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The Best Waterfalls Near Portland

Posted on March 27, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Portland staff

City Cast Portland staff

waterfall with greenery on the sides

Upper North Falls at Silver Falls State Park. (John Notarianni / City Cast Portland)

City Cast

How To Actually Go Chasin’ Waterfalls

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All the Pacific Northwest rain means we get some beautiful waterfalls. Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding recently shared her picks for the most scenic spots around.

“Silver Falls is a forever classic,” says Emily.

Tips: For the Trail of Ten Falls, pick your time and entry point, to avoid crowds

Southwest Washington: Lewis River Falls 🌲

This is an easy option that doesn’t get too crowded.

Tip: Reservations are required from June 15 to Sept. 6 and open for the season on May 20.

Columbia Gorge: Starvation Creek Falls 🌳

“Starvation Falls in the Eastern part of the Columbia River Gorge would be a great option if you want to do some fun Gorge stuff,” Emily says. “That area didn't burn” — in the 2017 Eagle Creek fire.

Tip: Areas downhill from a forest fire can be particularly dangerous five to eight years after a burn, so exercise caution and consider alternate locations in the Gorge, like this one.

“Those are really beautiful, a nice short hike that you could do with kids or if you just wanted some easy movement,” says Emily.

Tip: Check out this one as a family-friendly option.

This one doesn’t require a hike. You can drive up to it if you’re looking for something more accessible.

Tip: This one is more impressive when it’s recently been raining, like now.

More Tips for Waterfall Hikes

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