Hikes to Waterfalls

Oregon is known for its many hiking trails which offer sweeping views of mountains, deserts, and lakes. There are paths that parallel the ocean, and others that weave through the river gorges, pass fields of wildflowers and incredible rock formations. And then there are the hikes to Oregon's spectacular waterfalls.

In the Columbia Gorge alone there are 77, including Multnomah Falls, which, at 620 feet, is the nation’s second-highest year-round waterfall.

Below are a three less-traveled hiking trails that lead to amazing waterfalls. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack a picnic lunch and hit the trails.

• Distance: 
• Starting Point:  Misc.

• Minimum Driving Time:  NA
• Best Time to Drive:  Spring/Summer for amazing waterfalls

A Great Trip For:

• Children
• Couples
• Families
• Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Scenery
• Teens/Young Adults

1. Drift Creek Falls Trail

This 3-mile round-trip hiking trail descends a few hundred feet through the lush forest of the Coast Range just east of Lincoln City. It takes you over a spectacular 240-foot suspension bridge (the longest in Oregon) that hovers 100 feet above Drift Creek. From there you have an incredible view of the cascading 80-foot Drift Creek Falls.

(Note: You’ll need a $5 Northwest Forest Pass, which can be purchased at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits/index.shtml)

See map and details

2. Horsetail Falls Loop Hike

Located just east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area is a moderately difficult hike that takes you to three waterfalls in less than 3 miles, while passing moss-covered stones, fern-laden hillsides and under canopies of trees.

You catch the trailhead to the Horsetail Falls Loop hike from the historic Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The trail begins with a view of Horsetail Falls, the largest of the three you’ll see on the hike. From there, the trail amazingly takes you behind Pony Tail Falls thanks to an eroded cavernous area that has become part of the path.

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3. Squaw Creek Falls Trail

Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area of Central Oregon, Squaw Creek Falls descends an impressive 225 feet through carved out basalt. The dirt hiking trail is less than one mile in, and is relatively moderate with a total 200-foot elevation gain. Hikers will weave through lodgepole pine stands and cross a small stream before seeing the giant, fanlike tumble that is Squaw Creek Falls.

See map and more details