While roadtripping through Oregon, Max was injured and we were also on a tight time constraint, so I opted to do 3 very quick, easy waterfall hikes with him. These are great options if you don’t have much time or if you are not trying to do strenuous hikes to see great waterfalls.
- Multnomah Falls
This is a very popular, very crowded and touristy waterfall. It is perhaps the most known waterfall in Oregon. Luckily, there is a massive parking lot to accommodate all these visitors. There is no fee to park or visit the waterfall. A paved path will take you from the parking lot to a viewing platform, from which you can hike further up to get a closer view of the top of the falls. We walked 0.8 miles from the parking lot, up to the bridge to view the top of the falls, and back. At the base of the falls you will also find bathrooms and a snack bar that serves food and drinks. We encountered many other leashed dogs and many unleashed kids.
2. Bridalveil Falls
This waterfall is not nearly as crowded as Multnomah. The first half of the trail is paved, then turns into a gravel trail. The trail leads you downhill to the waterfall and therefore the hike back is all up a steep incline. There are many stairs towards the end of the trail. However, at 0.6 miles out and back, the workout is a short one.
3. Latourel Falls
The nice part about Latourel Falls is if you just want to see the waterfall, it is located right off the parking lot but if you are looking for a longer hike there is a 2.1 mile loop trail that you can take. Just off the parking lot is a long stairway that leads up to a viewing platform where you can see the entire waterfall. Alternatively, there is a staircase at one end of the parking lot, right next to the bridge, that leads you down a very short trail directly to the base of the waterfall. Choose your own adventure!
