Chasing Waterfalls in Oregon

August 18, 2026

Oregon has been on my bucket list for more than 10 years, and I still can't believe I finally got to experience it.

There are some places you dream about for so long that you wonder if reality could ever live up to the photos. Oregon somehow exceeded every expectation.

On August 9, we landed in Portland, picked up our rental car from Turo, and immediately started our adventure. Our first stop was the iconic Multnomah Falls, just about 30 minutes from the airport. Standing beneath Oregon's tallest waterfall was the perfect introduction to the Pacific Northwest.

From there, we continued another hour and a half to Silver Falls State Park, home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls I've ever seen.

Both parks had beautifully paved walking paths that made the scenery accessible for almost everyone. But if you wanted to reach the tops of the waterfalls, be prepared for a workout. The trails climbed steadily through countless switchbacks, making them more challenging than they first appeared. I'd rate the hikes around a 5/10 for difficulty.

At Multnomah Falls, we completed about a 5-mile hike, and at Silver Falls we hiked roughly 4 miles on two different trails since portions of the famous Trail of Ten Falls were closed during our visit.

After an incredible day filled with waterfalls, we made our way to a cozy Airbnb nestled near the base of Mount Hood, excited for what the next morning would bring.

Our alarm rang at 5:00 a.m.

Trust me. It was worth every minute of lost sleep.

As the first light of day reached Trillium Lake, Mount Hood appeared perfectly reflected across the still water. It was one of those rare moments when you simply stop talking because no photograph can fully capture what your eyes are seeing.

Smoke drifting in from nearby wildfires created a soft haze that wrapped around the mountain, painting the sky with muted shades of gold, pink, and orange. The result was stunningly beautiful, yet heartbreaking at the same time. It was a powerful reminder that nature can be breathtaking while also fragile, and that the landscapes we treasure deserve our care and protection.

As I stood there watching the reflection shimmer across the lake, I couldn't help but think how grateful I was that a dream I'd carried for more than a decade had finally become reality.

And somehow, this was only the beginning of our Oregon adventure.

The next morning, we continued deeper into Willamette National Forest to hike Proxy Falls, and I can honestly say this was one of the highlights of our entire trip.

Photos and videos simply don't do this place justice.

It feels almost magical.

As we walked through towering evergreens draped in emerald moss, the air became noticeably cooler and crisper. Every breath felt impossibly fresh. Soon we could hear the distant roar of cascading water before the falls finally revealed themselves through the trees.

The waterfall seemed to spill effortlessly over ancient lava rock, creating a cool mist that drifted through the forest. Surrounded by vibrant shades of moss green, it felt like stepping into another world.

The best part?

We had it completely to ourselves.

For the whole time we were there,, there wasn't another person in sight. No crowds. No noise. Just the soothing sound of rushing water, birds singing overhead, and a peaceful stillness that's becoming harder and harder to find.

The hike itself was moderately challenging, with rocky sections and uneven terrain. I'd rate it a 6/10 for difficulty. It required a little more effort than some of the previous hikes, but every step was worth it.

If there is one place in Oregon that truly made me stop, breathe, and simply take it all in, Proxy Falls was that place. It wasn't just beautiful, it was one of those rare places that makes you feel small in the best possible way and reminds you how incredible our natural world really is. My favorite of all waterfalls.

Only 30 minutes away is Clear Lake.

True to its name, Clear Lake is one of the clearest lakes we've ever seen. The water is so incredibly transparent that you can see straight to the bottom, revealing submerged logs and rocks beneath the surface. The vivid turquoise and emerald hues almost don't look real.

After taking in the views, we stopped at the Clear Lake Resort Café for lunch. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly.

My husband and our longtime friend, Danny, both ordered burgers and immediately declared them the best burgers they've ever had. That's saying a lot considering the number of restaurants we've eaten at over the years!

Between the crystal-clear water, peaceful atmosphere, and surprisingly delicious lunch, Clear Lake turned out to be much more than just a quick stop on our itinerary. It became one of those hidden gems that made the journey through Oregon even more memorable.

Just four minutes from Clear Lake is Sahalie Falls, making it an easy stop that you absolutely shouldn't skip.

The hike is short and relatively easy, and I'd rate it just 2/10 for difficulty. Within minutes, you're rewarded with one of the most powerful waterfalls in Oregon.

Unlike some waterfalls that gently cascade over cliffs, Sahalie Falls roars.

What I remember most wasn't just seeing the waterfall, it was feeling it.

The sheer force of the water sent a cool mist drifting through the air. Even on a warm summer day, I remember getting chills as we stood at the side of the waterfalls. I got within a few feet of the falls. The roar was so powerful it drowned out every other sound around us. For a few moments, all I could do was stand there in awe, watching nature unleash its incredible power.

Every waterfall we'd visited had its own personality. Proxy Falls felt peaceful and enchanting. Sahalie Falls felt wild, powerful, and alive.

And somehow, Oregon just kept getting better.

Just two minutes farther down the road is Koosah Falls, and in my opinion, it is the second most beautiful waterfall in all of Oregon.

Unlike Sahalie Falls, which impresses with its raw power, Koosah Falls has a softer, more elegant beauty. The McKenzie River pours about 70 feet through a narrow basalt gorge before continuing downstream, creating a stunning curtain of turquoise water surrounded by towering evergreens. Like Sahalie Falls, it was formed by ancient lava flows that forever changed the course of the McKenzie River thousands of years ago.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to experience it from the bottom.

The trail leading down was simply too difficult for me, so I admired the waterfall from the overlook instead. Because I didn't make the descent, I would personally rate the hike a 10/10 for difficulty. Even from the viewpoint, though, the view was absolutely spectacular and worth the stop.

Sometimes you don't have to stand at the base of a waterfall to appreciate its beauty. From above, I enjoyed the McKenzie River while the guys went down the hard hike to get an up-close view of Koosah.

The hike to Tamolitch Blue Pool is a little over 6 miles round trip, making it one of the longer hikes on our trip. The trail winds through beautiful old-growth forest and follows the McKenzie River, with towering trees providing welcome shade along the way. While the distance wasn't easy, the scenery made every mile enjoyable.

The real challenge comes at the very end.

To reach the water itself, you have to carefully climb down a steep, rocky cliff. After hiking more than six miles over the previous couple of days, I decided that final descent just wasn't worth the risk. I'd rate that last section a 10/10 for difficulty.

Instead, I stayed at the overlook while my husband and our friend Danny climbed down to the water's edge.

The pool is every bit as blue as you've seen in the photos. Its brilliant turquoise color comes from crystal-clear spring water emerging from underground after the McKenzie River disappears beneath ancient lava flows. It almost looks too vibrant to be real.

People often jump into the water, but after feeling the temperature, the guys quickly changed their minds. The water was ice cold, so they admired it from the shoreline before climbing back up.

After a long day of hiking waterfalls and exploring some of Oregon's most incredible scenery, it was finally time to head back to our Airbnb on the McKenzie River, where we spent the next two nights.

Out of every Airbnb we stayed in during our Oregon road trip, this is the one we would absolutely come back to.

The cabin sat right along the river, surrounded by towering trees and the peaceful sounds of rushing water. After hiking miles each day, there was nothing better than soaking in the hot tub while listening to the river flow by.

My husband couldn't resist fishing, so he ventured to the backyard and caught a couple of trout. Watching him fish while the sun dipped behind the trees felt like something straight out of a postcard.

After two blissful days in Willamette National Forest and relaxing along the McKenzie River, it was time to continue our adventure to one of Oregon's most iconic destinations: Crater Lake National Park.

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