The Best Waterfalls to Photograph in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

8/14/2016

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is the most visited and most photographed of the waterfalls along the scenic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls is a roaring, 611-foot cascading waterfall that is easily accessed via the parking lot. For a closer view walk several hundred feet along the paved trail to the bridge which spans the falls first tier's misty base. From here you will have the perfect view of the top tier's full 542-foot height.

Triple Falls

Triple Falls is not one, but three parallel waterfalls around 135-feet tall. The falls are accessed via hiking with the trail beginning at the Oneonta Trailhead. Big-leaf maples and vine maples make this a beautiful hike in Autumn.

Ponytail Falls

Ponytail Falls is a favorite among photographers because you can get some unique shots from behind the falls. To reach Ponytail Falls you need to hike a steep trail about 0.3 miles.

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls is a 249-foot plunge waterfall and is usually the first waterfall seen along the Columbia River Highway. This waterfall is most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen adorning the cliff face to the right of the falls which makes for some visually pleasing photographs. Latourell Falls is a short hike from the parking lot to the bottom of the falls.

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls is a 242 foot waterfall which has a subtle cascading flow. To reach this waterfall, park at the Wahkeena Falls parking lot and hike an easy 0.5 miles out to the falls. You can also continue this loop trail to reach the top of Multnomah Falls.

Punchbowl Falls

Punchbowl Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek trail and is a popular waterfall to hike out to on a hot summers day. The hike itself is pretty spectacular with cliffs on both sides. To see the classic view of this waterfall head to the far end of the rocky beach and wade out into the pool in front of the falls.

Tunnel Falls

Tunnel Falls is quite a hike at 12 miles round trip to get to, but well worth it! It is on the Eagle Creek trail which is the same as Punchbowl Falls. This waterfall plunges 160 feet from the towering basalt cliffs to the creek below. The most impressive thing about Tunnel Falls is obviously the tunnel carved behind it which allows you to get some spectacular (and wet) photographs.

Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is located right beside the Historic Columbia River Highway and requires no hiking! This waterfall is much less crowded than nearby Multonomah Falls and is great for getting photographs of yourself in front of the waterfall.