When it comes to natural beauty, Oregon takes the cake. Our gorgeous state is overflowing with stunning waterfalls, rugged coastline, and lush forests. With so much to explore, it can be challenging to know where to start. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in Oregon that lead to stunning waterfalls. Ready to start exploring? Take a look:
- Abiqua Falls
Flickr/Thomas Shahan First on our list of some of the best hikes in Oregon to beautiful waterfalls is Abiqua Falls. Totaling 5.2 miles round-trip, this beautiful waterfall hike is well worth the journey. It can be found near Scotts Mills, Oregon. Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
- South Falls
Flickr/Henrique Pinto As the tallest waterfall in the majestic Silver Falls State Park, South Falls is a stunning waterfall that belongs on every Oregonian’s bucket list. That’s because it’s actually possible to walk behind this stunning Oregon waterfall! This short 1.1-mile loop can be completed in just over a half hour. South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
- Ramona Falls
Flickr/Howard Kang The breathtaking Ramona Falls cascades over 120 feet and gets broken up by the hexagonal columns of basalt at the base of the cliff. The trail is 6.9 miles round-trip and offers plenty of stunning scenery along the way. Learn more about this hidden waterfall trail in Oregon. Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
- Koosah Falls
Flickr/Lessa Clayton Located near Cascadia, Oregon, the trail to reach Koosah Falls will take you past not one, but two beautiful waterfalls. (The other is Sahalie Falls). In total, the trip is 2.2 miles. One thing’s for sure: you’ll want to bring your camera to capture all of the incredible scenery! Learn more about this easy-to-reach waterfall in Oregon. Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
- Drift Creek Falls
Flickr/Lessa Clayton This gentle hike is good for all skills levels. The trail will take you over an amazing 240-foot long cable suspension bridge, with views of Drift Creek Falls below. It’s the perfect Oregon day trip destination if you’re someone who appreciates quality time in the great outdoors!
- Steelhead Falls
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington This short and sweet 1-mile round trip hike near Terrebonne, Oregon is accessible all year long. During wintertime, it’s a calm and beautiful Oregon hike. In the summer, it’s a popular swimming hole.
- Moon Falls
Flickr/Lessa Clayton This dog-friendly trail is only 1 mile round-trip and can be hiked year-round. The end views are simply gorgeous. When it comes to the best short trails in Oregon, Moon Falls is a definite contender! Moon Falls, 43°44'08, US-2, Newport, WA 99156, USA
- Alsea Falls
Flickr/Kirt Edblom The otherworldly Alsea Falls Recreation Area is a treat for the senses. The hike to the falls takes you past lush forests and majestic old-growth Douglas firs. The trail is 4.2 miles round-trip. Learn more about this gorgeous Oregon recreation area you’ll want to visit time and time again. Alsea Falls, Oregon 97456, USA
- White River Falls
Flickr/Darryll DeCoster White River Falls is a 0.7-mile lightly trafficked out and back trail. The 90-foot falls plunges into the base of a hydroelectric power plant that once supplied the area with electricity, from 1910 to 1960. White River Falls, Washington 98826, USA
How many of these hikes have you done? Do you agree that this list includes some of the best hikes in Oregon? Let us know your favorite Oregon waterfall hike in the comments below! And don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures with us on our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook page for a chance to see them featured!
Flickr/Thomas Shahan
First on our list of some of the best hikes in Oregon to beautiful waterfalls is Abiqua Falls. Totaling 5.2 miles round-trip, this beautiful waterfall hike is well worth the journey. It can be found near Scotts Mills, Oregon.
Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
Flickr/Henrique Pinto
As the tallest waterfall in the majestic Silver Falls State Park, South Falls is a stunning waterfall that belongs on every Oregonian’s bucket list. That’s because it’s actually possible to walk behind this stunning Oregon waterfall! This short 1.1-mile loop can be completed in just over a half hour.
South Falls, Oregon 97381, USA
Flickr/Howard Kang
The breathtaking Ramona Falls cascades over 120 feet and gets broken up by the hexagonal columns of basalt at the base of the cliff. The trail is 6.9 miles round-trip and offers plenty of stunning scenery along the way. Learn more about this hidden waterfall trail in Oregon.
Ramona Falls, Oregon 97041, USA
Flickr/Lessa Clayton
Located near Cascadia, Oregon, the trail to reach Koosah Falls will take you past not one, but two beautiful waterfalls. (The other is Sahalie Falls). In total, the trip is 2.2 miles. One thing’s for sure: you’ll want to bring your camera to capture all of the incredible scenery! Learn more about this easy-to-reach waterfall in Oregon.
Koosah Falls, Oregon 97413, USA
This gentle hike is good for all skills levels. The trail will take you over an amazing 240-foot long cable suspension bridge, with views of Drift Creek Falls below. It’s the perfect Oregon day trip destination if you’re someone who appreciates quality time in the great outdoors!
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
This short and sweet 1-mile round trip hike near Terrebonne, Oregon is accessible all year long. During wintertime, it’s a calm and beautiful Oregon hike. In the summer, it’s a popular swimming hole.
This dog-friendly trail is only 1 mile round-trip and can be hiked year-round. The end views are simply gorgeous. When it comes to the best short trails in Oregon, Moon Falls is a definite contender!
Moon Falls, 43°44'08, US-2, Newport, WA 99156, USA
Flickr/Kirt Edblom
The otherworldly Alsea Falls Recreation Area is a treat for the senses. The hike to the falls takes you past lush forests and majestic old-growth Douglas firs. The trail is 4.2 miles round-trip. Learn more about this gorgeous Oregon recreation area you’ll want to visit time and time again.
Alsea Falls, Oregon 97456, USA
Flickr/Darryll DeCoster
White River Falls is a 0.7-mile lightly trafficked out and back trail. The 90-foot falls plunges into the base of a hydroelectric power plant that once supplied the area with electricity, from 1910 to 1960.
White River Falls, Washington 98826, USA
For more stunning hikes in the Beaver State, check out these 11 hikes under 3 miles. You might also want to check out our Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Oregon’s Natural Beauty – Waterfalls, Beaches, Hikes, And More!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Oregon April 13, 2022 Beth C. Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Oregon? Absolutely! While Oregon has plenty of challenging and potentially dangerous trails suited only for the most skilled hikers, you’ll be happy to learn that there are also plenty of family-friendly trails for all ages to enjoy here in the Beaver State. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Hobbit Beach Trail. Less than one mile in length, this whimsical trail will take hikers through a mossy forest that eventually leads to a beach. Along the way, you and your little ones can keep your eyes peeled for beautiful shells and small crabs. It’s a wonderful setting for the tiny explorers in your group! Next up on our list of recommendations for kid-friendly trails in Oregon is a beautiful waterfall hike. Ponytail Falls is an easy 0.8-mile trek that’s considered to be the easiest waterfall hike in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s also breathtaking! Some more trails worth seeking out include Natural Arch Hike, Sparks Lake, South Falls Loop, Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, Upper North Falls, Lake Marie, and Painted Cove Nature Trail.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Oregon
April 13, 2022
Beth C.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Oregon? Absolutely! While Oregon has plenty of challenging and potentially dangerous trails suited only for the most skilled hikers, you’ll be happy to learn that there are also plenty of family-friendly trails for all ages to enjoy here in the Beaver State. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Hobbit Beach Trail. Less than one mile in length, this whimsical trail will take hikers through a mossy forest that eventually leads to a beach. Along the way, you and your little ones can keep your eyes peeled for beautiful shells and small crabs. It’s a wonderful setting for the tiny explorers in your group! Next up on our list of recommendations for kid-friendly trails in Oregon is a beautiful waterfall hike. Ponytail Falls is an easy 0.8-mile trek that’s considered to be the easiest waterfall hike in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s also breathtaking! Some more trails worth seeking out include Natural Arch Hike, Sparks Lake, South Falls Loop, Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, Upper North Falls, Lake Marie, and Painted Cove Nature Trail.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Absolutely! While Oregon has plenty of challenging and potentially dangerous trails suited only for the most skilled hikers, you’ll be happy to learn that there are also plenty of family-friendly trails for all ages to enjoy here in the Beaver State. One of our favorite recommendations is known as Hobbit Beach Trail. Less than one mile in length, this whimsical trail will take hikers through a mossy forest that eventually leads to a beach. Along the way, you and your little ones can keep your eyes peeled for beautiful shells and small crabs. It’s a wonderful setting for the tiny explorers in your group! Next up on our list of recommendations for kid-friendly trails in Oregon is a beautiful waterfall hike. Ponytail Falls is an easy 0.8-mile trek that’s considered to be the easiest waterfall hike in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s also breathtaking! Some more trails worth seeking out include Natural Arch Hike, Sparks Lake, South Falls Loop, Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, Upper North Falls, Lake Marie, and Painted Cove Nature Trail.
