5 Must-See Waterfalls in Oregon (2026)
If you only have time for five Oregon waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Columbia River Gorge and Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Oregon waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. 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 a must-see
With 6,149 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Oregon, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "A striking cascade more than 600 ft tall draws visitors to this picturesque spot with hiking trails." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: On Multnomah Creek; has an upper and lower falls, in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - U.S. Forest Service (USFS)). 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Wiesendanger Falls and Wahkeena Falls. 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. Tumalo Falls
Deschutes River Woods, OR · Deschutes County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is a must-see
With 467 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Oregon, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "97-foot waterfall within the Deschutes National Forest surrounded by hiking & mountain biking trails." 6 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Upper Falls Deschutes River and Lava Island Falls. It is one of 92 named falls in the Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills region. The nearest town is Deschutes River Woods, about 11 miles to the east.
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3. Salt Creek Falls
Oakridge, OR · Lane County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is a must-see
With 427 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Oregon, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Powerful single drop waterfall cascading 286 ft. with an observation platform & loop gravel trail." 3 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Diamond Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls. 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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4. Sahalie Falls
Sisters, OR · Linn County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is a must-see
With 412 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Oregon, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Picturesque waterfall along the McKenzie River features a viewing platform, trails & nearby camping." Name history: "Sahalie is a Chinuk Wawa word meaning ""heaven"" or ""high""." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Koosah Falls and Tamolitch Falls. 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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5. Abiqua Falls
Lyons, OR · Marion County · Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills
Why it is a must-see
With 280 Google reviews it is the 7th most visited waterfall in Oregon, and it holds 4.8 stars. 10 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Butte Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls. It is one of 92 named falls in the Central Cascades and Willamette Foothills region. The nearest town is Lyons, about 11 miles to the south.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 170 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Multnomah Falls (start, near Cascade Locks)
- Abiqua Falls, about 50 mi southwest
- Sahalie Falls, about 49 mi southeast
- Tumalo Falls, about 30 mi southeast
- Salt Creek Falls, about 40 mi southwest
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.
Explore More Oregon Waterfalls
See all 249 waterfalls in the Oregon waterfall guide, or browse by town: Cascade Locks, Deschutes River Woods, Oakridge, Sisters, Lyons.
More Oregon Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see 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?
These are the five most visited Oregon waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 170 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.
Why does Oregon have so many waterfalls?
Thick layers of hard basalt from ancient lava flows create cliffs that streams pour over, and heavy Pacific rainfall plus Cascade snowmelt keep those streams running. The Missoula Floods also carved the Columbia River Gorge, leaving many tributaries dropping over its walls.