Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls & Triple Falls: Three Waterfalls on One Incredible Hike

Hiking to Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Triple Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, offering three spectacular waterfalls along a single scenic trail. Beginning at iconic Horsetail Falls, the route climbs through lush old-growth forest and towering basalt cliffs before reaching Ponytail Falls, where hikers can actually walk behind the cascading water, and continues to the beautiful, fan-shaped Triple Falls hidden deeper in Oneonta Gorge. Combining unforgettable scenery, unique waterfall experiences, and a relatively short distance, the hike is perfect for anyone looking to experience some of Oregon's most photogenic waterfalls.

Trailhead elevation 44'

Water Filterable at Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls

Don't miss hiking beyond Triple Falls to the bridge along Oneonta Creek

Hiking to Horsetail, Ponytail & Triple Falls

The hike to Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Triple Falls begins from a large parking area along the Historic Columbia River Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Oregon and the gateway to many of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Parking is free, although the lot frequently fills by mid-morning on weekends and throughout the summer.

Only steps from the trailhead, hikers are welcomed by Horsetail Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. The 176-foot waterfall flows down Horsetail Creek, clinging to the rounded basalt cliff throughout nearly its entire descent rather than free-falling, creating the appearance of a horse's flowing tail that inspired its name. Framed by towering cliffs of Columbia River Basalt, Horsetail Falls provides a fantastic introduction to one of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon.

After admiring Horsetail Falls, the trail immediately begins climbing a series of well-graded switchbacks, gaining nearly half of the hike's total elevation within the first half mile. The forest is dominated by towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, bigleaf maples, and lush sword ferns, while frequent openings in the trees reveal beautiful views of the Columbia River.

At the 0.5-mile mark, the trail reaches Ponytail Falls, also known as Upper Horsetail Falls. Here, Horsetail Creek plunges nearly 90 feet over a dramatic basalt overhang, creating one of the most unique waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Unlike Horsetail Falls below, Ponytail Falls is a true plunge waterfall, allowing the trail to pass directly behind the cascading water. Walking beneath the basalt alcove while looking through the curtain of water is one of the signature experiences of any Columbia River Gorge waterfall hike and a favorite stop for photographers.

Beyond Ponytail Falls, the trail climbs another third of a mile before reaching a sweeping overlook with 180-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge. From this viewpoint, hikers can see Beacon Rock, Hamilton Mountain, Aldrich Butte, and Archer Mountain, while the Columbia River winds through the heart of the Gorge below. These expansive views offer a glimpse into the immense landscape carved by the Ice Age Missoula Floods, whose catastrophic torrents helped create the dramatic cliffs and hanging valleys that make the Columbia River Gorge famous today.

A short distance beyond the overlook, the trail enters the upper reaches of Oneonta Gorge, where it traverses high above Oneonta Creek. From this elevated section of trail, hikers enjoy their first and only view of 65-foot Upper Oneonta Falls cascading into the narrow canyon. Just downstream, the smaller 25-foot Middle Oneonta Falls also comes into view. Although hikers will later pass beside Middle Oneonta Falls, this is the only location on the hike where Upper Oneonta Falls can be seen before disappearing behind the towering walls of Oneonta Gorge.

The trail soon descends several switchbacks before crossing a footbridge high above Oneonta Creek. The bridge offers beautiful upstream and downstream views into the rugged canyon as the creek continues its journey toward the Columbia River. During the spring snowmelt and rainy season, the rushing water echoes throughout the gorge, making this one of the most scenic stretches of the entire hike.

Beyond the bridge, the trail climbs steeply along the west rim of Oneonta Gorge, where the narrow path hugs towering basalt cliffs overlooking the creek below. This section of the Columbia River Gorge still bears visible scars from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, although the recovering forest is a testament to nature's resilience. Young Douglas firs, vine maples, wildflowers, and thick carpets of moss now flourish alongside the blackened trunks left behind by the wildfire, creating a contrast between destruction and renewal.

At approximately 2.1 miles, hikers arrive at Triple Falls, one of the most beautiful and underrated waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Formed by Oneonta Creek, the 64-foot waterfall spills over a broad basalt cliff in three distinct channels before converging in the canyon below. Its unique segmented appearance, dramatic setting, and lush surroundings make Triple Falls one of the most photogenic Oregon waterfalls and a fitting finale to one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.

After taking in the spectacular views, hikers simply retrace their steps to the trailhead. The return hike provides another opportunity to admire Oneonta Gorge, walk behind Ponytail Falls, and enjoy one last look at Horsetail Falls, making the unforgettable journey one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.