

There’s two ways to experience Wahkeena Falls, either from a viewing platform near off the highway or by hiking up to see the roaring beauty of the entire three-tiered waterfall. This waterfall hike near Portland is popular amongst those in the know, so crowds are all but guaranteed during the warm summer months. That’s not to say the hike is unpopular though! Located next to the most popular waterfall hike near Portland, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls is an often overlooked gem by most unassuming visitors. Image courtesy of Southern Oregon Scanner Since both trails are easy to do with kids I highly recommend making the effort them in tandem. The Overlook Trail is a paved half-mile trail that leads to a vista overlooking the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Read the interpretive signage to learn more about the mill if you’re interested. You’ll pass by Bridal Veil Creek and notice what remains of the Bridal Veil Falls Lumbering Company. The lower trail descends to a creek before ascending to a beautiful viewpoint at the base of this iconic waterfall. The waterfall drops 120 feet between two distinct tiers and visitors can explore both via hike. Latourell Falls plunges a jaw-dropping 220 feet over the lip of an impressive columnar basalt amphitheater.Īnd yes, it’s visible from a parking lot, but where’s the fun in that?Īn easy 2.4-mile trail leads visitors directly to the first viewpoint before opening up to a dirt path that heads uphill, giving you a better vantage of Upper Latourell Falls as well.īig rewards for little effort, is it any wonder this is considered one of the best easy waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge?īridal Veil Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Oregon to explore with kids because the viewpoint is located right off the parking lot. Thank goodness, because this thing serves as the perfect introduction to the best waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge. Seriously, everyone and their dog has seen it, loved it and told the tale.

Latourell Falls is the closest Columbia Gorge waterfall from Portland, which makes it one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Gorge.

I’m not one for small talk, so let’s get to it! I didn’t want that knowledge to go to waste, so today I wanted to share my personal list of the best waterfall hikes near Portland. In that time, I’ve seen hundreds of epic waterfalls. I spend most of my weekends hiking with my husband in the abundant wilderness of Oregon. Well, I’ve lived in Portland for the past 20 years and I’ve definitely seen my fair share of waterfalls! Are you looking for the best waterfalls near Portland?
