We did some research to find out what state has the most waterfalls. With abundant rain and geographic size in its favor, we assumed Oregon would be at or near the top of the list. The thing is, we couldn’t find a reliable list. Some seemingly authoritative sites state that Oregon has 238 waterfalls, while others blow that number right out of the water, claiming more than 1,600 waterfalls.
In the end, we decided not to focus on numbers and what state has the most. Instead, we’ll simply share some of our favorites from different regions. This is, for certain, a very short list, but these waterfalls are all beautiful and are easily accessible, for the most part.
When thinking of waterfalls in Oregon, most people’s thoughts likely turn to two places: The Columbia River Gorge and Silver Falls State Park. Let’s start with these.
Columbia River Gorge
Carved by erosion and, most dramatically, by the Missoula Floods at the end of the last ice age, the Columbia River Gorge has a distinct relationship with water. How fitting, then, that the river itself is fed by numerous waterfalls not far from its banks.
Unquestionably, Multnomah Falls is the most popular waterfall the Gorge, if not the state. It’s the tallest in Oregon at 620 feet, broken into three sections: The upper falls drop 542 feet, followed by a gradual nine-foot drop before the lower falls drops 69 feet.
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Latourell Falls, just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, is the third tallest waterfall in the Gorge, behind Multnomah and Elowah Falls, with a 224 foot drop.
Located at the site of an old lumber mill, Bridal Veil Falls drops about 120 feet over two tiers.
Fairy Falls is a 20-foot fan waterfall located along the Wahkeena Trail.
Horsetail Falls is so easy to get to, you can feel the spray from the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Near Cascade Locks, the lower tier of Wahclella Falls drops 60 feet into a large splash pool.
A highlight of Eagle Creek, Punch Bowl Falls drops 35 feet, cutting through a narrow channel and shooting powerfully into a large bowl that resembles a punchbowl.
Keep following the Columbia River west toward the town of Clatskanie, and you'll find Beaver Falls, discreetly tucked away just off Beaver Falls Road.
Silver Falls State Park
East of Salem sits the crown jewel of Oregon’s state park system: Silver Falls State Park, featuring the 7.2 mile Trail of Ten Falls. Encompassing an area of more than 9,000 acres, Silver Falls is also the state’s largest park.
With a drop of 177 feet, South Falls is the second tallest waterfall in the park.
Lower South Falls is one of four waterfalls in the park where the trail passes behind the curtain.
Upper North Falls is not located on a trail loop, so it can be easy to miss. It drops 65 feet.
Cascades Range
Numerous waterfalls in the Central and Southern Cascades line trails that are fairly accessible. Near Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Falls is another popular waterfall, with a 97-foot drop. The town of Oakridge, southeast of Eugene on highway 58 is an ideal basecamp for chasing waterfalls, with falls such as Diamond Creek and Salt Creek nearby. Drop just a little bit farther south and Toketee Falls, east of Roseburg, is a perfect add-on to a trip to nearby Crater Lake.
Central and Eastern Oregon
Of course, dryer conditions don't preclude waterfalls. One of Oregon's most scenic falls can be found at a small state park near Tygh Valley, north of Maupin. White River Falls is also the site of a historic hydroelectric power plant at the base of the falls. No longer in commission, this plant was one of the first hydroelectric power plants in Oregon, supplying electricity to Wasco and Sherman Counties from 1910-1963.
In eastern Oregon, explore the Eagle Cap Wilderness for falls that are partially fed by the snow-capped peaks of northeastern Oregon.
White River Falls drops 90 feet at White River Falls State Park, before ultimately feeding into the Deschutes River.
The Coast
We don't often think of waterfalls at the coast, but there's one particular fall that stands out at Hug Point just south of Cannon Beach. Safely accessible at low tide, these falls truly are a hidden gem.
Arrive at low tide to enjoy this waterfall that lands on the beach at Hug Point, south of Cannon Beach.
Oregon City / West Linn
The Portland metropolitan area may not come to mind when thinking of waterfalls, but just south of the city flows the second largest waterfall by volume in the United States. Coming in behind Niagara Falls, and with just a 50-foot drop, what it may lack in height, Willamette Falls makes up in volume.
In 2015, Willamette Falls was designated a National Heritage Area. As a trading and fishing spot for Native Americans, the end of the Oregon Trail for the pioneers, and in 1889 the first long distance transmission of electrical power, the falls is an important historic, cultural and industrial site.