One of the most special things about Portland is that you are about an hour away from our beautiful mountain range and the rugged Pacific Ocean. Having some of Oregon’s most beautiful waterfalls so close is a privilege, but if you’re looking to experience some incredible cascades even closer to home, these hidden waterfalls near Portland, Oregon are sure to satisfy your waterfall-chasing wanderlust — and take your breath away, too!

1. Elowah Falls
Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Mohib Ahmad/Flickr
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this massive beauty can be found after a short 1.4 mile hike.

Let's take a quick hike to Elowah Falls and the Upper McCord Falls on the Elowah Falls Trail in this video:
2. Punchbowl Falls
Punchbowl Falls, Oregon 97031, USA
Alan/Flickr
Looking to take a dip? If you embark on a 3.8-mile hike, starting at Eagle Creek, you get end up at this gorgeous and inviting pool of water. It's one of the best waterfall swimming pools in the PNW!
3. Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
stokes rx/Flickr
Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, Ramona Falls is truly one of nature's marvels. It's a total hidden gem waterfall, too, making it extra fun to chase down!
4. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls, Oregon 97019, USA
Ian Sane/Flickr
Latourell Falls is actually the closest waterfall to Portland, and you'll find it located in the Columbia River Gorge. It's just a 2.4-mile loop to check out this astonishing vision. And if you like bridges, the Latourell Falls Loop Trail boasts four different wooden bridges, making for a marvelous afternoon adventure. You'll find the trailhead just off the Historic Columbia River Highway.
5. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
John Fowler/Flickr
At about 620 feet in elevation, this waterfall is Oregon's tallest. It's also Portland's most popular, and with good reason. You can choose to hike the 2.6 miles or view this beauty from the ground. There's no place in the world as wondrous as Multnomah Falls!

Of course, no waterfall tour in Portland would be complete without the iconic Multnomah Falls - watch this video to see one of the best waterfalls in Oregon:
6. Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon 97010, USA
Scott McCracken/Flickr
Right off the Columbia Gorge Highway, this waterfall is reminiscent of a silky satin, giving it its name. It's a great beginner-level waterfall hike in Portland.
7. Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Michael Matti/Flickr
The best view is from the bottom of Wahclella Falls, where you can see the horizon breaking through the magical mossy haven that you're standing in. It's especially lovely in the summer when surrounded by verdant greenery!
8. Shepperd's Dell
Shepperds Dell, Oregon 97019, USA
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Rushing under the Young Creek Bridge, this magical waterfall has multiple alluring dips and is a wonderful no-hike waterfall near Portland!
9. Triple Falls
Oneonta Creek, Oregon 97014, USA
Sarah H/Flickr
In the Western part of the Gorge, Oneonta Creek rushes downhill to make this spectacular waterfall trio.
10. Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Mitchell Friedman/Flickr
Although this water fall is phenomenal, the cave under it takes the cake. Walking through the tunnel to hear the echoes of rushing water makes this 12 mile hike to Tunnel Fallsworth every step.

The enchanting Tunnel Falls pops into view from up high on the Eagle Creek Trail. As you walk down to meet the falls you can hear its wonderful voice. Watch and listen to the falls in this video from Alejandro's Adventures:

There are so many hidden beautiful waterfalls near Portland, Oregon. Which ones take your breath away? What are your favorite parks near Portland for waterfall chasing? Please share them with your fellow PNW waterfall chasers in the comments!

Still on the hunt for “waterfalls near me” in Portland? We have just the thing: this epic, weekend waterfall road trip!

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More to Explore

More waterfalls near Portland Oregon

Sarah M. | April 19, 2022

What are the best waterfall hikes near Portland, Oregon?

Some of the best waterfall hikes near Portland, Oregon include:

 

Portland is practically bursting with beautiful waterfall hikes, thanks, in part, to the Columbia River Gorge. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States, and it's a veritable treasure trove of falls, too. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. We’re partial, of course, to the Beaver State’s side of this natural wonder; with more than 90 cascades on the Oregon side alone, there’s no better place to go waterfall chasing than the Columbia River Gorge. Wahclella Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Ponytail Falls, and, of course, mighty Multnomah Falls -- these are just some of the incredible cascades you'll discover in the Columbia River Gorge.

Of course, if you're up for a little day trip adventure, head up to Silver Falls State Park to the Trail of Ten Falls. As its name suggests, this hike leads past 10 wondrous waterfalls, many of which you can walk behind, too! Hiking clockwise, you'll encounter South Falls, Lower South Falls, Lower North Falls, Double Falls, Middle North Falls, Drake Falls, Twin Falls, North Falls, Upper North Falls, and Winter Falls. Phew! It's admittedly a bit of a trek; the trail makes a 7.2-mile loop through a beautiful forest in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, as well as some of the best scenery within this beautiful park, which many regard as the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks. This is definitely a hike for your Oregon bucket list!

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