Did you know the state of Oregon is home to more than 230 waterfalls? For this reason, Oregon is a popular destination among nature lovers and hikers. Now, while we wish we could include each and every one of the waterfalls in Oregon, we have decided to make it simpler for you. We’ve decided to narrow down the result to the top 10 waterfalls in Oregon you need to add to your bucket list immediately.
1. White River Falls

©Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock.com
White River Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Maupin, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | White River Falls State Park |
Animals to See: | Deer, Gray Squirrel |
The White River Falls is a 90ft tall waterfall that cascades into an icy pool of blue water. A very popular swimming destination during the summer, it also offers a variety of other activities. From the parking lot, you can watch the falls from a viewing platform. If you want a closer look, you can hike a half-mile.
2. Watson Falls

©Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock.com
Watson Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Douglas County, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Umpqua National Forest |
Animals to See: | Cougar, Elk |
The Watson Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Oregon. At a height of 272 feet, this waterfall contains a spectacular plunge that is well worth the half-mile hike. The best time to view this magnificent scene is in the winter and spring, when the moss is lush and green. Best of all, there’s a bench right at the top where you can sit and take tons of photos with the falls right behind you!
3. Tumalo Falls

©Clifford Wayne Estes/Shutterstock.com
Tumalo Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Bend, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Deschutes National Forest |
Animals to See: | Antelope, Black Bear |
A shady pine forest hides Tumalo Falls, making it one of Oregon’s most beautiful scenic views. With a drop of 100 feet, the waterfall splashes down into a crystal clear pool of water filled with logs. There is a viewing point of the falls just a few steps from the parking lot, making it incredibly accessible. The Tumalo Creek trail also offers a vantage point from which to see the falls from a higher elevation.
4. Punch Bowl Falls

©Oregonez/Shutterstock.com
Punch Bowl Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Multnomah County, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
Animals to See: | Chinook Salmon, Northern Alligator Lizard |
A 35ft tall waterfall, Punch Bowl Falls cascades its water into a large round, punched-out pool. This is where it gets its way. There are trails to it on Eagle Creek, about 2 miles away from the falls. It’s very popular for tourists to go swimming at Punch Bowl Falls, especially on the weekends.
5. Latourell Falls

©Pi-Lens/Shutterstock.com
Latourell Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Multnomah County, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
Animals to See: | Pacific Tree Frog, Garter Snake |
One of the most popular waterfalls in the area is Latourell Falls. This waterfall in Oregon has a single plunge of over 220 feet! To reach the first viewing station, hikers will have to hike 2.5 miles. Once you’ve reached the first viewing station, don’t stop there! Despite its already beautiful view, if you head uphill along the dirt path, you can get an even closer, even more jaw-dropping look at the falls.
6. Toketee Falls

©Stephen Moehle/Shutterstock.com
Toketee Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Douglas County, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Umpqua National Forest |
Animals to See: | Raccoons, Foxes |
There is a waterfall called Toketee Falls located less than three miles from Watson falls, a waterfall in Oregon previously mentioned. The beauty of this waterfall cannot be overstated. It plunges 113 feet into a brilliant blue pool of water at the bottom of a two-tiered waterfall. On the trail to Toketee falls, there is a slight elevation change along the way that takes less than a mile. Don’t worry, though; there are plenty of rest stops along the way if you or your family members get tired.
7. South Falls

©Anderl/Shutterstock.com
South Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Salem, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Silver Falls State Park |
Animals to See: | Hairy Woodpecker, Bobcat |
Silver Falls Park consists of 10 falls, including South Falls. The path is sometimes called the “Trail of Ten Falls” since it is a seven-mile-long walk where you can explore each of the waterfalls. The South Falls stand out from the others in that you can walk behind the water curtain.
8. Salt Creek Falls

©Bob Pool/Shutterstock.com
Salt Creek Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Oakridge, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Willamette National Forest |
Animals to See: | Northern Spotted Owl, Mule Deer |
Salt Creek Falls cascades 286 feet into a large, clear basin with a powerful single drop. From the parking lot, one can easily access the falls by hiking a short distance. The trail takes you right up to the base of Salt Creek Falls for an even closer look.
9. Tamanawas Falls

©SalsTouch/Shutterstock.com
Tamanawas Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Mount Hood, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Mt. Hood National Forest |
Animals to See: | Cougars, Elk |
The Tamanawas Falls is a beautiful 150ft waterfall in Mount Hood National Forest. You have to hike about a mile and a half to reach it, but it is well worth it because you can walk through cedar and spruce-filled scenery. From the base of the waterfall, you can watch in awe, or you can traverse the steep rocks to get a closer look. In addition, there are other vantage points to choose from.
10. Multnomah Falls

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Multnomah Falls | |
---|---|
Location: | Multnomah County, Oregon |
Nearby Attractions: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
Animals to See: | Yellow-Bellied Marmot, Bobcat |
With a height of 620 feet, it is no wonder this waterfall in Oregon is an absolute favorite. During the winter and spring, the falls reach their highest volume in water, and sometimes they even freeze when the weather is coldest. Benson Bridge offers an accessible way to view Multnomah Falls from above and below.
Up Next:
More from A-Z Animals
The Featured Image

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.