The Columbia River Gorge just outside of Portland, Oregon is renowned for its stunning waterfalls set against a thriving ecosystem of ferns, mosses, and all kinds of evergreen trees. This natural wonder, formed by the Columbia River, separates states Oregon and Washington.

In this post, I’ll highlight a few of the most impressive waterfalls on the Oregon side, which are all within a 40-minute drive from Portland.

These waterfalls are perfect for those short on time as you can easily walk up to most of them, with none requiring more than a mile of walking.

In fact, you could visit all six in a single day!

Each waterfall is different and unique in its own way and they are all a great representation of the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. 

These are the 6 best Columbia River Gorge waterfalls you can visit from Portland. Best of all, all of them can be seen for free!

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1. Latourell Falls

First, I’m going to share the first waterfall we visited on our trip: Latourell Falls. This free falling waterfall is approximately 240 feet tall. 

You’re able to take just a short walk up to a picturesque overlook of the waterfall. There’s a lot of stairs to walk up but they’re all paved and not too far from the parking lot.

If you aren’t on too much of a time crunch, you can walk down further just 0.1 of a mile to the base of the waterfall.

It’s a quick descent from the main overlook but it isn’t too difficult. It might be a little muddy and it isn’t paved, but it is doable for most.

I encourage everyone to hike to the bottom because it really puts it in perspective of how tall Latourell Falls is. 

There is also a 2 mile loop hike you can take that leads you to the top of the waterfall as well. This of course is completely optional, but if you’re looking for a good hike to do in the Columbia River Gorge, I highly recommend this one.

You get a nice view of the Columbia River at the top, and there weren’t very many people on this trail. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous too.

You do gain about 600 feet of elevation from bottom to top, so it definitely will get your heartrate up.

2. Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is quite possibly the most popular out of all the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls.

This waterfall has a gorgeous historic bridge (called Benson Bridge) built over the lower section of the falls. It was built in 1914!

Standing at 620 feet tall, this waterfall is nearly triple the size of Latourell Falls. So if you think that waterfall is cool, you’re in for a treat at Multnomah Falls. 

Since Multnomah Falls is so popular, during their peak season (May 24th through September 2nd) you will need a reservation to park at the parking lot at the waterfall between the hours of 9 AM-6 PM. 

You will have to reserve a permit online ahead of time, which you can do here.

Once you select what day you want the permit for, you will be asked to select a one hour time slot which will be the time you’re allowed at the falls. 

The permit for Multnomah Falls is only $2 and there are typically plenty available online. You can get your permit up to 2 weeks ahead of time. 

How to View Multnomah Falls For Free at Columbia River Gorge

My partner and I visited Portland in July and of course Multnomah Falls was on our list of things to see. 

We decided to try to visit the falls before 9 AM to see if we could get in without a permit. So, one morning we woke up at sunrise and arrived at the parking lot of Multnomah Falls around 8 AM. There was no one working at the lot yet, and there were a few other visitors there viewing the waterfall too.

Multnomah Falls can be completely free anytime of year. In summer you’ll just have to get there before 9 AM or after 6 PM.

And honestly I would recommend going as early in the morning as you can because it will be ridiculously packed after 9. Even with the permit system. 

There is no hike required for Multnomah Falls, as you can just take a short walk to the main overlook.

However, you’re also able to walk across Benson Bridge which I do recommend to get the full experience of this waterfall.

It’s only about a quarter mile walk to the bridge. So that means to the bridge and back it would only be half a mile total.

The trail to the bridge is not completely paved and it’s a little steep but it’s very much worth it. Since it’s so short it is very doable for most people. 

After the bridge, the trail keeps going for another mile and actually takes you to the top of Multnomah Falls. This part is very steep so be prepared.

If you want to do the entire hike, you’re looking at around a 2.5 mile round trip. 

3. Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls is a beautiful waterfall that you can access within a 0.5 mile walk. 

From the trailhead, you just have to walk up a quarter mile to see this impressive waterfall. The trail is fairly steep, but it’s paved and generally an easy walk. It will certainly get your heart pumping.

I think Wahkeena Falls is very unique and it’s cool that you can stand right at the base of the falls to feel how powerful it is.

You can feel the cold mist and breeze coming off the water.

If you want to keep hiking, you could continue up another mile to view Fairy Falls. This waterfall is technically still part of Wahkeena Falls, just higher up on the mountain.

Get ready for a steep ascent if you go on past Wahkeena Falls, but the trail’s beauty make it well worth the effort. The vibrant green moss and foliage, combined with the sound of flowing water creates a very peaceful hiking experience.

Hiking to Fairy Falls will come out to be a 2 mile round trip. Expect some rocky and muddy terrain.

4. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls has the longest walk to it than any other waterfall on this list coming in at a whopping 0.8 mile round trip.

This hike starts with a descent down to the waterfall on a wide and paved trail. You will descend approximately 100 feet in elevation.

We saw people of all ages doing this trail, so I consider it doable for most.

There is a viewing dock at the end which gives you the perfect view of the waterfall.

As you can see by my photo, it has an upper and a lower falls resulting in what looks like a wedding veil draping down the rocks. Hence its name, Bridal Veil.

Also at the Bridal Veil Falls, there is a wonderful picnic area and lookout of the Columbia River just a quick walk from the start of the trail.

It probably only took a minute or two to walk to. It’s flat and paved. It was like a nice little bonus view after we hiked to the waterfall. 

5. Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is probably the easiest to spot as it is literally right on the side of the Historic Columbia River Highway. It is a few minutes drive east of Multnomah Falls.

You’ll see it as you’re driving by and you can turn into a small parking area across from the waterfall to get out and view it. 

There’s a nice overlook area where you can stand and admire this 176 foot tall waterfall, or you can walk down to the pool it creates at the bottom and feel it’s cold yet refreshing water. 

6. Ponytail Falls

You’ll want to hit Ponytail Falls at the same time that you visit Horsetail because this waterfall is actually part of Horsetail Falls, just above the cliff that Horsetail falls down from. 

So the water you see streaming down the rock at Horsetail Falls, originated at Ponytail Falls. 

If you park in the parking lot at Horsetail Falls, you can easily walk to Ponytail Falls from there.

It is only a 0.3 mile hike there, resulting in a 0.6 mile round trip to Ponytail Falls.

It is steep and rocky in sections, but it’s totally worth the short trek. This turned out to be one of my favorite waterfalls we saw on this trip.

What’s so special about Ponytail Falls, is that you can actually walk behind it!

When you come upon this waterfall, you’ll see how it got its name. The water falls out of a crevice in the rock above creating what resembles hair in a ponytail.

Because the waterfall isn’t cascading flatly down the rock, you can walk behind the waterfall and through a small cave to get another awesome view. 

The Columbia River Gorge waterfalls are truly a gem in the Portland area.

All 6 of these waterfalls are fairly easy and quick to access making them ideal to visit on a day spent waterfall chasing.

If you don’t have a ton of time in Oregon but still want to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I hope you got some inspiration from this article. Thank you so much for reading!