Oregon RV Road Trip to the Top 5 Waterfalls
Blessed with amazing natural scenery, Oregon is one of America’s greatest waterfall wonderlands. Home to the magnificent Cascade Mountains where countless streams and rivers tumble down slopes, ledges and cliffs, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, photographers and hikers. And on top of that, it is also a really awesome place for an Oregon RV road trip. There are literally dozens of gorgeous Oregon waterfalls, so picking just five is a pretty big challenge.
Top 5 Waterfalls: Oregon RV Road Trip
The following five waterfalls in Oregon are, however, the state’s greatest. That said, some will agree with this list, while others might not. If you know other Oregon waterfalls that belong in this overview, please do leave a comment below!
5. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Oregon, if not in the entire United States, Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is only 30 minutes by RV or motorhome rental from Portland. This two-tiered, 611-foot waterfall is extremely accessible, located just off I-84, a 5-minute stroll from the parking area. Although this is an objectively gorgeous waterfall, the reason it’s not further down on this list is that it’s ridiculously crowded.
Unlike most other Oregon waterfalls, its accessibility makes it hugely popular. There’s even a restaurant and gift shop near its base. However, if you’re ever in Portland, this is a must-see attraction nonetheless.
4. Fairy Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The magnificent Fairy Falls lie along the 2.8-mile Wahkeena Trail, which begins off the Historic Columbia River Highway. Wahkeen Creek falls through a steep gorge, featuring several scenic cascades and waterfalls. At Fairy Falls, the creek flows down a 20-foot cliff wall in an absolutely beautiful manner, splitting up to create countless small waterfalls and cascades. The falls lie about 1.1 mile up the trail
3. Toketee Falls, Umpqua National Forest
Located in the Umpqua Wilderness in Umpqua National Forest, Toketee Falls is another one of those simply breathtaking waterfalls in Oregon. A short trail leads up to the falls, which consist of a 40-foot upper fall and an 80-foot lower fall. What sets this particular waterfall apart is that it falls over a sheer volcanic basalt cliff. The falls can be seen from a viewing platform in the woods.
2. Ramona Falls, Mount Hood National Forest
A jewel of a waterfall, Ramona Falls is unquestionably one of the greatest waterfalls in Oregon. It lies in the heart of Mount Hood National Forest, just west of Mount Hood itself, and is fed by glacial water. From the Ramona Falls Trailhead, it’s a 3.5-mile hike to the falls. This towering waterfall is a major attraction in the area, one of many superb falls east of Portland. Its sheer beauty does, however, make this a very popular destination, so you might consider visiting during the week.
1. Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park
The largest and probably greatest state park in Oregon, Silver Falls State Park is where you’ll find the world-class Trail of Ten Falls. This trail is so wonderful it might just be the most impressive waterfall hike in the USA. A 8.7-mile loop, it passes by no fewer than ten fine waterfalls, including one where the trail leads behind it.