Oregon is one of the coolest places in the country for hikers, campers, and people who love waterfalls. There’s nothing like hearing the loud sound of rushing water as you get close to a waterfall, looking up to see the water splashing down, and maybe even dipping your toes in the water to cool off after a long walk.

These are some of the best waterfall hikes in Oregon, from easy walks to harder trails that make you work for the amazing view. Many of these waterfalls are in the Cascade Mountains, giving you many choices for your next adventure. Whether you want a popular trail to a famous waterfall or a muddy path with river crossings and slippery rocks, there’s a perfect hike for everyone in this list of the best Oregon waterfall hikes!

1. Lemolo Falls

You can reach Lemolo Falls using two different trails on either side of the North Umpqua River. The trail on the north side is part of the North Umpqua River Trail and takes you to a lookout point where you can view the falls from above. However, this write-up focuses on the trail on the south side of the river, which takes you down to the base of this incredible 165-foot waterfall in Southern Oregon.

Closest Town: Chemult
Trail Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip) with 600 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Usage: Low

2. Moon Falls

Moon Falls is a beautiful hidden gem located in the Umpqua National Forest. This easy trail is great for all fitness levels and takes you through a pretty second-growth forest. Since most of the trail faces south, it can get warm and sunny, and you’ll see lots of lovely plants along the way. Moon Falls is 100 feet tall, and its water flows gracefully down to a shelf where, on calmer days, you can stand and really get a sense of how big the waterfall is.

Closest Towns: Cottage Grove and Oakridge
Trail Type: Out and Back
Distance: 1.2 miles (round trip) with 185 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Low to medium 

3. Falls along Paulina Creek

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail features some of the most amazing but underrated waterfalls in Central Oregon! On this shorter section of the trail, you’ll come across three unnamed waterfalls that aren’t marked on most maps. If you’re up for a challenge and want to see all nine waterfalls along the trail, you can hike the entire Peter Skene Ogden Trail. It’s a long hike, though, so it’s best for longer days in the spring.

Closest Town: LaPine
Trail Type: Out and Back
Distance: 5.1 miles (round trip) with 772 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Low

4. Latourell Falls

About the Hike: This short loop hike offers up-close views of two stunning waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge, just a few miles from Portland. The trail is well-maintained and wasn’t heavily affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. In addition to the 249-foot and 120-foot waterfalls, you’ll also come across a very old split cedar tree that you can actually walk through! This easy hike is great for families and can be enjoyed in almost any season.

Closest Towns: Corbett and Portland
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles with 585 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Medium to very heavy 

5. McDowell Creek Falls

This short and enjoyable hike features two of the most famous waterfalls in the Willamette Valley! The trail offers an easy walk along the creek, with boardwalks and stairs to help you climb the hillside to see the waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it perfect for family members of all ages and activity levels.

Closest Town: Sweet Home
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 1.8 miles with 340 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Medium to high 

6. Trestle Creek Falls

The Trestle Creek Falls loop is a beautiful hike located just south of Eugene, featuring both the upper and lower Trestle Creek Falls. This trail is family and dog-friendly, offering lush, scenic views perfect for hiking in the winter and spring. It’s one of the most picturesque hikes in the area!

Closest Town: Cottage Grove
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 3.75 miles with 1,455 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Usage: Medium

7. Lillian Falls

Lillian Falls is a hidden gem that most people haven’t heard of. This 1.75-mile trail takes you through stunning old-growth forest in the Willamette National Forest. Along the way, you’ll reach the breathtaking 150-foot Lillian Falls, where the water cascades down moss-covered rocks, creating a beautiful green oasis. The trail also continues to Klovdahl Bay on the northwest side of Waldo Lake, making it a serene, remote hike.

Closest Town: Oakridge
Trail Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2.5 miles with 630 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Low

8. Salt Creek Falls & Diamond Creek Falls

This loop is great year-round, with little elevation gain, making it perfect for beginner snowshoers in the winter or for summer visitors when the Rhododendrons are blooming. You’ll see the stunning 286-foot Salt Creek Falls from a viewing platform and can take a short side trail for a close-up view of the 120-foot Diamond Creek Falls. While the main parking area gate is closed in winter, you can park at the nearby Sno-Park. Located just 23 miles from Oakridge off Hwy 58, this hike is a perfect road trip stop!

Closest Town: Oakridge
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 5 miles with 1,000 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Usage: Medium

9. Sahalie & Koosah Falls

This short and enjoyable loop is perfect for shorter winter days or for a quick stop on a waterfall-viewing road trip. The trail features two must-see waterfalls: the 73-foot Sahalie Falls, which plunges dramatically into a deep pool, and the 74-foot Koosah Falls, which cascades gracefully in multiple streams into the river below. It’s also a great hike for younger children since it’s not too challenging and offers lots to see along the way.

Closest Town: McKenzie Bridge
Trail Type: Loop
Distance: 2.8 miles with 455 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Medium to high 

10. Sweet Creek Falls

This charming waterfall hike lives up to its sweet name. It’s a short and easy trail that’s great for the whole family. The path follows the creek upstream and is well-maintained, with stairs and boardwalks in areas that can get flooded. Each season offers something special: fall brings vibrant colors, while spring showcases a strong river flow and a roaring waterfall. There’s always something to enjoy on this hike!

Closest Town: Mapleton
Trail Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2.1 miles with 705 feet of elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Usage: Medium to high