Everybody loves a good waterfall. Maybe it’s the cascading water, the continuous calming sounds, or perhaps it’s the thrill of the hunt. Whatever it is, we’ve compiled some of our favorite waterfalls for you to discover and enjoy, whether you live up near Sequim or down around Medford.
Pack Properly
Before you go out into the wilderness, be sure to pack a few essentials.
Buy a parking pass. If the waterfall or park requires a parking pass, it’s almost always easier to buy it online than it is to pay cash when you get to the parking lot.
Check the weather. Bring sunscreen, rain gear, or anything else you will need to stay safe and comfortable.
Let people know where you’re going. If you get hurt or lost, they’ll know where to start the search.
Lace up a good pair of boots. Today’s hikers come in all shapes and styles, including options that feel more like running shoes than boots. You’ll find a full line of hiking and work boots at your Northwest owned and operated coastal. More about how to care for your hiking and work boots can be found in our article Caring for Your Working/Hiking Boots.
Bring food and water. You’ll want to enjoy the waterfall once you’ve arrived. Plus, it’s just a good idea to bring along some food and water anytime you venture out into nature.
Don’t forget the camera and binoculars. These waterfalls have been photographed by some of the world’s best photographers. Why not add your photos to the list?
Locations to Visit
Bridal Veil FallsSevere wildfires closed many area waterfalls in northwestern Oregon, but Bridal Veil Falls has re-opened. The trail to the falls is only half a mile, but can be steep for some hikers.
Nearby store: Oregon City, Gresham, Cornelius, The Dalles
Directions: Head east on I-84 outside Portland to exit 28. Bridal Veil Falls State Park is near milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway.
Clearwater Falls
This is an amazing, spring-fed waterfall that not only plummets like any good waterfall should, but also springs out of the ground below the falls thanks to permeated, soft soil and countless tree roots. It’s a sight to behold.
Nearby store: Roseburg, Eugene, Medford
Directions: Look for Clearwater Falls Campground located 8 miles east of Tokatee Lake along Highway 138. You’ll find the falls less than 100 feet from the parking lot.
Mill Creek Falls
Located just outside Prospect, Oregon, Mill Creek Falls runs all year long, falls 173 feet into the Rogue River, and brings a smile to everyone’s face. The hike is also enjoyable, at just over half a mile.
Nearby store: Klamath Falls, Medford
Directions: Take Highway 62 south of Crater Lake and turn east on Mill Creek Road just before you cross the Rogue River. Follow Mill Creek Road through Prospect to the trailhead.
Murhut Falls
While Murhut Falls is relatively unknown, it’s undeniably beautiful with its 130-foot drop. The drive there might take some time, but the hike to the falls is a little less than a mile.
Nearby store: Sequim, Auburn
Directions: From US 101 south of Quilcene, turn west at milepost 310 onto Duckabush Road. Stay on that road for just over 6 miles. Take a right turn toward Murhut Falls Trail. Follow the gravel road just over a mile to the trailhead.
Palouse Falls
Dubbed the official waterfall of Washington State, Palouse Falls are a remnant of the great glacial floods. The falls are located within Palouse Falls State Park, if you’re looking for a nice place to camp.
Nearby store: East Wenatchee, Yakima
Directions: Take WA-26 east toward Othello/Pullman 83 miles until you reach Washtucna. Turn right on Main Street and stay on that road for another 6.4 miles. Then turn left on WA-261 S. Look for signs to Palouse Falls State Park. The trailhead and parking lot can be found 8.5-miles on the left.
Sahalie & Koosah Falls
Two waterfalls for the price of one. Located along the McKenzie River in the Cascades, both of these majestic falls offer easy hikes, spectacular views, and opportunities for some amazing selfies.
Nearby store: Eugene, Albany, Redmond
Directions: Take Highway 126 toward McKenzie Bridge. Koosah Falls is located off the Ice Cap Campground. Sahalie Falls is just half a mile up the road.
Shellburg Falls
Everyone has heard of Silver Falls State Park, but only the locals and Coastal folk know about Shellburg Falls. Dogs are welcome along the 1.3-mile trail that takes you to the main attraction.
Nearby store: Albany, Woodburn
Directions: Head east outside Salem on North Santiam Highway 22. When you reach Mehama, turn left before the yellow flashing light on Fern Ridge Road. Take that 1.2 miles to a small gravel parking lot.
Tokatee Falls
After an easy half-mile hike to an observation deck, you’ll quickly realize why this is a local favorite waterfall.
Nearby store: Roseburg
Directions: Take Highway 138 out of Roseburg and look for milepost 58.6. Turn north on Road 34 and stay left at the ‘Y’. Then, cross the bridge. You’ll find the trailhead 200 feet on the left.
Tumalo Falls
This moderate hike leads to one of Central Oregon’s most beloved falls. Bring your mountain bike, a picnic lunch, and plan to stay a while.
Nearby store: Redmond
Directions: Leave Bend and take a scenic drive west on Skyliner’s Road for just over 11 miles. Turn west on Forest Road 4603 and follow it another 2.6 miles to the trailhead and parking lot.
Whatcom Falls Park
This 3.5-mile hike takes in a wonderful waterfall, still pools, forests, and a creek gorge. There really is something for everyone at Whatcom Falls Park.
Nearby store: Marysville, Mt. Vernon
Directions: From I-5 take exit 253 to Lakeway Drive. Stay east for 1.5 miles and turn left on Silver Beach Road.
Take Coastal with You into the Great Outdoors
You’ll find everything you need for a quick hike, weekend camping trip, or a day working on the ranch at your Northwest owned and operated Coastal. That includes a full-line of footwear for the whole family, jackets, backpacks, survival gear, hunting and fishing equipment, and camping essentials.