Tag Archives: chasing waterfalls

willamette falls

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.

And 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 Portland’s Fulton House or 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

Multnomah falls and the benson bridge

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

Parker Creek Falls pinterest pin

Parker Creek Falls and Alder Creek Falls are roadside on the way up to Mary’s Peak, the highest in Oregon’s Coast Range. On a clear day from the top you can see both the Pacific Ocean to the west and many of the Cascade peaks to the east across the Willamette Valley. Day trip to here from MaMere’s Guest House.

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.

Willamette falls pinterest pinAccording 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!

Don’t hesitate to shoot us an email at info@obbg.org if you’d like more information about where to see these or other Oregon’s Waterfalls.

Where to Stay. What to Do. Where to Eat. Where to Play

Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map from the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild will inspire you

Download the map and start the new year right with some Oregon inspiration. We’ve included where to stay, things to do in Oregon, where to eat. 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!

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

The Rogue - Umpqua Scenic Byway

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The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway in the Southern Oregon Cascades

Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is the only State B&B Association and a welcoming inn awaits you as you travel the backroads. Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information, inspiring our traveling spirits.

‘Two Raging Rivers Run Through It. From Gold Hill on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon or from Roseburg on the Umpqua River 85 miles north, you’re only moments from enjoying this spectacular route.

Follow the “Wild and Scenic” Umpqua and Rogue rivers through enchanting recreation areas in the heart of the southern Cascades. Commonly known as the ‘highway of waterfalls’ we hiked and found 7 along the Umpqua River, Hwy 138 from Roseburg toward Diamond Lake. There’s more. We ran out of time and steam!

The next spring we did the second half from Gold Hill to Diamond Lake. ‘The Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway ascends from I-5 into the southern Cascades, tracking two of Oregon’s most storied rivers.’ The drive itself is only 172 miles, an easy day trip, but with all the waterfalls, hikes, and scenic visits, you may want to schedule a couple of days as we did.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Lodging

C.H. Bailey House, Roseburg, Oregon is an historic, luxurious “green” full service bed & breakfast set in rural Umpqua Valley. Close to Crater Lake and the Umpqua River its unique, private, air-conditioned, one-bedroom bungalow will be a perfect starting point if you decide to tour the scenic byway clockwise.

Prospect Historic Hotel and Dinner House, located in Crater Lake’s closest full service town, would be a perfect spot to refuel the body and soul while exploring Crater Lake and the Rogue – Umpqua Scenic Byway.  Built in 1888 as a stagecoach stop half-way between the Rogue Valley and Crater Lake, this Nationally Registered Historic Hotel has been restored to all of its glory. After a hearty breakfast set off to enjoy this breathtaking tour through the thickly forested southern Cascades.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Oregon’s Niagara Falls evokes a sense of serenity as it sprays 134 feet over a dark basalt escarpment. Because the unnamed stream feeding the falls loses much of its volume in the dry months this is
definitely one to visit in the winter and spring. By the end of July, the falls will be a shadow of their true self.

Oregon's Niagara Falls

FYI: It is believed that Niagara is a derivative of the Iroquoian word, “Onguiaahra”, which was anglicized by missionaries. The name appears on maps as early as 1641. The generally accepted meaning is, “The Strait”. Some think it was derived from the narrow waterway that flows north from Lakes Erie to Lake Ontario. Early maps do not refer to the Niagara River but the Niagara Strait, which is more correct.

Others believe the word Niagara is taken from another native word meaning, “Thundering Waters”. We’ll go with that meaning for Oregon’s Niagara Falls, although the day I was there it wasn’t thundering.

Another theory of the name’s origin suggests Niagara is derived from the name given to a local group of Aboriginals, called the Niagagarega people.

You can reach Niagara Falls from either the Oregon Coast or the Willamette Valley. Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map leads you on an Oregon road trip to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

The map also highlights various bits of information, like the many Oregon food trails and pods, Instagram-worthy drives, popular in-state movie spots, and scenic bikeways.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Upper North Falls at Silver Falls State Park

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Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon and only 20 miles southeast of Salem in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The 9,000+ acre park offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.

silver-falls-state-park-in-the-central-cascadesThe Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.2-mile loop that passes behind four of Silver Falls State Park’s waterfalls, but the massive recess behind North Falls is especially unique. The undercut cliff extends back from the falls for at least 100 feet, and the ceiling runs anywhere from 20 to perhaps as much as 75 feet above the trail as it passes behind the falls.

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.

Mark your calendars and get ready for a special day of appreciation. State Parks Day is coming up on June 3rd, 2023 in Oregon, and its a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of the state parks while enjoying some perks.

Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following the Pinterest and Facebook pages of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

In the Willamette Valley you can spend your entire day doing nothing. Relax on a comfortable front porch at one of 14 bed and breakfasts or in their gardens. Or head out on a day trip Silver Falls State Park, the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system.

Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map leads you on an Oregon road trip to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines have been lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself

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Tumalo Falls outside of Bend, Oregon

Tumalo FallsTumalo Falls is both the tallest, 89 feet, and most impressive waterfall along Tumalo Creek – as well as one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the vicinity of Bend.

You can Chase Waterfalls with us by subscribing to this blog, follow us on Pinterest, and on our Facebook Page. According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that. Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them? With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map leads you on an Oregon road trip to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map with Logos

‘Youngs River was discovered in 1792 by William Robert Broughton of the Vancouver Expedition, and named for Admiral Sir George Young of the Royal Navy, however the falls were not seen at this time.

‘Credit to discovery of the falls lies with Patrick Gass, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who was leading a hunting party on March 1, 1806 and made note of the falls in his journal. No mention was made of whether or not Lewis or Clark visited the falls themselves, and the party left Fort Clatsop within 3 weeks of the discovery of the falls.’ Northwest Waterfall Survey

Chasing Oregon Waterfalls

Youngs River Falls pinterest pinOur 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.

You can chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages and the Chasing Waterfalls category on this blog.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map with Logos

Blumenthal Falls is located at the north end of Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park. The falls is one of a very few waterfalls in the Northwest which can be seen dropping into the Pacific Ocean. Take a lovely beach stroll to the bottom of the falls, as this 45 foot falls drops into the ocean only during the highest tides.

Cannon Beach is a small coastal city in northwest Oregon. It’s known for its long, sandy shore. Standing tall in the ocean, Haystack Rock is a seasonal haven for tufted puffins. Boutiques and galleries dot downtown.

Blumenthal Falls along the oregon coast

Chasing Oregon Waterfalls

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.

You can chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages and the Chasing Waterfalls category on this blog.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

Little Multnomah Falls in the forest about Multnomah falls

Little Multnomah Falls is just upstream from its bigger, and slightly more famous sibling Multnomah Falls but stunning in its simple beauty.

Little Multnomah Falls pinterest pin in blueMultnomah Creek traverses a flat shelf to create 15 foot Little Multnomah Falls, seen from the viewing platform above Multnomah Falls, before leveling off and plunging over the basalt edge into the Columbia River Gorge. Travel upstream and chase 3 more waterfalls. Make the 6 mile loop and discover 7 waterfalls total. Check trail status before you go.

And thus start a series of blog posts, Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays. 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.

You can Chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages. The heart of the Columbia River Gorge is located just a 30-minute drive from Portland or Hood River and bed and breakfast of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

(Waterfall) in Love with Oregon banner

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.

And it’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls. Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Map was created with your planning in mind. We’ve 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.

Latourell Falls – A Columbia River Highway Waterfall

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

Latourell Falls in front of an eye-catching splash of chartreuse-colored golden cobblestone lichen

Chasing Oregon Waterfalls

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.

Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map leads you on an Oregon road trip to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

You can chase Oregon Waterfalls with us by following our Pinterest and Facebook pages and the Chasing Waterfalls category on this blog.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.

central and eastern oregon waterfalls steelhead falls

Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face! So many to choose from in the Oregon Cascades and here are but a few. 
OREGON CASCADE WATERFALLS

Ramona Falls (W17): This shaded waterfall is in a forest along the Pacific Crest Trail on the upper Sandy River — on the west side of Mount Hood. The falls are about 120 feet tall, consisting of a wall of cascades.

Ramona Falls Waterfall

Tamanawas Falls (W18): Bring your binoculars and prepare to see a lot of birds and a stunning waterfall! The falls are AMAZING at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trailhead footbridge is the midpoint of a 8-mile stretch of the East Fork of the Hood River hosting nesting Harlequin Ducks. Belted Kingfisher are common but it’s the songbirds you’re likely to remember long after they’ve sung their tunes.

Little Zig Zag River Falls (W19): One of Oregon’s hidden gems. A picturesque stream leads to a photogenic waterfall on this family-friendly trail; complete with a picnic table at the very start. It couldn’t be more perfect.

Yocum Falls (W20): This waterfall is right in the heart of the Mount Hood National Forest. It sits in Zigzag canyon with many waterfalls, including Little Zigzag River Falls and Ramona Falls.

Pencil Falls (W21): This glacier-fed waterfall is in the alpine area of Mount Hood Meadows. A small path leads to a great viewing.

Upper Heather Canyon Falls (W22): Where the Timberline Trail crosses Heather Creek, is thought to be one of the most scenic areas of Mount Hood. In Heather Canyon a series of waterfalls tumbles beneath this trail.

Umbrella Falls (W23): This popular and family-friendly waterfall is accessible from scenic hiking trails. Look up! You’ll see a chair lift too. Click here to read all about the hike.

White River Falls (W33): The waterfall is the main focus of the White River Falls State Park and for good reason — the scenic White River plunges 90-feet from a basalt shelf. It’s been written up in many books too, see the titles here.

Tamolitch Falls (W45): Follow the McKenzie river through the old growth forest to Tamolitch Falls, which flows into a lava formed Blue Pool, renowned for its iridescent blue coloring. Want to see it for yourself? Here’s what you need to know.

Tamolitch Falls and the Blue Pool
Sahalie Falls (W46): Sahalie Falls, is the first and tallest of three waterfalls on the roaring McKenzie River. It plunges about 100 feet over a naturally formed lava dam. Here’s how to hike there.

Koosah Falls (W47): Koosah Falls, aka Middle Falls, is the second of the three major waterfalls of the McKenzie River, in the center of the Willamette National Forest. The waterfall plunges into a pool, south of Santiam Pass, a renowned 4,817-foot mountain pass in the Cascade Range. Visit with time to make the most of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and other nearby activities.

Our Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map leads you on an Oregon road trip to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon.

SEE A DIGITAL VERSION OF THE MAP

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. 

Although mask guidelines are lifted:

● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.

● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.

We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.