Oregon kind of lucked out with waterfalls.
We have more than our fair share of cascades, hundreds actually, many of which are taller than skyscrapers and last year-round. Some require short or long hikes, while many are accessible to people with different mobilities. Oregon’s outdoors are for all, after all. With so many amazing waterfalls, we just can’t help but go chasing them. What makes our waterfalls so unique?
- Thanks to the state’s abundant rainfall and snowmelt, many flow robustly all year long.
- Formed by ancient lava flows and carved by ice-age floods, Multnomah Falls (Oregon’s tallest at 620 feet) showcase layers of volcanic rock that tell a story millions of years old.
- Oregon offers areas where you can see multiple falls in a single hike, like the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park or the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia Gorge.
Popular spots like Multnomah Falls may require timed-use permits during peak season due to limited parking. Read below to find how to get your permit, as well as waterfalls to see in every season and region of the state.
