5 Waterfall and Wildflower Hikes

Find spring color and rejuvenation on one of these top trails.
Danielle Centoni, Guest Author
February 26, 2016 (Updated January 20, 2023)
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When winter’s chill takes a hike, leaving carpets of flowers and swollen streams in its wake, that’s your cue to take a hike, too, and soak in all that springtime beauty. Thankfully Oregon offers plenty of trails that meander through sunny wildflower meadows, or past shady forest waterfalls roaring back to life. Can’t choose between the two? No problem. We’ve rounded up five hikes, from easy to challenging, that offer the best of both worlds.

Wherever you choose to hike, make sure to follow these tips for the best experience:

  • Take care to use the boot brushes at trail entrances before and after hiking to remove seeds that can lead to invasive weed growth. Or better yet, clean your boots before you leave home.
  • Stay on the trail.
  • Don’t pick the flowers.
  • Keep children and pets at bay when walking in sensitive areas. Always check specific pet guidelines for your trail.
  • Consider joining a work party to help keep the area beautiful by removing invasive weeds. Check with your park’s website for details.
  • Carry your 10 Essentials, including sunscreen, plenty of water (for pets too), snacks, a first-aid kit, a downloaded map and more.

Here are some top trails to check out.

 

Munson Falls (Photo by: Visit Tillamook)

Coast Range: Munson Creek Falls (easy)

Beachcombers ready to shake the sand from their toes, and road-trippers looking for a chance to stretch their legs, should make tracks to the Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site. A mere mile off Highway 101, it’s a woodland gem that offers a big payoff for very little effort. The half-mile trail leads you along Munson Creek to a viewpoint of the multi-tiered, 300-foot falls. Along the way, through spring and into summer, you can spot an array of forest blooms, such as salmonberry, violets, trillium, and corydalis.  Note: The ¼-mile trail is accessible for all ages and skill levels. 

 

(Photo by Sally McAleer / Eugene, Cascades & Coast)

Willamette Valley: McKenzie River Waterfalls Loop Trail (easy)

On this family-friendly, 2.6-mile loop, walk through stands of old-growth Douglas fir and red cedar in the Willamette National Forest, while soaking up misty views of the roaring McKenzie River as it cascades down 100-foot-tall Sahalie Falls and 70-foot-tall Koosah Falls. As you go, keep your eyes open for forest flowers like trillium, yellow-leaf iris, bleeding hearts and wild ginger, all of which will be at their peak in May.

Note: Both sites feature parking area, interpretive panels that tell the story of area geology, restrooms and observation points. The Sahalie Falls viewpoint is fully accessible with easy access along a paved pathway.

 Southern Oregon: Lemolo Falls (moderate to difficult)

As you descend into the North Umpqua Canyon, the landscape changes dramatically from dry and rocky to lush with ferns and wildflowers, including purple lupines, delicate trillium, and low-growing ceanothus. Once at the bottom, you’ll be face-to-face with the powerful, 165-foot wall of water known as Lemolo Falls. The out-and-back route is only 3.5 miles, but its steep descent means you’re in for a thigh-burning climb back to the top. Need a few more hours on the Stairmaster first? The more moderate North Umpqua Trail provides topside views of the falls.

A creek, waterfall and spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge await those hiking the out-and-back Mosier Plateau Trail. (Photo credit: Shara Alvarez)

Columbia River Gorge: Mosier Plateau Trail (easy to moderate)

Just past Hood River is the town of Mosier, where a creek, waterfall, and spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge await those hiking the out-and-back Mosier Plateau Trail. Start in town and follow the creek-side trail through a community park and past the pioneer cemetery to a viewpoint of Mosier Creek Falls. As you continue on your way to the plateau, with its stunning Gorge backdrop, enjoy over 30 species of wildflowers, including balsamroot and buttercups. The flowers are at their peak in mid- to late-April, but don’t forget to come back in summer for a dip in Mosier Creek swimming hole.

Note: The hike is 3.5 miles, out to a loop and back, with 600 feet of elevation gain. 

Ice Lake is a 15-mile round trip with a steep elevation gain, which is why many of the trekkers on the trail are backpackers. (Photo credit: Leon Werdinger)

Eastern Oregon: Ice Lake (difficult)

Growing thousands of feet above sea level, the wildflowers in the meadows near Ice Lake are late bloomers, so plan your hike (and camping reservations) for early summer. It’s a 15-mile round trip, with a steep elevation gain, which is why many of the trekkers on the trail are backpackers, opting to stay the night in one of the campsites around the alpine lake. Start from Wallowa Lake Trailhead in Wallowa Lake State Park and enjoy a long hike along the Wallowa River, up and into open meadows brimming with coneflowers, paintbrush, mariposa lilies and penstemon. Eventually you’ll find yourself alongside the gorgeous waterfalls of Adam Creek, including Beauty Falls, which is accessible from the trail.