The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a very special section of land, it stretches 85 miles from its eastern edge where the Columbia and Deschutes rivers meet, to the western edge of the Portland metro area. The formation of the Gorge began 40 to 60 million years ago and has since become a very well-known and loved part of the Pacific Northwest. It is full of incredible scenic views, endless waterfalls and wildflower trails. The Oregon side of the Gorge is where I first started my hiking journey years ago. Over time I have found my favorites, which I am going to share in order from easiest to most difficult.
Length: 1.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 308 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
This trail was the first that made me fall in love with waterfalls, hiking and being out in nature. I was probably 14 or 15 years old the first time I completed it and probably a dozen times since. This trail is usually pretty crowded as it is one of the more popular in the Gorge, you will see lots of people and dogs. Once you start getting close to the falls this trail transforms into another world and suddenly, you’ve hiked into a fairytale. I have done this trail in every season, but my favorite time was early June when there were butterflies everywhere!
Length: 2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 639 Ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Latourell Falls is great for a quick hike that still shows you the beauty of the Gorge. This waterfall is unique compared to the other waterfalls in its area because it drops directly off a basalt cliff, whereas most of the other waterfalls in the Gorge tumble to some degree through or off the rocks. During the warmer months you can find many native plants complimenting the trail, foxglove being one of my favorites.
Length: 4.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 898 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Dry Creek Falls is further East than most of the other well-known falls in the Gorge. The trailhead is located right at the Cascade Locks near Bridge of the Gods, this trail branches off from the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking through the dense, green forest is a beauty any time of year with the evergreen trees ending at another spectacular waterfall. After this hike, spending some time in the Cascade Locks or even traveling over the Bridge of the Gods to Stevenson, Washington for some lunch or dinner is highly recommended!
4. Tunnel Falls
Length: 12.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,142 Ft.
Difficulty: Hard (due to length)
This hike has got to be one of my all-time favorites, not only in the Gorge. First, the number of waterfalls you encounter throughout the trail is incredible. Second, you get to walk through a tunnel behind a waterfall! This trail is shared with the very popular Eagle Creek, being one of the many waterfalls found on the way to the end. 12 miles sounds like quite a trek but it is so worth it, especially if you grab some friends and a big lunch!
These are my favorite hikes on the Oregon side of the Gorge but there are plenty of others as well. These 4 are some of the most memorable waterfalls I have experienced, and they range in difficulty levels so you can choose to go for quick and easy or a longer day hike. The Columbia River Gorge has so much to offer and with Summer right around the corner it is time to start planning time for the trails.
Alltrails link for more information and directions to each hike linked on hike name
