There’s something truly magical about a wintery waterfall; the stunning sight of an ethereal cascade framed by ice and snow is an almost otherworldly beauty. Here are nine of Oregon’s most breathtaking waterfalls that become even more enchanting when the temperature drops below freezing. Bundle up and grab your gear, and prepare for a day of stunning scenery on these best winter hikes in Oregon!
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this stunning waterfall is more than 200 feet tall, and it’s absolutely stupendous when it freezes. A short 1.5-mile hike will lead you to the falls, but be extra careful in the wintertime. The path can be quite muddy, and extremely slippery closer to Elowah Falls.
Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
At 286 feet, Salt Creek Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Oregon. Located in Lane County, this amazing waterfall looks straight out of a fairytale in the wintertime.
Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Horsetail Falls is a wonderfully graceful waterfall located right off the Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s especailly wondrous when adorned with snow and ice.
Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Latourell Falls is an absolute gem. Also located in the Columbia River Gorge, you can reach the base of the falls on an easy 2.5-mile loop hike that’s open year round. Again, you’ll want to bring sturdy shoes and be careful not to slip as you get closer to the magical, misty waterfall.
Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
Located near Bend, Tumalo Falls is truly breathtaking. There’s a great viewpoint right next to the parking area where you can see the snowy falls and surrounding scenery, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can hike in closer.
Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
One of the most beautiful frozen falls in the country, Weisendanger Falls is another gorgeous Columbia River Gorge waterfall located between Portland and Hood River. One great way to see it up close is to hike the amazing Multnomah-Wahkeena loop trail.
Wiesendanger Falls, Multnomah Falls Overlook Spur Trail #441A, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Silver Falls State Park is an amazing state park located near Silverton, and it’s full of gorgeous waterfalls that will blow you away any time of year – just take a look at South Falls in the winter. Take a hike along the Trail of Ten Falls for an unforgettable experience.
Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Abiqua Falls is a lovely hidden gem waterfall located near Salem, Oregon. The short hike to the base of the falls can be a bit tricky in the winter, but for sure-footed folks, the view of the waterfall surrounded by crystalline icicles makes it oh-so-worth-it.
Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
Multnomah Falls is a stunning natural wonder. It’s the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country, and it’s located right off Interstate 84, making it easily accessible even in the depths of winter, when the massive cascade is surrounded by glowing white snow and ice.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Find out about some more of the best winter hikes in Oregon in this article, here.
Address: Tumalo Falls, Oregon 97703, USA
Address: Salt Creek Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Abiqua Falls, Oregon 97375, USA
Address: Elowah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA
Address: Latourell Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Wiesendanger Falls, Multnomah Falls Overlook Spur Trail #441A, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Address: Horsetail Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
onlyinyourstate.com