Last updated on June 26th, 2023 at 07:17 pm

Did you know that within thirty minutes of driving, you can explore tons of gorgeous waterfalls near Portland, Oregon? Yes, nature is so close to Portland that you just cannot skip it!

The majority of  Portland waterfalls that we’re covering in this blog post are located in the Columbia River Gorge region in the Pacific Northwest. At the end of this post, we’ve given our recommendations on waterfalls in other regions near Portland as well. Honestly, the last time we were this waterfalled out was on our Iceland road trip.

To shake things up, you can easily add some of Oregon’s best wineries in the Hood River region along with these waterfalls (see map below). And if you want some adventure, there are tons of hikes near Portland as well.

TIP: You can easily do this as a day trip from Portland if you leave early in the morning. 

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How to get to Columbia River Gorge near Portland?

The best way to see the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls would be to rent a car and drive around. However, if you are not keen on renting a car (you don’t really need it for Portland anyway) consider taking one of the Portland waterfalls tours.

Columbia River Gorge Day Trip to See Best Waterfalls Near Portland

In this blog post, we have listed our favorite stops along the Columbia River Gorge to see these Portland waterfalls. We have also listed our favorite wineries in the Hood River region. Below is a map we created of all these locations, click here to see it on Google Maps.

So let’s get to it –

1. Portland Women’s Forum vista point

Before heading to the waterfalls, let’s start with some gorgeous panoramic views of Columbia River cutting through the gorge at Women’s Forum viewpoint. Tip: This is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

2. Latourell Falls

Next up is the Latourell Falls as you drive north from Portland. The waterfall is visible just a few steps from the parking lot. Let me also add that I was pleasantly surprised to see a small foot brush in the parking lot to clean your shoes and protect vegetation in the area.

Latourell Falls is one of my favorites in this region for two reasons – one, you can get up & close to the falls. In fact, you can even go behind the waterfalls. And second, there is an easy hike starting from the main falls which take you to the upper falls. Do the hike only if you have the extra time since there is so much to see on this day trip.

HIKE: An easy 2.4 miles loop trail starts from Latourell Falls and takes you to the upper falls. This hike is almost a loop as it ends on the road near the Falls parking lot.

3. Bridal Veil Falls

From the parking lot of Bridal Veil Falls, you can access two trails.  One trail takes you to the falls and the other shorter trail loops around giving panoramic views of Columbia River Gorge. FUN FACT: While you may be standing in Oregon, across the river in the photo below is Washington State.

HIKE: Another short & easy 0.6-mile one-way trail from the parking lot will take you to the viewpoint of Bridal Veil Waterfall. These falls should be after Latourell Falls on your road trip itinerary.

4. Multnomah Falls

It is named as the most visited and most photographed waterfall in Oregon. Since Multnomah Waterfalls is the icon of the state it goes without saying that you’ll be missing something if you skip this. If you reach here during lunch then enjoy your meal with a view of the falls at Multnomah Lodge restaurant.

PARKING TIP: For the obvious reason stated above, Multnomah Falls gets very crowded during the day, especially the Falls parking lot which is right off the main highway. If that happens to be the case, then park at the overflow parking in Rooster Rock State Park and take a free shuttle to Multnomah. More info on visiting and parking can be found here.

HIKE: You can take a short trail to reach the bridge of Multnomah falls and enjoy a different perspective from up there. If you are interested in hiking further, then head to Wahkeena Falls trail, which continues from Multnomah falls.

NOTE: Oneonta Gorge Trail and Punch Bowl Falls Trail is now closed indefinitely due to the damages caused by the wildfires of 2017.

5. Starvation Creek Falls

Roughly about 30 minutes from Multnomah Falls in the direction of Hood River is Starvation Creek Park. This hidden gem is far less crowded than the rest of Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. We were the only ones by the picnic area of the falls which is a short 0.1 mile round trip from the parking lot.

Hood River Wineries Near Portland

You also can easily cover some of the best Hood River wineries after the waterfalls. These wineries are roughly about an hour away from Portland.

6. Wineries & Cider Tasting in Hood River/ Columbia Gorge

While you are out here why not try some Oregon wineries as well? Hood River region near Mt. Hood is known for its wineries and orchards. We love trying local wines so this definitely had to be on our itinerary. Here are the wineries and a cider house we stopped by before heading back.

TIP: If you visit during spring season then don’t forget to check out the Hood River Fruit Loop.

a. Cathedral Ridge Winery

If you like bold reds and love nature then Cathedral Ridge Winery is is the place to be. It’s famous for its red wines and gorgeous views from the vineyard. I loved the bold Cabernets here. It’s $15/person for a wine tasting tour that includes a flight of six wines and they waive off $5 if you purchase a wine bottle.

b. Wy’East Vineyards 

Another gorgeous location to stop by for wine tasting isWy’East Vineyards. I loved the Pinot Noirs here. It’s $15/person for a wine tasting tour that includes a flight of six wines and they waive off the entire tasting fee if you purchase a wine bottle.

c. The Gorge White House

When in the Gorge, check out this White House for some cider tasting or their house-made wine if you’d like that better. What’s more, the Gorge White House also has a fresh flower and fruit farm so you can pick your own.

We visited this place in August and were just time for the sunflower blooming season.

After wine tasting, if you want to head back to Portland it will be roughly an hour drive. But if you are doing an Oregon State road trip as we did then spend the night in Hood River.

Other Waterfalls Near Portland

Columbia River Gorge is not the only place to see waterfalls near Portland. Although that’s where we went and hence the majority of this blog post. In closure, we want to leave you with a few other amazing waterfalls that are not too far from Portland.

PS: Most of these are on our bucket list if we haven’t already seen them –

• Tamanawas Falls, Mt Hood region – 1.30 hrs from Portland (We hiked to this waterfalls and most certainly recommend it)
• South Falls, Silver Falls State Park – 1.20hrs from Portland (Consider hiking the trail of ten falls loop here)
• Panther Creek Falls – 1.20 hrs (A short 0.3 miles roundtrip hike and you are rewarded with one of a kind multiple waterfalls)
• Abiqua Falls – 1.20 hrs from Portland
• White River Falls – 2hrs from Portland
• Sahalie Falls & Koosah Falls, Willamette National Forest – 2.30 hrs from Portland
• Proxy Falls,  Willamette National Forest – 3 hrs from Portland
• Salt Creek Falls, Willamette National Forest – 3 hrs from Portland
• Jordan Creek Falls – 1 hr from Portland

Looking for things to see beyond waterfalls? You have to head to the beautiful Oregon Coast, it makes for an incredible road trip even in the winter season.

I hope this post was helpful in planning and organizing your pit-stops along Columbia River Gorge. Don’t forget to squeeze in a Hood River winery with the Portland waterfalls.

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Happy Traveling!