Imagine standing at the bottom of a waterfall taller than a 60-story building, with cool mist on your face and moss-covered cliffs all around you. That is what a trip to see Columbia River Gorge waterfalls feels like. The gorge is a huge canyon cut by the Columbia River, and it runs along the border of Oregon and Washington. The Oregon side is packed with falls, and many of them are only a short walk from a parking lot.
This guide is for first-timers and for families, and also for people who have been before and want something new. You will learn which Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are worth your time, how long each hike takes, and how hard it is. You will also get the newest 2026 rules, because the biggest falls have permits, road repairs, and trail closures that change from year to year. We checked official sources from the U.S. Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Recreation.gov so you do not have to.
Here is the short version. If you only have an hour, see Latourell Falls or Horsetail Falls. If you have half a day, do Wahclella Falls or Elowah Falls. If you want the famous view, go to Multnomah Falls, but plan ahead. Keep reading and you will have a simple plan for your own day trip.
What Are the Best Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls?
The best Columbia River Gorge waterfalls for most visitors are Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Horsetail Falls, Elowah Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Punch Bowl Falls. Each one is different. Some you can see from the road, and some need a real hike.
- Easiest to see: Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls
- Most famous: Multnomah Falls
- Best for a short hike: Wahclella Falls and Elowah Falls
- Best for a longer adventure: Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls, or the Wahkeena–Multnomah loop
- Best to avoid crowds: Elowah Falls, Wahclella Falls, or any waterfall on a weekday morning
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls at a Glance
This table compares the most popular falls. Heights are approximate, since different sources measure a little differently.
| Waterfall | Height (approx.) | Hike length | Difficulty | Best for |
| Multnomah Falls | 620 ft | 0.2 mi to the bridge; about 2 mi round trip to the top | Easy to moderate | The classic view |
| Latourell Falls | About 249 ft | Viewpoint is short; 2.4-mi loop with Upper Latourell | Easy to moderate | Quick stop, photos |
| Wahkeena Falls | 242 ft | 0.2 mi to the viewpoint | Easy (viewpoint) | A quieter neighbor of Multnomah |
| Horsetail Falls | 176 ft | Right by the road | Easy | Roadside views |
| Ponytail Falls | About 100 ft | About 0.4 mi, walk behind the falls | Moderate | A fun “behind the waterfall” walk |
| Elowah Falls | About 213 ft | About 1.6 mi round trip | Moderate | Big views, fewer people |
| Wahclella Falls | About 65 ft (two tiers) | About 2 mi round trip | Easy | Families, mossy canyon |
| Punch Bowl Falls | Small, but famous | 4.2 mi round trip | Easy to moderate | A postcard-style pool |
Multnomah Falls: The Star of the Gorge
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, and it is one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States. More than two million people visit each year, which makes it the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. The falls are fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, and the flow is usually strongest in winter and spring.
The cliff face shows six layers of ancient lava (Grande Ronde Basalt) built up over more than 400,000 years. Look closely and you can see those layers like pages in a very old book.
What to do there:
- Walk to the lower viewing area, about 100 feet from the plaza.
- Climb to Benson Bridge for the famous photo.
- Hike to the top for a wide view of the gorge (about 2 miles round trip).
- Eat at the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
2026 Multnomah Falls Rules You Should Know
If you arrive by private car or motorcycle at the I-84 Exit 31 parking lot, the rules matter. Here is what the official sources say for 2026:
| Topic | 2026 details |
| Timed Use Permit dates | May 22 through September 7, 2026 |
| Hours it was required | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily |
| Where it applies | I-84 Exit 31 parking lot |
| How to get one | Recreation.gov, released 14 days ahead at 7 a.m. PT |
| Limit | Two permits per day per person |
| Does it guarantee parking? | No. It only gets you in during your time slot |
| No permit needed if you… | Ride a bike or take a shuttle such as the Columbia Gorge Express |
| Historic Highway (U.S. 30) permit | Not required in 2026 |
The 2026 permit season has now ended. Permits have returned each summer in recent years, so check ReadySetGorge.com and Recreation.gov before a summer 2027 trip, because the dates can change. Also note that the Multnomah Falls Lodge restrooms are being renovated through November 2026, with limited portable toilets on site.
Good news from 2026: The Historic Columbia River Highway reopened east of Multnomah Falls on May 15, 2026, after a major restoration of the old viaduct. You can now reach the falls from both directions on U.S. 30. Parking on the Historic Highway is very limited, and there is no parking along the road shoulder.
Other Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Worth Your Time
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is a tall plunge waterfall framed by twisted basalt columns. It is one of the easiest Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to enjoy, because you can see it from a viewpoint near the parking area. If you want more, the 2.4-mile loop adds Upper Latourell Falls and gains about 620 feet. Come early, because the lot fills up.
Wahkeena Falls
Wahkeena is a double-tiered fall just a short walk from the road. It is about 242 feet tall, which is less than half the height of Multnomah, but many people love it more because it feels calmer. The trail also connects to Fairy Falls and to a longer loop that reaches Multnomah Falls.
Horsetail and Ponytail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a 176-foot fall right beside the Historic Highway, so you barely need to walk. For a bigger adventure, take the short, steep trail up to Ponytail Falls (also called Upper Horsetail Falls). The path goes behind the water, which kids love. For a long loop, continue to Triple Falls and Oneonta Gorge views, about 4 to 5 miles total.
Elowah Falls
Elowah Falls is a hidden gem. The hike is about 1.6 miles round trip from the John B. Yeon trailhead. It ends at a tall fall that spills into a mossy bowl. Some sources list it at about 213 feet and others at 289 feet, because the number depends on how it is measured. There is a cliff-side ledge section, so keep children close.
Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls (also called Tanner Creek Falls) is a favorite for families. The trail is about 2 miles round trip with roughly 250 to 300 feet of climbing. You cross a bridge near the base and may spot a small rock cave nearby. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at this trailhead.
Eagle Creek and Punch Bowl Falls
The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the gorge’s most famous hikes. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire closed it, and it reopened on January 1, 2021. The walk to Punch Bowl Falls is about 4.2 miles round trip with 525 feet of climbing. You will pass Metlako Falls on the way. Keep in mind that landslides have changed the area, and local hikers reported fresh slide damage and Forest Service work in spring 2026. Check the Forest Service trail status page before you go. Parts of the trail are narrow cliff ledges, so it is not ideal for small kids.
Bridal Veil and Shepperd’s Dell
Bridal Veil Falls is about a half-mile walk, and Shepperd’s Dell is a very short stop with a pretty bridge. Both are great if you want an easy add-on to your Columbia River Gorge waterfalls tour.
Best Time to See Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
The waterfalls run all year, but each season feels different.
- Winter and spring (December to May): The most water. The falls are loud and powerful. Trails can be muddy, and ice can form.
- Summer (June to September): Warm weather and the busiest crowds. Flow is lower, but you may use the permit rules above for Multnomah Falls.
- Fall (October to November): Gold leaves, fewer people, and rain bringing the falls back to life. This is a great time to visit.
- Time of day: Go before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for smaller crowds and softer light for photos.
How to Get There Without Stress
Most people start in Portland, and the first falls are about 30 minutes east. You have a few choices:
- Drive: Take I-84 east. Exit 28 (Bridal Veil) and Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls) are the main ones.
- Take the bus: The Columbia Gorge Express runs from Gateway Transit Center in Portland to Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River. Riders do not need the Multnomah Falls permit.
- Ride a bike: Bicycles do not need the permit, but e-bikes cannot be parked on the Multnomah Falls plaza.
- Join a shuttle or tour: Some trolley and shuttle services also skip the permit.
A smart tip: park at a quieter trailhead first, like Wahclella or Elowah, then save Multnomah Falls for late afternoon.
Safety Tips for Waterfall Hikes
Gorge trails are beautiful, but rock, water, and heights need respect.
- Stay on marked trails and behind fences.
- Wear shoes with good grip. Wet rock is slippery.
- Bring water, a rain jacket, and a snack, even on short hikes.
- Keep dogs on a leash and kids close on cliff sections.
- Do not climb on waterfalls or swim in strong currents.
- Leave no trace. Pack out your trash.
- Check trail alerts for closures, landslides, or fire damage before you leave home.
Sample One-Day Plan
Here is an easy plan that covers several Columbia River Gorge waterfalls without rushing:
1. 8:00 a.m.: Latourell Falls viewpoint and short walk.
2. 9:30 a.m.: Wahkeena Falls viewpoint, then a quick look at Fairy Falls if you feel strong.
3. 11:00 a.m.: Multnomah Falls (check permits if it is summer).
4. 1:00 p.m.: Lunch at the lodge or a picnic.
5. 2:30 p.m.: Horsetail Falls, then Ponytail Falls if you still have energy.
6. 4:30 p.m.: Wahclella Falls for a calm finish.
Final Thoughts
The Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are some of the most beautiful sights in the Pacific Northwest, and you do not need to be an expert hiker to enjoy them. Start with an easy stop like Latourell or Horsetail, add a signature view at Multnomah Falls, and finish with a quiet hike to Wahclella or Elowah. Check permits, parking, and trail alerts before you leave, and give yourself extra time. Your photos will be great, and your trip will feel calm instead of rushed.
Columbia River Gorge waterfalls FAQs
1. How many waterfalls are in the Columbia River Gorge?
There are dozens on the Oregon side alone, and local guides often say more than 90. Some are famous and others are small seasonal streams.
2. What is the tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge?
Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, is the tallest in Oregon and the headline stop for most visitors.
3. Do I need a permit to see the waterfalls in 2026?
Only for the I-84 Exit 31 parking lot at Multnomah Falls, from May 22 to September 7, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. A Historic Highway permit was not required in 2026. Rules may change in 2027.
4. Which Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are best for kids?
Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls viewpoint, Horsetail Falls, and Wahclella Falls are all good picks.
5. Can I see Columbia River Gorge waterfalls in one day?
Yes. You can visit four to six falls in a day if you start early and mix short stops with one or two small hikes.
6. Is the Eagle Creek Trail open?
It reopened in 2021 after the 2017 fire, but landslides have caused changes, so check the Forest Service for current status before you go.
