6 Best Waterfall Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

6 Best Waterfall Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

With rugged mountains and heavy rainfall, the Pacific Northwest shapes a verdant, mossy oasis for waterfalls. Whether plummeting from ancient basaltic bedrock or filtering through mountainside ferns, waterfalls in the region number into the thousands. For outdoor adventurers looking for a hike with a scenic destination, the Pacific Northwest offers plenty of respite near heavy-flowing cascades.

When exploring the region’s waterfalls, it’s always important to follow the leave no trace principles so people can enjoy the destinations for years to come and minimize deleterious impacts on the landscape. Here are a few reminders to follow:

  • Consider visiting waterfalls with fewer crowds to limit the strains placed on local agencies managing public spaces and the issues that occur with overflow parking
  • Pack out any trash or other items you brought with you and never throw anything into the waterfalls or neighboring streams
  • Stay on designated trails in high traffic areas to reduce erosion and the trampling of fragile flora and fauna surrounding the waterfalls
  • Avoid moving rocks in stream beds, which can be detrimental to salamanders and other animals that nest and live under and around the stones

Despite this blog’s title, it’s never actually possible to round up the “best” waterfalls of a region. While some are particularly scenic, there’s beauty in each. In fact, Kathy Kimberlite, one of our brand ambassadors who calls the Pacific Northwest home, told us that her favorite waterfalls are the ones she comes upon by surprise while hiking, such as those along the nearly 100-mile loop trail encircling Mount Rainier. 

Regardless, lists can be sources of inspiration to get outside and bask in the wonders of the wild. So, to get you started on your next Pacific Northwest adventure, here are six of the region’s best waterfalls to see while hiking.

1. Sahalie & Koosah Falls in Willamette National Forest

Photo credit: Emily Schrick

Northwest of Bend, Oregon, you’ll find Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Sahalie means “heaven” and Koosah means “sky” in Chinook Jargon. The falls are stationed at the terminus of two thick basaltic andesite lava flows from 3,000 years ago that dammed the nearby Clear Lake, the headwaters of the wild and gorgeous McKenzie River. Koosah Falls drops around 70 feet and Sahalie Falls plunges about 100 feet.

The best way to experience both waterfalls is to hike the 2.6-mile Waterfalls Loop Trail that connects with a section of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Sahalie Falls is also viewable from a platform less than 100 feet from the parking lot, which is wheelchair accessible. There are parking areas in both the Koosah Falls Day Use Area and Sahalie Falls Day Use Area, with the former having a larger lot and typically less congestion. Accessible vault toilets are available at the Sahalie Falls Day Use Area.

2. Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park

Photo credit: Emily Schrick

In northwest Washington, you’ll find the 90-foot Marymere Falls within Olympic National Park. The waterfall is fed by Falls Creek, which descends from Aurora Ridge and then flows into Barnes Creek. The waterfall is a popular stop given its easy access and proximity to the Highway 101 scenic drive. 

The waterfall is located on an out-and-back trail that starts at the Storm King Ranger Station for a roundtrip of 1.8 miles. You’ll travel through old-growth forest with fir, cedar, hemlock, and alder trees and cross two wooden bridges.

3. Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Photo credit: Michelle Zhang

In northern California near Shasta-Trinity National Forest, you’ll find the 910-acre McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, which houses Burney Falls. This waterfall is fed by underground springs at the top, which plummet 129 feet and run at about 100 million gallons per day, even during the summer. The state park is the second oldest in California.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has five miles of hiking trails and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through. The Falls Loop Trail is a three-quarter-mile hike that starts at the Burney Falls overlook, heads down to the base of the falls, and crosses a couple of bridges on the way back to the start. Weekends in the summer are particularly busy at the park and it is subject to closure when parking lots fill to capacity. Check the park’s website for important planning information.

4. Toketee Falls in Umpqua National Forest

Photo credit: Michelle Zhang

East of Roseburg, Oregon, in a relatively remote area of the Umpqua River valley, you’ll find Toketee Falls. This waterfall encompasses two cascades, the upper descent plummeting 40 feet and the lower fall dropping 80 feet over a sheer cliff of volcanic basalt into a majestic blue pool.

To access the waterfall, park at the Toketee Falls Trail #1495 trailhead and hike 0.4 miles to the viewing platform at its end (0.8-mile roundtrip). You’ll be surrounded by stunning evergreen forest and columnar basalt. The area also boasts several other short hikes to waterfalls along Highway 138, including Clearwater Falls, Whitehorse Falls, and Watson Falls.

5. Multnomah Falls in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Photo credit: Jake DeGroot

About 30 miles east of Portland in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, you’ll find the iconic Multnomah Falls. Fed by underground springs at Larch Mountain, the waterfall flows heaviest during the winter and spring months. The two-tiered fall cascades down basalt cliffs and is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, standing at 620 feet. 

To access the waterfall, start at Multnomah Falls Lodge and walk the paved trail about a quarter-mile to Benson Bridge, a 45-foot crossing that places you 105 feet above the lower cascade with an excellent view of the upper fall. You can continue on the trail to the upper falls observation deck via a series of switchbacks for a roundtrip of 2.4 miles.

Note that Multnomah Falls is the most-visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 2 million annual visitors. From mid-May through early September, you must have a timed-use permit to use the site’s main parking area.

6. North Falls in Silver Falls State Park

Photo credit: Korrin Bishop

Less than 30 miles east of Salem, Oregon, is Silver Falls State Park, which is home to North Falls, a 136-foot waterfall that plunges straight down through a narrow crack in the basaltic bedrock and pools below. It is the primary waterfall on North Silver Creek. 

To access the waterfall, park at the North Falls parking area and hike the North Falls Trail for a quarter-mile, which includes about 80 stair steps down toward the viewing area. The trail travels behind the waterfall and under a massive undercut cliff reaching about 100 feet outward. It feels as if you’re in a cave behind the waterfall, which also amplifies the roaring sound of the water.

North Falls is located along the popular, roughly 7-mile Trail of Ten Falls loop, so waterfall lovers have a chance to get close to 10 waterfalls in one hike if they continue on, many of which are more than 100 feet tall.

Enjoy the Magic of Waterfalls While Hiking in the Pacific Northwest

Nothing quite beats the magic and power of a waterfall. Hikers in the Pacific Northwest will be treated to many along their adventures. We hope that these six help get you ready for planning your next trip into the wilderness.

Have a favorite waterfall that’s not on our list? We’d love to see your cascade-fueled adventures! Share your best flows with us by tagging Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and using the hashtag #takelessdomore.

Looking for more outdoor adventure inspiration? Check out some of our other articles on the Light Feet blog:

And don't forget to pack your trekking poles for better balance navigating slick rocks around the falls!

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