Around the Bay and Away: Chasing Waterfalls at Columbia River Gorge’s Waterfall Alley

Ever since I was a child, I have been mesmerized by waterfalls. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find me chasing waterfalls from the free Three Bears Falls flowing along Hana Highway in Maui, Hawai`i to both Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls within paid Yosemite National Park in California.

Admittedly, waterfalls were not the first thing I thought of when I was planning a trip to Portland, Oregon. After some research, I discovered the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls, what many dub Waterfall Alley for the sheer number of falls, just about 30 minutes outside of the city. Many are visible from the roadside,

with most just a short walk from the main road, making a visit doable in just a morning.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls, the most popular, receiving over 2 million visitors annually, was my first stop, arriving before 10AM, to get a parking space and to avoid the crowds that is sure to descend on this majestic beauty.

Parking is available on both sides of the road depending on your travel direction. Since we were coming from Portland, parking was on the other side with a pedestrian underpass connecting you to the side of the falls. For westbound travelers, your exit off Interstate 84 is on the side of the falls.

Since it is the main attraction, there is a gift shop with a crushed penny machine, visitor center, and restrooms available upon our arrival and even a restaurant that may have limited or seasonal hours.

With my main focus to see the falls vs. hiking, I headed to the vantage point at the bottom of the lower falls for some great photo ops.

Even within half an hour, the view can change as the fog rolls in or lifts around this 542-foot fall plummeting into a misty grotto.

If you have the day to explore, you can hike up to the Benson Bridge, do a 2.2 miles moderate hike to the upper falls with a 700 feet elevation gain, or even a difficult 5.4 miles loop over to Wahkeena Falls and back. Due to limited time and other falls to visit, we chose to just drive between the two, but not before one unplanned stop.

Horsetail Falls

Originally, the plan was to go as far at Multnomah Falls and make our way back towards the different falls on the way to Portland. However, since we ended up parked at the lot on the opposite side, we drove towards Horsetail Falls as the turnaround point. Although their parking lot is small and can easily get full, we had it to ourselves around 10:30 while most people were still at Multnomah.

I love when you get rewarded with an unplanned detour like this easily accessible fall, right next to Historic Columbia River Highway. Maybe it is because I have an affinity for horses, with the falls resembling a horsetail, because we had it almost to ourselves, or the mist I felt on my face from the falls that just felt magical, but Horsetail Falls may have narrowly edged out Multnomah for being my favorite.

When full, the fall is supposed to fan out even more towards the bottom but it was already impressive as is from the different angles.

Wahkeena Falls

As mentioned before, there is a loop between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls so this lot was actually full upon arrival, as some people chose to park here and do the loop to Multnomah and back. For non-hikers like myself, just a short 0.2 miles from the parking lot, you reach a stone bridge for a good view of the falls. If the conditions are not too icy, you can also take the trail to the more dramatic Fairy Falls but since the lot was full, I just got dropped off for some quick pics.

Bridal Veil Falls

Just like Yosemite, there is a Bridal Veil Falls here too and is the one not easily visible from the lot or road so we saved our time for this one. We started with the ½ mile paved Overlook Trail Loop, offering beautiful views of the Columbia River that made me wish I packed a lunch to enjoy with this view.

We followed it up with the Lower Trail to get to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. Although the distance is a short 0.6 miles round trip, it can be considered moderate taking about 30 minutes as the descent is steep, so careful with your footing. Once you make it to the base, you are treated to a magnificent two-tiered fall cascading along angling rockfaces. Just like Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls lives up to its name, rounding out my top 3.

After Multnomah, this one has the most facilities including picnic tables and restrooms.

Latourell Falls

Honestly, if this was our first stop like for most coming out of Portland vs. last going back towards Portland, I probably would have appreciated it more. Because we have experienced so many impressive falls already, this one was my least favorite of all. You can view it a short distance from the parking lot or you can hike a 2.4 miles moderate loop to reach the upper part of the falls. Again, since I have already seen more impressive falls at this point, I skipped the hike.

Crown Point Vista House

Our last stop is not a waterfall, but what was originally a large rest stop for travelers along the Columbia River Highway. Unfortunately, the Vista House itself was still close due to renovations during our visit but has since reopen for limited hours, Fridays-Monday from 9-5 contingent on available staffing and wind conditions.

The panoramic views from the outside are still spectacular especially of the Columbia River Gorge and worth the stop on the way to or back from the Falls.

So, although I may not immediately think of waterfalls when I think of Portland, it is well known to many, with time permits required starting Memorial Day and lasting through at least Labor Day. Check the websites for the current requirements and plan accordingly to reserve up to 2 weeks in advance when applicable. You definitely do not want to miss these gems, even if it’s no longer hidden and Waterfall Alley truly is a nature lover’s paradise for both hikers and non-hikers that allows you to enjoy these beauties with awe as if through the eyes of a child.

Multnomah Falls

50000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy

Bridal Veil, OR 97010

503-695-2372

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Multnomah Falls (usda.gov)

Horsetail Falls

59700 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy

Cascade Locks, OR 97014

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Horsetail Falls & Trail (#438) (usda.gov)

Wahkeena Falls

Off of I-84 by Troutdale

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Wahkeena Falls (usda.gov)