Waterfalls and rapids in Oregon

Oregon’s diverse geology creates a landscape defined by dramatic water features, from the basalt-lined plunges of the Columbia River Gorge to the volcanic cascades of the Cascade Range. This collection highlights iconic landmarks like the 286-foot Salt Creek Falls and the suspension bridge at Drift Creek Falls, alongside powerful river rapids like Benham and Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River. These sites showcase unique geological formations, including columnar basalt amphitheatres and ancient lava flows that have shaped the state's river systems.

Oregon Waterfalls and Rapids — Map

A

Sahalie Falls

A 100-foot waterfall on the McKenzie River formed by a 3,000-year-old lava flow. It is a primary feature of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.

B

Proxy Falls

Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness, this 226-foot waterfall cascades over moss-covered basalt columns. It is uniquely fed by springs rather than a surface stream.

U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest… / Public domain

C

Dillon Falls

Dillon Falls are rapids in the U.S. state of Oregon near Bend in the Deschutes National Forest.

D

Koosah Falls

A 70-foot drop on the McKenzie River that plunges into a deep turquoise pool. It is part of the same volcanic landscape as neighboring Sahalie Falls.

E

Abiqua Falls

A 92-foot waterfall characterized by a massive amphitheater of geometric basalt columns, created by ancient cooling lava flows.

F

Blumenthal Falls

A 45-foot waterfall in Oswald West State Park that drops directly onto the sands of a beach near the Pacific Ocean.

Jo Jo / CC-BY-SA

G

Wahkeena Falls

A 242-foot tiered waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. The name is derived from a Yakima word meaning "most beautiful."

Ebelyn Toapanta Ulcuango / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Toketee Falls

A two-tiered waterfall on the North Umpqua River famous for the distinct columnar basalt formations that frame its 113-foot drop.

I

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a 97-foot waterfall on Tumalo Creek, in the Cascade Range west of Bend in the U.S. state of Oregon.

J

Tamanawas Falls

A 100-foot curtain waterfall on Cold Spring Creek in the Mount Hood National Forest, flowing over a broad lava cliff.

K

Benham Falls

Benham Falls are rapids of the Deschutes River located between Sunriver and Bend, Oregon, United States.

Bonnie Moreland / CC0

L

Cline Falls

Cline Falls is a 20 ft-high segmented steep cascade waterfall on the Deschutes River.

M

John Day River

The John Day River is a tributary of the Columbia River, approximately 284 miles long, in northeastern Oregon in the United States.

N

Yocum Falls

A multi-tiered cascade located in the Mount Hood National Forest, visible along the Timberline Trail near the base of the mountain.

O

Drift Creek Falls

A 75-foot waterfall in the Siuslaw National Forest featuring a 240-foot-long suspension bridge hanging 100 feet above the canyon floor.

P

Spirit Falls

A 33-foot waterfall known for its bright turquoise pool and popularity as a destination for extreme whitewater kayakers.

Q

Alkali Falls

A high-elevation, multi-tiered cascade in the Umpqua National Forest that drops approximately 600 feet over several rocky ledges.

R

Salt Creek Falls

Oregon's second-highest single-drop waterfall, plunging 286 feet into a canyon within the Willamette National Forest.

S

Lower Soda Falls

A 150-foot waterfall located in Cascadia State Park on Soda Creek, surrounded by old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar.

T

Illinois River Falls

A powerful waterfall and rapid on the Illinois River, serving as a significant site for migrating salmon and steelhead.

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