10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Oregon (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of Oregon's 249 named waterfalls, starting with Multnomah Falls. The list spans the Columbia River Gorge, Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills, and Coast Range.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 126 publicly accessible Oregon waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Multnomah Falls
Cascade Locks, OR · Multnomah County · Columbia River Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 24,834 photos of it on Google, about 4.0 for every review. 84% of its 6,149 reviewers rate it five stars (4.7 average). Its listing describes it as: "A striking cascade more than 600 ft tall draws visitors to this picturesque spot with hiking trails." The setting includes Devils Rest (summit, 1.1 mi) and Angels Rest (summit, 2.0 mi). It is one of 36 named falls in the Columbia River Gorge region. The nearest town is Cascade Locks, about 13 miles to the northeast.
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2. Sahalie Falls
Sisters, OR · Linn County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,796 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 93% of its 412 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Picturesque waterfall along the McKenzie River features a viewing platform, trails & nearby camping." The setting includes Clear Lake (lake, 1.4 mi). Name history: "Sahalie is a Chinuk Wawa word meaning ""heaven"" or ""high""." It is one of 92 named falls in the Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills region. The nearest town is Sisters, about 22 miles to the east.
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3. Latourell Falls
Troutdale, OR · Multnomah County · Columbia River Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 2,962 photos of it on Google, about 4.9 for every review. 88% of its 599 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "This 249-ft-high gorge waterfall in Guy W. Talbot State Park can be accessed via a trail." The setting includes Crown Point (summit, 1.3 mi) and Shepperds Dell (valley, 1.3 mi). It is one of 36 named falls in the Columbia River Gorge region. The nearest town is Troutdale, about 8.2 miles to the west.
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4. Alsea Falls
Junction City, OR · Benton County · Coast Range
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 460 photos of it on Google, about 2.9 for every review. 82% of its 159 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its scenic drive and beautiful scenery. It is one of 47 named falls in the Coast Range region. The nearest town is Junction City, about 16 miles to the southeast.
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5. Horsetail Falls
Cascade Locks, OR · Multnomah County · Columbia River Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,978 photos of it on Google, about 5.1 for every review. 87% of its 386 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Forested site with waterfalls offering a short hike suitable for all skill levels & scenic views." The setting includes Oneonta Gorge (valley, 0.3 mi) and Franz Lake (lake, 1.2 mi). It is one of 36 named falls in the Columbia River Gorge region. The nearest town is Cascade Locks, about 10 miles to the northeast.
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6. Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
Tillamook, OR · Tillamook County · Coast Range
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 385 photos of it on Google, about 3.0 for every review. 72% of its 128 reviewers rate it five stars (4.6 average). Reviewers single out its beautiful trees, walk to falls viewpoint, and photo spots. It is one of 47 named falls in the Coast Range region. The nearest town is Tillamook, about 7.5 miles to the northwest.
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7. Salt Creek Falls
Oakridge, OR · Lane County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,681 photos of it on Google, about 3.9 for every review. 91% of its 427 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Powerful single drop waterfall cascading 286 ft. with an observation platform & loop gravel trail." It is one of 92 named falls in the Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills region. The nearest town is Oakridge, about 19 miles to the northwest.
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8. Koosah Falls
Sisters, OR · Linn County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,121 photos of it on Google, about 5.1 for every review. 93% of its 218 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Moderate hike to a 70ft-tall waterfall dropping into a deep pool, ringed by ferns & moss." The setting includes Clear Lake (lake, 1.7 mi). It is one of 92 named falls in the Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills region. The nearest town is Sisters, about 23 miles to the east.
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9. Watson Falls
Oakridge, OR · Douglas County · Umpqua and Rogue Country
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 636 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 95% of its 144 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Short trail through creekside fir forest to a powerful cascade tumbling over a vertical rock face." It is one of 49 named falls in the Umpqua and Rogue Country region. The nearest town is Oakridge, about 35 miles to the north.
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10. Bridal Veil Falls
Troutdale, OR · Multnomah County · Columbia River Gorge
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,013 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 90% of its 230 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Pillars of Hercules (pillar, 0.4 mi) and Shepperds Dell (valley, 0.9 mi). It is one of 36 named falls in the Columbia River Gorge region. The nearest town is Troutdale, about 10 miles to the west.
When to Visit Oregon's Waterfalls
Oregon's waterfall seasons vary by region. West of the Cascades, rain-fed falls in the Gorge and Coast Range run highest from November through May, with spring offering the best mix of full flow, green moss and longer daylight. Winter visits can be spectacular, but east winds through the Gorge sometimes bring ice storms that coat trails and roads. In the High Cascades, falls on snowmelt-fed rivers such as the McKenzie and North Umpqua peak in late spring and early summer, though roads and trails at higher elevations may remain snowbound into June. Summer is dry, and smaller coastal falls shrink, but snow-fed and spring-fed falls keep running. Fall brings the return of rain in October or November and vine maple color. Wildfire smoke can affect visibility in late summer.
Before You Go
Oregon's falls are mostly on public land: the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, national forests such as the Mount Hood, Willamette, Umpqua and Deschutes, and state parks including Silver Falls. Many national forest trailheads require a recreation pass such as the Northwest Forest Pass, and several state parks charge day-use parking fees. In recent years, the busiest stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway has used a seasonal timed-use permit system, so check current requirements before driving there in summer. Parking at Multnomah Falls and other Gorge sites fills early on weekends. Hazards include slick mossy basalt, cliff edges, cold and powerful water, falling rock, winter ice, and wildfire-related trail closures. Stay behind railings and on maintained trails.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More Oregon Waterfalls
See all 249 waterfalls in the Oregon waterfall guide, or browse by town: Cascade Locks, Sisters, Troutdale, Junction City, Tillamook, Oakridge.
More Oregon Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon?
Multnomah Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.7-star rating from 6,149 Google reviews. It is near Cascade Locks in Multnomah County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 126 publicly accessible Oregon waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in Oregon?
Our directory lists 249 named waterfalls in Oregon. See them all, sorted by town, in the Oregon waterfall guide.
What is the most visited waterfall in Oregon?
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is by far the most reviewed waterfall in our directory, with more than 6,000 Google reviews. It drops more than 600 feet in two tiers.