Oregon is home to 547 species of birds, which places the state in the top 10 with over 500 species. Not only that, there are over 1,000 waterfalls in Oregon, according to the Northwest Waterfall Survey. We’ve come up with a list of 66 must-see waterfalls (it’s really more like 80 since we grouped some together). Birds are sure to follow water so bring out the hiking boots and binoculars, pack your bags and begin your Oregon waterfall and birdwatching adventure at an Oregon Independent Inn. With so many to choose from we’ve only listed the Best Oregon Waterfalls for Bird Lovers.
Mt Hood and the Columbia Gorge Birdwatching
Tamanawas Falls is a plunge waterfall on the east slope of Mount Hood, along Cold Spring Creek. A riparian habitat and mature mixed-conifer forest surrounds the trail to Tamanawas Falls. Nesting Harlequin Ducks. American Dipper and Belted Kingfisher are common along the creek. Songbirds such as Yellow-rumped and Townsend’s Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet migrate through the Hood River’s east fork..
Hood River Meadows and Umbrella Falls lie in a high elevation mixed conifer forest and brushy meadows. Bird species in meadows include Lincoln’s and Whitecrowned Sparrow, and Orange-crowned and MacGillivray’s Warbler; forest species include Gray Jay, Swainson’s Thrush, Winter Wren, and Goldencrowned Kinglet.
Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is here to accommodate you.
Willamette Valley and the Central Cascades Birdwatching
Silver Falls State Park Enjoy the best of bird watching in Silver Falls State Park while hiking the Trail of 10 Falls. In Oregon’s largest State Park the best remaining low-elevation, old growth conifer forest. A variety of owls: Northern Spotted, Great Gray, Barred, Northern Pygmy, Western Screech, and Northern Saw-whet Owls have been observed here. Other birds you might find include Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Hammond’s and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, American Dipper, Varied and Swainson’s Thrushes, Hermit Warbler, Western Tanager, and Band-tailed Pigeon
Kentucky Falls Trail is a 3.7-mile moderate out-and-back hike. This trail leads to three waterfalls and a fun swimming hole. The area is also popular with bird-watchers, so grab your binoculars and prepare for spectacular adventure.
Start your day at one of independent properties in the Willamette Valley before heading out on birding day trips.
Central Oregon
McKay Crossing Falls Lodgepole pine forest on Paulina Creek; nesting Green-tailed Towhee, American Dipper, Common Nighthawk, Vesper Sparrow. Head upstream to Paulina Creek Falls
Oregon Coast Birdwatching
Drift Creek Falls trail offers something for everyone, a waterfall, a massive suspension bridge, and a exciting birding experience of the Coast Range forest. Be on the lookout for Olive-sided Flycatcher, Hairy Woodpecker, Winter Wren, Wilson’s and Orange-crowned Warbler, Varied and Swainson’s Thrush, and Steller’s Jay.
On the hike to Munson Creek Falls watch and listen year-round for American Dipper, Varied Thrush, and Winter Wren and in summer for Swainson’s Thrush, Wilson’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Hairy Woodpecker.
Southern Oregon
Toketee Falls and other Umpqua River Highway Waterfalls along The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway, known as the ‘highway of waterfalls’. Douglas Fir forests surrounding water and riparian habitats along the two storied rivers, good for spring migrant songbirds such as Lazuli Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Purple and Cassin’s Finches; lake and riparian areas support breeding Common Merganser, Wood Duck, Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler.
It’s never too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls. Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face!
Fueled by winter storms and spring snowmelt, Oregon’s scenic rivers and creeks swell with the water needed to create the stunning waterfalls that draw visitors from around the world.
Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.
Peruse Chasing Waterfalls on our blog and while there explore Where To Stay. What To Do. Where To Eat. Where To Play. 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!
Get the Oregon Trail of Waterfall map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map was created with your planning in mind. We included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat and of course, where to find some of the very best Oregon Waterfalls.
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!
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
