Ten Easy to Access Waterfalls in the PNW

Beautiful waterfalls are around nearly every corner in the Pacific Northwest, but some are easier to get to than others. If you aren't feeling up for a long hike, here are ten waterfalls in Oregon and Washington you can almost drive to:

1. Multnomah Falls

Just a 45 minute drive from Portland, you will find Oregon's tallest waterfall nestled in the Columbia River Gorge! At a height of 620 feet, this one is must see. Once you get there, be sure to visit the lower viewing platform, the visitor's center, and the gift shop. You might also consider walking (uphill) to the bridge that spans the falls!

If you are visiting in the summer, you'll need a permit and will likely experience large crowds. Consider purchasing a permit ahead of time and booking a trip with a shuttle service (Google Multnomah Falls Shuttle and a few results will pop up!) If you are visiting during the slower season, you won't need a permit and you can likely park in the large parking lot between the east and westbound lanes of I-84.

**Wheelchair accessible**

2. Lower Latourell Falls

Either before or after Multnomah Falls, make sure to visit Latourell Falls also located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge (again, make sure to purchase a permit in the summer months and consider a shuttle service). This beautiful waterfall cascades over moss-covered basalt rocks and stands 225 feet tall. After parking in the Latourell Falls lot, there are two viewing options. You can venture up a short trail to a lookout point or head down a slightly longer path to the base of the falls. While the path to the lookout point is shorter, it is steeper. If you have time and are able, I recommend checking out both spots!

Have extra time? Take the longer loop hike to Upper Latourell Falls!

3. South Falls

Silver Falls State Park, just outside of Salem, is a well-known spot for waterfall seekers. While there are many falls and trails to choose from, South Falls is close to the main parking lot and is one of four waterfalls in the park that you can walk behind.

After paying the entrance fee and parking, follow the signs toward South Falls. A 1.1 mile loop with 200 feet of elevation gain will take you past multiple viewpoints, behind the falls, and back to the day use area.

If you are up for it, grab a map, and hike to other nearby falls in the park!

4. Salt Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls, located 65 miles southeast of Eugene, is the second highest waterfall in Oregon. While it will likely take some extra driving to get to this spot, it is worth the effort!

The upper viewing area is just a few steps from the parking lot and offers a beautiful scenic view! If you are up for it, you can hike a half mile to the lower viewpoint near the base of the falls. Keep in mind, the half mile back to the parking lot will be all uphill!

**Upper Platform is Wheelchair Accessible**

5. Sahalie Falls

Sahalie Falls is another central Oregon must see spot about an hour Northwest of Bend near Clear Lake. You will find a small parking lot just a few feet from this spectacular view. If you have some extra time, head downriver to the equally beautiful Koosah falls or do the full 2.6 mile loop to see the falls from both sides of the McKenzie river.

6. White River Falls

White River Falls State Park is essentially in the middle of nowhere, but is perfect for a day trip from Portland! Located 35 miles south of The Dalles, this spot is pretty remote. Be sure you get a full tank of gas and grab some water bottles ahead of time because there isn't much nearby.

After parking in the small lot, walk over to the upper viewing platform. From here, you can see the top of the raging waterfall and read about the history of the area. If you are up for it, you can also hike down a steep .8 mile trail to an abandoned hydroelectric power station at the base of the falls. The trail also offers some different angles of the falls on the way down.

A word of caution: while this trail is short, it isn't rated easy! It is rocky, steep, and is fully exposed to the sun. Be sure you are fully prepared or play it safe and stay up top!

7. Snoqualmie Falls

If Snoqualmie Falls looks familiar, it might be because it is the waterfall featured in the opening credits of the 90's TV show Twin Peaks! Located just outside of Snoqualmie, WA, this beautiful view is just a short walk from the visitor parking lot. There are many great viewpoints to take it all in! Near the viewpoint, you can also visit the Snoqualmie Falls gift shop.

Recently, a lower view point of the falls opened as well. You can hike from the upper viewpoint or drive to the lower viewpoint parking lot! The lower viewpoint is much smaller, so expect some crowds and waiting for a good spot to open. If you only have time to view the falls from one spot, I would definitely recommend the upper viewpoint!

8. Merriman Falls

The Quinault Rainforest area of Olympic National Park is stunningly beautiful. The roadside Merriman Falls is no exception!

If you are visiting Quinault Lake, make sure to drive up South Shore Road to view these falls. Situated right on the side of the road, you will hardly have to leave your car to view this moss and fern covered beauty!

9. Narada Falls

If you are heading to Paradise, WA in Mt. Rainier National Park, be sure to stop by Narada Falls! Park in the Narada Falls lot and head towards the bridge for a view from above the falls. If you are looking for more views of the falls, cross the bridge and take the short trail to the lower view point!

10. Christine Falls

Not too far from Narada Falls, you will find Christine Falls! The hardest part about viewing these falls is finding parking. Be careful if the small lot is full and you park on the shoulder. After parking, follow the short trail to the view point across from the falls. From the viewpoint, you might notice a trail that seems to lead down to the base of the falls. This trail doesn't take you to better views- stay at the top across from the bridge and enjoy!

As always: whether you are thru-hiking to a secret, hidden location or viewing a popular, roadside waterfall, remember to leave no trace. Even better? Leave the place better than you found it!