Brigham Fish Market
A casual Columbia River fish market known for salmon, chowder, and quick post-hike meals.
View current hours, reviews, and location
Photo by Bonnie MorelandColumbia River Gorge · Near Cascade Locks
Ponytail Falls
Ponytail Falls is a short walk waterfall outing near Cascade Locks in Columbia River Gorge. This guide rates the visit moderate and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.
- DifficultyModerate
- AccessShort walk
- Round trip0.8 mi
- Nearest townCascade Locks
The place
Why Ponytail Falls is worth the stop
Ponytail Falls is a public waterfall destination near Cascade Locks, set in the Columbia River Gorge. The visit is best understood as a 0.8-mile round-trip short walk rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.
What the experience feels like
Expect 0.8-mile round-trip short walk with a moderate difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.
Visit details
Plan your trip
- Waterfall status
- Natural waterfall
- Public access
- Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
- Region
- Columbia River Gorge
- County
- Multnomah
- Nearest town
- Cascade Locks
- Form
- Plunge
- Access type
- Short walk
- Round-trip distance
- 0.8 mi
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Parking
- Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
- Facts reviewed
- Editorial verification required before production
Verify access, fees, permits, and alerts with the responsible land manager
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects short walk access and approximately 0.8 mi round trip. Expect more effort or route complexity than a developed roadside viewpoint or very short walk.
EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.
Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.
Independent local picks
Eat and stay near Cascade Locks and the east Gorge
Cascade Locks has the most dependable cluster of services near these trail corridors. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.
Mosier Company
A welcoming neighborhood restaurant and patio for travelers continuing east through the Gorge.
View current hours, reviews, and locationBest Western Plus Columbia River Inn
A reliable Cascade Locks base beside the river and close to several major waterfall trailheads.
View current hours, reviews, and locationRecommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.
Keep exploring
Other waterfalls nearby
Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.
Make a day of it
More around Cascade Locks
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