Fall is my favorite time to hike in Oregon. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and quieter trails make this season a magical experience. There's something special about the way the orange, red, and yellow hues frame Oregon's famous waterfalls, adding an extra layer of beauty to each hike. Here are five of the best fall waterfall hikes in Oregon, including trail difficulty, pet policies, accessibility, and how long each hike takes at an average pace.
1. Trail of Ten Falls, Silver Falls State Park
Time to Complete: About 3.5 to 4 hours at an average pace of 2 miles per hour
Location: Silver Falls State Park, 1 hour 20 minutes south of Portland
Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-Friendly: No dogs allowed on the canyon portion of the trail
Handicap Accessibility: Not accessible due to steep terrain and stairs
The Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.8-mile loop that takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to complete. This trail offers a diverse experience of waterfalls, including the breathtaking 177-foot South Falls and the towering Double Falls. Walking behind several of the waterfalls adds a sense of adventure, making this one of the most scenic hikes in Oregon. The trail passes through lush forests that turn vibrant with fall colors, giving you a beautiful backdrop for the entire hike.
The trail is not pet-friendly in the canyon section and is not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges due to its steep sections and stairs.
After completing your hike at Silver Falls, head to Silver Falls Coffee Co. in nearby Silverton for a cozy meal. This small, local café offers delicious coffee and sandwiches, perfect for refueling after a long hike. Their warm, welcoming atmosphere and freshly made pastries are a local favorite.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
Driving Directions: From Portland, take I-5 S to OR-22 E and follow signs for Silver Falls State Park. Park at the South Falls day-use area.
2. Sahalie and Koosah Falls
Time to Complete: About 1.5 to 2 hours at an average pace
Location: McKenzie River, Willamette National Forest, 2.5 hours from Portland
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
Handicap Accessibility: Partially accessible (paved viewpoints)
The Sahalie and Koosah Falls loop is a 2.6-mile trail that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. These two waterfalls, with Sahalie at 100 feet and Koosah at 70 feet, are surrounded by lush forests that glow with the golden colors of autumn. The trail is easy to moderate, with some rocky sections, but mostly flat, making it suitable for families and casual hikers.
Pets are allowed on a leash, and the trail has paved sections leading to the viewpoints, offering some wheelchair accessibility.
For a great post-hike meal, stop by Takoda’s Restaurant in Rainbow, located just a short drive from the McKenzie River area. This casual restaurant offers a mix of comfort food, including burgers, salads, and wood-fired pizzas, making it a perfect spot to unwind after your hike.
Driving Directions: From Portland, take I-5 S to OR-126 E toward McKenzie Bridge. Follow signs to Sahalie and Koosah Falls, where you’ll find parking near Sahalie Falls.
3. Tumalo Falls
Time to Complete: 3 to 4 hours for the full loop, or 15 minutes to the main viewpoint
Location: Bend, 3 hours from Portland
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
Handicap Accessibility: Not accessible due to uneven terrain
Tumalo Falls offers two hiking options: a short, easy walk to the main viewpoint, which takes about 15 minutes, or a 6.8-mile loop that takes about 3 to 4 hours. The 97-foot waterfall is breathtaking, especially against the backdrop of fall foliage, and for those looking for a more immersive experience, the longer loop trail reveals additional falls and scenic vistas.
The trail is dog-friendly but not accessible for those with mobility challenges due to its rugged terrain.
After your hike, visit The Sparrow Bakery Northwest in Bend, a local gem known for its fresh pastries and light lunch options. Their famous "Ocean Roll," a flaky pastry with cardamom and vanilla, is a must-try. It's a great place to relax with coffee or a light snack after your time on the trail.
Driving Directions: From Portland, take US-26 E toward Mt. Hood, then merge onto US-97 S toward Bend. Follow Skyliners Road to Tumalo Falls Road to reach the trailhead.
4. Watson Falls
Time to Complete: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Location: Umpqua National Forest, 3.5 hours from Portland
Difficulty: Moderate
Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
Handicap Accessibility: Not accessible due to steep, narrow trails
Watson Falls, standing at 272 feet, is one of Oregon's tallest waterfalls. The 0.6-mile hike takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, depending on your pace. The trail is steep in places and winds through a vibrant forest that is especially stunning in the fall. The mist from the waterfall combined with the crisp autumn air creates a serene and refreshing experience.
The trail is pet-friendly for dogs on a leash, but it is not accessible for wheelchairs or individuals with mobility limitations due to its steep and narrow paths.
Near Watson Falls, stop by Steamboat Inn along the Umpqua River. This historic lodge offers a fine dining experience with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, but you'll find a variety of dishes ranging from fresh-caught fish to gourmet comfort food, making it the perfect end to a scenic hike.
Driving Directions: From Portland, take I-5 S to OR-138 E (Diamond Lake Highway) in Roseburg. Follow OR-138 E to the Watson Falls trailhead.
5. Latourell Falls
Time to Complete: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Location: Columbia River Gorge, 40 minutes from Portland
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Pet-Friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
Handicap Accessibility: Partially accessible (viewpoint near parking area)
Latourell Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge, just a 40-minute drive from Portland. The 2.4-mile loop hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and offers a journey through moss-covered cliffs and autumn-colored trees. The lower falls drop 249 feet, making for a stunning scene, especially in the fall. The upper falls, while smaller, provide a more secluded experience.
Pets are allowed on a leash, and there is a wheelchair-accessible viewpoint near the parking area, though the full loop trail involves moderate inclines and uneven terrain, which are not accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Driving Directions: From Portland, take I-84 E toward Hood River and exit at Bridal Veil. Continue on the Historic Columbia River Highway to the Latourell Falls parking area.
After your hike at Latourell Falls, head to McMenamins Edgefield in nearby Troutdale. This historic hotel and restaurant complex offers a variety of dining options, including the Black Rabbit Restaurant, where you can enjoy farm-to-table dishes made with local ingredients. It's the perfect spot to relax with a hearty meal and a cold beer after a day spent exploring the Columbia River Gorge.
Whether you're seeking an easy, accessible hike or a more challenging trek, these best fall waterfall hikes in Oregon provide the perfect combination of autumn beauty and breathtaking scenery. So lace up your boots, leash up your dog (if applicable), and enjoy the vibrant colors and stunning waterfalls this fall!
