The Most Beautiful Waterfall Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

Dan Wagner
1 hour ago
3 min read

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest for waterfall hikes, with dozens of trails leading to mossy canyons, basalt cliffs, old-growth forest, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon and Washington. From famous roadside cascades like Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls to less busy trails and hidden gems like Spirit Falls, Elowah Falls, and Falls Creek Falls, the Gorge offers a waterfall hike for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking for an easy family-friendly walk, a short hike near Portland, or a more challenging trail packed with multiple waterfalls, these are the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge to add to your bucket list.

Eagle Creek to Tunnel Fall

The Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge and the entire country. Following crystal-clear Eagle Creek through a lush basalt canyon, the trail passes iconic landmarks like Punch Bowl Falls, High Bridge, and narrow cliffside paths before reaching the spectacular 172-foot Tunnel Falls, where hikers walk through a tunnel blasted behind the cascading waterfall. Combining stunning scenery, remarkable trail engineering, and unforgettable waterfalls, this bucket-list hike is one of the Pacific Northwest's most rewarding adventures.

For hike details and photos, check out Best Hike in the Columbia River Gorge? Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Makes its Case.

Falls Creek Falls

The Falls Creek Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Winding through the lush forests of Gifford Pinchot National Forest beneath towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, the trail leads to spectacular 335-foot Falls Creek Falls, one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the region.

For hike details and photos, check out Falls Creek Falls: One of Washington's Most Spectacular Waterfalls.

Spirit Falls

Spirit Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, leading to one of Washington's most spectacular waterfalls. Tucked along the Little White Salmon River, the short but steep trail descends through lush forest to a stunning turquoise plunge framed by mossy basalt cliffs, rewarding hikers with one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.

For hike details and photos, check out Spirit Falls: A Hidden Gem Waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge.

Wahclella Falls

The Wahclella Falls Trail is one of the best short waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Following Tanner Creek through a lush basalt canyon, the easy, family-friendly trail leads to the spectacular two-tiered Wahclella Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Portland and a must-see destination for all hikers.

For hike details and photos, check out Wahclella Falls: One of the Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, the short, family-friendly hike leads to the spectacular 130-foot waterfall, where multiple cascades plunge over moss-covered basalt cliffs into a lush emerald canyon.

For hike details and photos, check out Panther Creek Falls: A Short Hike with Unforgettable Views.

Horsetail, Ponytail & Triple Falls

The Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Triple Falls Trail is one of the best multi waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Passing through lush old-growth forest and towering basalt cliffs, the trail features three spectacular Oregon waterfalls, including Ponytail Falls, where hikers can walk behind the cascading water, and the beautiful fan-shaped Triple Falls in Oneonta Gorge.

For hike details and photos, check out Horsetail, Ponytail & Triple Falls: Three Waterfalls on One Incredible Hike.

Elowah Falls & Upper McCord Creek Falls

The Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Creek Falls Trail is one of the lesser known but surprisingly beautiful waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Winding through lush forest and towering basalt cliffs, the trail leads to dramatic 213-foot Elowah Falls and scenic Upper McCord Creek Falls, creating one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes near Portland.

For hike details and photos, check out Elowah Falls & Upper McCord Creek Falls: A Columbia River Gorge Classic.

Wahkeena & Multnomah Falls Loop

The Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Loop showcases some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Winding through lush forest, mossy basalt cliffs, stone bridges, and rushing creeks, the scenic loop passes iconic Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls, and several other stunning Oregon waterfalls along one unforgettable trail.