There are too many spectacular waterfalls in Oregon to choose from when you visit so hopefully this will help you narrow down your list and discover some new ones!
Ready, Set Go!
#12 Tumalo Falls
Located near Bend, Oregon Tumalo Falls is one of the main natural features in Deschutes National Forest. The waterfall features a 97-foot plunge with viewing platforms at the top and secret unmarked pathways to the bottom and behind the falls!
The trail to the top of the falls continues upstream and includes another set of waterfalls called Double Falls and Upper Tumalo Falls. This area draws a bit of a tourist crowd but it's a great stop when visiting the Bend, Oregon area.
#11 Diamond Creek Falls
Located in the Willamette National Forest, Diamond Creek Falls is one of the main falls in the three waterfall trail circuit including Fall Creek, Diamond Creek, and Salt Creek Falls.
The waterfall is a massive cascading waterfall with a strong flow throughout the year. It's fun to get right up in front of and best if you don't mind getting wet.
#10 Drift Creek Falls
Less explored than other waterfalls on the Oregon circuit, Drift Creek Falls is located outside of the coastal town of Lincoln City, Oregon.
These falls feature a 66-foot waterfall next to a 240-foot long suspension bridge. It take s a mile and a half through the forest to reach this area. The waterfall increases its flow during wet months and the suspension bridge can make it one of the coolest settings to view a waterfall in the entire Pacific Northwest.
#9 Wahclella Falls
Part of the Columbia River Gorge, this waterfall features canyon-side trails that loop to the falls and pass a picturesque wooden bridge in front. These are a lesser known than other favorites in the area but remain a popular spot and a heavily photographed location in Oregon.
The falls are fed by underground springs making them roar all year-round! Not even the severe drought in September when I visited had an effect on these falls. Be sure to check out the iconic hemlock logs that are stacked up in front of the aqua blue pool when you visit.
#8 Salt Creek Falls
Located at the same trailhead as Diamond Creek Falls - #11 on this list, is Salt Creek Falls. One of the largest and most under the radar falls in Oregon. This 282-foot single plunge waterfall only requires a small walk from the trailhead to reach the stone and wooden viewing platforms.
Be sure to hike the switchback trails down to the lower wooden viewing platform that sits half-way down the gorge. There are incredible tree stumps on the gorge side to shoot pictures from.
#7 Abiqua Falls
These falls are unique for many reasons but one of my favorites is because they're located on private property where the owner lets visitors come and go as they want for free public use. This keeps the vibe of the area more local and less touristy.
The waterfall has limited information about parking, trailhead, routes, and 2WD vs 4WD vehicles arriving. Be sure to read my guide before showing up and discovering you don't have service in the middle of nowhere central Oregon!
Also note that these falls experience a big fluctuation during wet and dry seasons making these falls pop in the spring and look less vibrant in fall (I visited during a heavy drought in September 2021).
#6 Latourell Falls
At a height of 249 feet, Latourell Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Oregon. Similar to other waterfalls in Oregon the water drops over massive slabs of basalt columns before plunging to the rocky ground.
This is another stop on the Columbia River Gorge waterfall circuit and requires no hiking to visit. Come early as this is known to get popular after the tours depart from Multnomah and onto the other waterfalls in the area.
#5 Multnomah Falls
Arguably the best waterfall in Oregon and no doubt the most popular is Multnomah Falls. It's also the tallest - it holds records and is located right off the Columbia River Gorge Highway so it's no surprise it draws a crowd. Ranking Multnomah here because it is touristy and you lose much of the feel of the falls by the crowds and tour buses.
The falls open at first light and I would recommend arriving before 9am to get an experience that resembles more of a hike and less of a zoo.
#4 Proxy Falls
Located partially in Willamette National Forest and partially in the Three Sisters Wilderness is Proxy Falls! These falls are unspeakably beautiful and in an amazing forest setting requiring a short half mile hike to get to.
These falls are a monster coming in at 226 feet high and have a large exposed opening through the dense forest that surrounds them. The logs in front are a favorite for photos but watch out, they're as slippery as they look!
#3 Ramona Falls
Situated on the western side of Mount Hood near the PCT and Timberline Trails are the enchanting Ramona Falls. These falls feature a 7-mile roundtrip hike if parking at the nearest trailhead keeping the crowds lower than other Oregon waterfalls.
The falls feature a 120-foot cascade of water down the mossy green rocks with the trail passing directly in front of the falls on a wooden log foot bridge. It's an incredible setting for a waterfall and a trail.
#2 Tunnel Falls
This is quite possibly one of the most unique waterfalls in the world and has what I like to say my favorite hike to get to them. Some waterfalls plunge over cliffs that hang out so that you can walk behind them, these falls have a legitimate tunnel built into the cliffs behind them.
The 12 mile round trip hike is hugely popular but the falls stay much more secluded than others in the Columbia River Gorge that don't include a hike to get to. The hike in is spectacular and includes other waterfalls like Punchbowl Falls.
#1 Toketee Falls
In the beautifully named Umpqua National Forest is Oregon's premier iconic waterfall, Toketee Falls! This waterfall features a strong flow year-round, basalt columns, 120 feet tall, and an aqua blue pool.
The setting to these falls is what makes them so incredible and only the adventurous folk reach the bottom of the falls keeping spots secluded from peak time crowds. These are the ultimate popular but remain incredible natural destination of Oregon.
Honorable Mentions
There were several waterfalls closed due to previous or ongoing forest fires when I visited Oregon. These had been on my list to check out but because of that reason I could not get to them. If you're in Oregon in the future be sure to check the status on these falls below.
Oneonta Gorge and Triple Falls
Elowah Falls
Pup Creek Falls
Silver Creek State Park *Now Open*
I hope you enjoyed this article - let me know your thoughts in the comments. Would love to hear any of your additions or if any of these were newly discovered when reading!
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Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
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This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!