Top 11 Waterfall Hikes In Oregon, The USA

Travel Advisory

Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.

1. Abiqua Falls, Scotts Mills

Visiting Abiqua Falls is one of the most recommended things to do for people looking for adventures in Oregon. The falls is described as an enchanting waterfall with a rock amphitheater. The trails going to the falls are quite beautiful. The trail going to the falls is 5.3 miles (8.53 kilometers) and heavily trafficked. It is primarily used for nature trips, hiking, and bird-watching. The months between March and October are the best time to enjoy both the falls and the trail hikes. There is a back trail near Scotts Mills, but it is rated as difficult and therefore, should only be used by more experienced hikers. The upper trail offers a great view of rocky cliffs with fern grottos. You will also need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance to get to the trailhead.

Abiqua Falls

Address: Crooked Finger Rd NE, Scotts Mills, OR 97375, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Moon Falls, Umpqua National Forest

Moon Falls in Oregon is of the most picturesque waterfalls in the area and the trails going to the spot are equally as enjoyable. The trail is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) and moderately trafficked. It is used for both walking and hiking and can be accessed all year long. For dog-owners, this trail is pet-friendly so you can take your fur babies along easily. Just make sure to keep them on a leash. The first few parts of the Moon Falls trail will take you to a closed spur road and gradually lead you to an old-growth forest. Swimming and camping are not allowed in the area since it is a part of the water supply in the area. But, it’s a kid-friendly destination and families can enjoy their time together and make use of the picnic tables along the waterfall.

Moon Falls

Address: 43°44'08 U.S. 2, Newport, WA 99156, United States

Website: Moon Falls

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Latourell Falls, Portland

One of the most photogenic waterfalls and trail hikes in the USA is Latourell Falls in Oregon. It is named after Joseph Latourell who was the postmaster of Rooster Rock Post Office in 1887. The spot is perfect for people who want to experience the incredible waterfall and enjoy the solitude offered by nature. The family-friendly hiking destination offers close parking, restrooms, and picnic tables. It is also a short hike and perfect for people looking to go on day trips. You can see salmonberries and sword ferns along the trail as well as the moss-draped big-leaf maples and towering Douglas firs. There are also irises, thimbleberries, and nettles along the trailside that people can admire while hiking.

Latourell Falls

Address: Portland, Oregon 97019, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Lillian Falls, Lane County

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want a nature trip where you can also take your dog, then Lillian Falls and the trail around it is the best spot. The trail going to the falls is a 2.3-mile (3.22-kilometer) track with light traffic and incredible views. The falls were named after Lillian Ryker McGillvrey. She’s the daughter of Augustus Ryker, the US Forest Service employee who built the original trail between Black Creek valley and Waldo Lake. As you go along this trail, you can admire the abundant growths in the area, including some vine maple and rhododendron - which makes the hike very colorful during spring and autumn.

5. McDowell Creek Falls, Lebanon

McDowell Creek Falls is one of the top trail hike destinations in Oregon. The trail is a 1.6 mile (2.57 kilometers) trail and caters to heavy traffic all year round. This is classified as a moderate trail and primarily used for walking, hiking, running, and nature trips. The trail going to the falls is both kid-friendly and pet-friendly. You can take your dogs for walks or hikes, but ensure that they are on a leash. The easy hike going to the falls will give visitors a majestic view of the Royal Terrace as well as Majestic Falls. Fishing and wading in the creek water are allowed in some parts below the falls. There are also designated picnic areas for families to enjoy. Restrooms and parking are available for convenience. The best thing about all of this is there’s no fee required.

McDowell Creek Falls

Address: 43170 McDowell Creek Dr, Lebanon, OR 97355, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

6. Chush Falls, Deschutes County

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Discover Oregon by visiting the trails and picturesque waterfalls in the area. Chush Falls is one such destination, and it only takes a day trip to enjoy everything - from the trail views to the beautiful cascading water. Hiking the trail takes about 6 miles (9.70 kilometers) if you will go all the way to the upper area of the falls. Even at such distance, Chush (formerly known as Squaw Creek Falls) is still considered an easy hike. A sweeping view of the mountain, the area that was ravaged by a fire, and some fallen trees are what visitors will see in the area. The trail to the falls is open all year round, but visitors are cautioned against hiking during winter. If you must, make sure to have proper gears such as snowshoes. You will also need a GPS since the trail becomes hard to follow in the snow.

Chush Falls

Address: Deschutes County, Oregon 97413, USA

7. Drift Creek Falls, Otis

Whether you’re a beginner or expert hiker, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the trails going to Drift Creek Falls. You can enjoy the views of the waterfall, spend some time admiring the suspension bridge, or be awed by the beautiful views of the Coast Range Forest. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and accessible all year round. Along the trail is a beautiful view of 50-year-old timbers and luscious forest littered with wildflowers and wildlife. The 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) hike is kid-friendly and pet-friendly. Fishing, bird-watching, and nature trips are just a few of the activities you can do. Facilities such as vault toilets are found across the trailed. Keep in mind that you need to purchase the Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass to enter the trail. You can buy this at the trailhead for 5 USD.

Drift Creek Falls

Address: BLM Rd 1770, Otis, OR 97368, United States

Price: 5 USD

8. Henline Falls, Lyons

Henline Falls in Opal Creek Wilderness is one of the most popular destinations for hikers and visitors looking for some adventure and nature trips with family. The trail is a short 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) roundtrip hike and is suitable for all skill levels. There are several swimming holes and lakes in the area where families can have a great time. The abandoned Silver King Mine at the right side of the falls makes the hike exciting and worth the day trip. The entire family can also enjoy various activities like running, bird-watching, and admiring the wildlife and beautiful wildflowers.

Henline Falls

Address: NF-2209, Lyons, OR 97358, United States

9. Salt Creek Falls, Oakridge

The majestic and beautiful Salt Creek Falls is the second-highest single-drop waterfall in Oregon. The fall cascades at 286 feet (87 m). It is also among the state’s most powerful ones, with an average yearly flow of 50,000 gallons per minute. You can get to the waterfall through a short hike in a loop gravel trail around the canyon. The trail offers vantage points of the area and leads to an observation platform where visitors can admire the scenery. Keep in mind that you need to buy either a Day Use Fee Area or Recreation pass to enter the trail, which you can get at the Adventure Center in Springfield. The trail can be used for mountain biking and visitors can rent a bike in Oakridge. You can take a ride and enjoy the scenery around Greenwaters Park. You can also check out the covered bridges in the area, which are accessible off Highway 58.

10. Strawberry Falls, Grant County

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The 50-foot (15.24 meters) waterfall on Strawberry Creek in Oregon is known as the Strawberry Falls. This cool waterfall splashes down a rocky face and is accessible through the Strawberry Basin Trail, which loops up and down the waterfall. The trail is a 6.2 mile (9.98 kilometers) out-and-back trail. It is rated as a moderate trail for experienced hikers and is heavily trafficked. You can visit the trail for different activities such as backpacking, bird-watching, camping, horseback riding, and fishing. It is both pet-friendly and kid-friendly. Along the trail are great views that feature a lake and a forest where you can observe the appearance of some wildlife.

Strawberry Falls

Address: Grant County, Oregon 97869, USA

Preparing for your hike

Whether you consider yourself as a beginner hiker or an expert hiker, it is always advisable to check your destination, its level of difficulty, and further assess the tools and equipment you’ll need to make the entire experience worth it. Truly, Oregon is full of wonderful hiking trails that finding one to commit to would be a challenge in itself. Be sure to go through the list we have provided before you decide on your next adventure!