into mist and spray, creating a cool, experience for hikers standing at the viewpoint.

For those continuing, the trail leads all the way up Hamilton Mountain for sweeping views of the Gorge – but even if you only make it to the waterfalls, the journey is worth it.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours

📌 Only visiting the Gorge for a day? Here are some epic Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tours to check out:

Tips for Chasing Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

Chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge is magical, but there are definitely some tips worth knowing before you go.

• ⏰ Start Early. The gorge is one of the most popular spots in Oregon, and parking fills up fast at trailheads like Multnomah and Wahkeena. Arrive before 9 if you want easy parking and fewer crowds.
• Check Permit Requirements. From late spring through summer, certain areas (like Multnomah and parts of the Historic River Highway) require timed use permits. Always check before you go so you don’t get turned away.
• 🧥 Layer Up. Weather in the gorge is unpredictable- misty waterfalls, shade, and higher elevations can make it chilly even in the summer. Bring layers and a rain jacket, especially in should seasons.
• 🥾 Wear the Right Shoes. Trails can be muddy and slippery from waterfall spray. Good hiking shoes with traction are a must. I’d avoid flip flops.
• 🎒 Pack Essentials. Bring water and snacks. A waterproof bag or dry sack is handy if you plan on photographing near the splash zones.
• Stay on Marked Trails. Erosion is a real issue in the gorge, and straying off-trail can be dangerous (steep cliffs, slick moss). Stick to marked paths for preservation.
• Expect Crowds at the Big Names. Multnomah, Latourell, and Wahkeena are bucket list waterfalls, but they get packed! Balance your trip with quieter trails like Wahclella Falls, Elijah Falls, or Dry Creek Falls.
• 📵 Be Ready for Cell Service Dead Zones. Don’t count on GPS working everywhere – download offline maps (AllTrails, Google Maps offline) before heading out.
• ♻️ Leave No Trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Respect signs, stay behind barriers, and remember these natural wonders need protecting so future travelers can enjoy them too.

☀️ Best Time to Visit the Columbia River Gorge:

• Spring (April to June): Peak flow for waterfalls, lush green trails, but more rain.
• Summer: Warm + dry, but very busy (some permits needed).
• Fall: Fewer crowds + gorgeous autumn colors.
• Winter: Beautiful frozen falls, but icy trails – proceed with caution.

👉 Bonus Tip: If you want a full day itinerary, you can drive the Historic Columbia River Highway and string together multiple waterfall stops (Latourell → Bridal Veil → Wahkeena → Multnomah → Horsetail), mixing in short hikes and scenic overlooks.

Other Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is much more than just waterfalls. Here are a few other amazing things to do that balance nature, adventure, and a heck of a good time.

• 🚗 Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway – America’s first scenic highway.
• 🚲 Go Biking Along the Gorge – Cyclists love the paved sections of the Historic Highway State Trail, which runs car-free in some stretches. Hood River is also a hub for mountain biking trails.
• 🪁 Windsurfing & Kiteboarding in Hood River – Known as the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is perfect for adrenaline seekers.
• 🍷 Wine Tasting, Breweries & Cideries – Home to vineyards, craft breweries, and cideries. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of waterfall chasing.
• 🧗🏻 Rock Climbing & Hiking at Beacon Rock 
• 🚂 Ride the Mount Hood Railroad – The scenic train ride out of Hood River combines history with stunning views of Mount Hood.

☕️ Read Full Post: Best Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge 

Oregon Travel Vlogs

Would you rather see what it’s like to explore the Columbia River Gorge? Joe and I have had a few epic trips to the Gorge, like the video linked above.

Check out the video or click below to watch our Oregon Travel Series. And please subscribe or give us a thumbs up. It doesn’t cost you anything and really helps us be able to continue creating free content for you to enjoy 🙂.

🎥 Watch our Oregon Travel Vlogs on YouTube

Final Thoughts on the Best Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a waterfall lover’s dream, with cascades tucked around every bend of the highway and hidden deep along mossy canyon trails. 

Exploring these waterfalls isn’t just about checking them off a list – it’s about slowing down, breathing in the misty air, and experiencing the raw power and serenity of the Gorge.

Whether you’re here for a quick scenic drive or a weekend adventure, these Columbia River Gorge waterfalls will leave you inspired and eager to return.

Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and let the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge remind you why this region is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most magical destinations.

If you found this article useful or have any questions, let me know in the comments below 👇.

More Oregon Travel Guides ↓

📍 Planning a trip to Oregon? Since moving to Oregon, I’ve been having a blast exploring this unreal part of the world and so much fun writing about it.

Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration and tips to help plan a trip of a lifetime to the PNW.

Pacific City Travel Guide | Oregon’s Best Coastal Town

32 Stops on the Oregon Coast

Best Things to do in Bend (Local’s Guide)

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