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. 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 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!
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!
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.
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.
