10 Enchanting Waterfalls in Oregon

Written by Volia Schubiger
Published: April 26, 2022
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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

White River Falls

Just 30 miles south of The Dalles and the Columbia River lies 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

Watson Falls

Watson Falls is the third tallest waterfall in Oregon.

©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

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls has a vertical drop of 89 feet, making it the tallest and most magnificent waterfall along Tumalo Creek.

©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

Punch Bowl Falls

Punch Bowl Falls has a powerful cascading stream of water.

©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

Latourell Falls

The Columbia River Gorge’s Latourell Falls is Portland’s closest waterfall.

©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

Toketee Falls

The word “Toketee,” meaning “graceful,” comes from the Chinook language.

©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

South Falls, Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s largest state park, is home to 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

Salt Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon.

©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

Tamanawas Falls

The water cascades from Tamanawas Falls so powerfully that it can even spray at you.

©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

Multnomah Falls

The Multnomah Falls is the largest waterfall in Oregon.

©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.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Victoria Ditkovsky/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

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