With winter and spring come winter storms and snow pack melt, supplying Oregon scenic rivers the water needed to create our wildly beautiful and renowned waterfalls.
And it’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon Bed and Breakfast vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls.
Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls across the state (and 1,000+ according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey).You basically can’t drive more than 30-minutes without passing another waterfall! The Columbia River Gorge has close to 50 notable waterfalls alone. So where should you go?
These 4 are on the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge
Day trips from Portland’s Fulton House or Mt Hood’s Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Multnomah Falls
You can tour the waterfalls that make up the Columbia River Gorge by car or on foot, but you won’t have the full-on spectacular experience unless you do both. Whatever you do, make sure to save time to see Multnomah Falls. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and more than 2 million visitors come each year to take in its view. Tip from the local innkeepers that know: visit early morning, late afternoon and midweek to beat the crowds
Horsetail Falls
Named for its characteristic form, Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet within view of the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor.” Just east of the falls is a great picnic spot to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and watch the passing freight trains.
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is usually the first waterfall seen along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The falls plunge 224 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen adorning the cliff face to the right of the falls
Wahkeena Falls
View from your car or from the commemorative monument, honoring the completion of the original Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway
Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in the Northwest, dropping 42 feet over a horseshoe-shaped ledge with a crest length of approximately 1,500 feet.
According to Oregon Geographic Names, the Willamette River was named for an Indian settlement somewhere in the vicinity of Oregon City known as “Wal-lamt”, which may have meant “spill water”, a reference to the falls.
There are several viewpoints of the falls available, mostly from above. But we found the most exciting and up-close view of The Falls was on a jet boat excursion on the Willamette River. Take the 32-mile trip up and down the Willamette River to the majestic Willamette Falls.
John Day River
Although not an Oregon Waterfall, the Wild and Scenic John Day River is a major water source in Oregon. Approximately 284 miles long The River is a tributary of the Columbia River. It is known as the Mah-Hah River by the Cayuse people, the original inhabitants of the region. Explore the John Day Territory from Wilson Ranches Retreat along the Journey through time Scenic Byway.
You’ll want to step out of your car, if only for a moment, to feel the mist of an Oregon waterfall on your face!
Don’t hesitate to shoot us an email at info@obbg.org if you’d like more information about where to see these or other Oregon’s Waterfalls.
Where to Stay. What to Do. Where to Eat. Where to Play
Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.
The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will inspire you
Download the map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. We’ve included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat. You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
