The waterfall is pretty awesome to see and the hike was fairly easy. Though you can travel and explore to different hikes. The trails is pretty well marked. The trail(s) can be as difficult as you want it to be, because there are many splits to connecting hikes along the way. You'll feel in one with nature here. Just use common sense on staying on the trails and follow the recommended signs. It does get slippery at some parts, just something to be aware of. Some parts on the trails are steep, so you can get a good workout in. The scenery is spectacular all around as you can see the near lake and distant mountains nearby. There seems to be plenty of parking nearby. read more

My boyfriend and I came to this waterfall on the way to others to take some pictures and decided to hike up to the upper portion of the water fall. The hike was 1/2 a mile and pretty much just straight up on a very rocky path. If you're scared of heights this hike may seem intimidating however the views that you see are so incredibly worth it if you make it all the way up to at least the upper falls. My boyfriend and I went during Spring break at noon; we found that it was not too busy and that even on the trails you do run into people but it's not a lot to the point where it feels crowded. I assume that this place allows dogs as I saw a fair handful of them. I would highly recommend this hike if you want something that is quick and a slight challenge to a beginner in hiking:) read more

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Horsetail Falls Loop Trail epitomizes the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge. I fell in love with the Pacific Northwest during this hike. The white cascading waterfalls majestically plunge into crystal clear water. The lush green mosses and towering ferns blanket the land. Numerous outlooks serve as windows with remarkable views of the Columbia River Gorge. This trail is moderate and not very difficult. It offers views of three spectacular waterfalls. The hike is roughly 2.6 miles long with a slight elevation gain of 600 feet. Parking is available on the side of the Historic Highway. The trailhead actually begins at Horsetail Falls (waterfall #1). C'mon. You cannot get any more scenic than that. What an awesome way to kickoff a hike! After you finish snapping photos and admiring the lovely waterfall, you can embark on your adventure. Horsetail Falls Trail #438 starts with easily graded switchbacks lined with dramatic rock walls. After this, the trail levels out and you'll reach a small valley containing Ponytail Falls (waterfall #2). Get this, the trail passes BEHIND Ponytail Falls in a bowl-shaped alcove. You'll definitely get splashed if you inch close enough behind the waterfall. Oregon, you are friggin' amazing. The trail continues west maintaining a smooth path along the bluff. This is the most memorable part of my hike because of the outlooks. This is where the overwhelming beauty of the PNW really seeps into your soul and captures your heart. The scenery is profound and unreal. However, please be careful. There is a plaque honoring a child who fell to his death. The trail continues into Oneonta Canyon. Past a weeping wall, is the Oneonta Creek. To cross over this creek, there is a metal bridge that allows only one person on the bridge at a time. Just above the bridge is Middle Oneonta Falls (waterfall #3). A stunning 15 foot waterfall. Beyond the bridge, the trail leads to a junction with the Oneonta Trail #424. Turn right at this point and stay on the Oneonto Trail. This section isn't quite as breathtaking, although it's not too shabby. Eventually you'll head down to the Historic Highway where you'll walk about half a mile back to your car. Along the way, you'll pass Oneonta Gorge Trailhead, travel through the restored Oneonta Tunnel, and already begin planning your next trip back to the Columbia River Gorge. read more

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Small Falls and a small pool at the bottom you can do quick but COLD dip . Easy viewing of the falls right from the base as the parking lot is right there. Keep on the road to see the rest of what the Historic Columbia River has to offer! At 174 feet high and horsetail shaped (hence the Horsetail name). If you want to hike, it is about 3 miles with great views of a few other falls as well. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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Worth stopping by during your drive. An even closer view of a waterfall and a great photo opportunity. read more

Horsetail Falls - Don't pass this up. Even closer to a waterfall. - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

- Locale Destination - It's on E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Cascade Locks, OR. From Portland, drive east on I-84 to the Bridal Veil exit (#28). Drive east on the Historic Highway 5.6 miles to Horsetail Falls. From the east, exit the freeway at the Dodson exit and drive westward on the Historic Highway 2.4 miles to the trailhead. ********* How to watch/hike falls efficiently **************** I'm a first timer for OR. To find those falls was VERY confusing at first. I guess it's the easiest way to get to the falls was to get off the exit (follow the sign) on the Historic Columbia River Hwy (30, not 84) and keep driving along the hwy. All the falls were along the hwy. We started from Wahkeena falls, multnomah falls, oneonta gorge/trail, and horsetail falls (Coming from Portland - from West to East). Each fall seemed to have a trail right next to it - hike up to the top of the falls. Some trails like the one for "Multnomah" was pretty hard and long (2 hours if you see/hike them all). I heard there're 10 or more falls there. We used up almost half a day for only 4 falls. But we spent a lot on Multnomah hiking tails ;) You're not allowed to walk on the road, so you must walk on tails for your safety. You park at the one fall, keep walking on the tails and stop by the falls and come back to your car. Most falls have parking spots. You can find shops, coffee stand and restrooms at "Multnomah" falls. Don't leave anything within the sight of your car. Be cautious. It's great to hike, take pictures, enjoy the beautiful nature. So many falls to stop. Not enough time. Some tails are really hard but it totally WORTH it. *************************************************************** - Conqueror's Deduction - This falls are pretty small compared with others. It seemed like you could swim there in summer. There's nice place to sit and picnic in front of the falls. I didn't hike this trail since I was so exhausted from the hiking at "Multnomah" falls. read more

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If you are looking for a great (not grueling hike), with wonderful views of waterfalls and scenic views. Well this is the place to hike at. There are four waterfalls and each you can get close up and actually put your feet in the water. One you pass under a cave with the waterfall running over it. The hike itself it not hard at all. There are not too much steep uphills in the trail, which makes it a more enjoyable one. The trail does get narrow and stays that way most of the hike. Overall, this a must for anyone wanting to start hiking and work your way up OR just like the beautiful scenic views and waterfalls. read more

Horsetail Falls - Beautiful trail - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Nature is so wonderful and it's so awesome to be able to get so close to the waterfalls along waterfall alley on the Columbia River Highway. This was my last stop before heading back across to Washington. I probably should have made it one of my first stops since I was super wet after my visit. I didn't even go swimming or pee on myself. Anyway, the force of the mist across the large collecting pool at the bottom of the falls is sure to get you wet. To add to the mist, it was windy on the day I went so there was no way to avoid it. Doesn't bother me though as going to these waterfalls is a sensory experience and one shouldn't avoid them just because he/she might get a little wet. The falls seem to go on forever as you crank your neck upwards to where it spills over the edge. It's so amazing and it's free! What I also love about the waterfalls on waterfall alley is that you can get soooooo close to the actual falls with little to no impediments to you just getting right up in there. I just wish I lived closer as it really is a treat. Obviously enter at your own risk or look from afar, but really take it in and don't just go to get a great snapshot to post on social media. Be present in the moment and not just live through photos. As with all the falls, get there moderately early as most of the lots fill up quickly and so do the edges of the road. Also, reasonable shoes would be nice too, as it's muddy and/or slick rocks in some areas. read more

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My favorite part? When you are standing under the cave and the waterfall is shooting over you! Very pretty and exciting! As for the rest of the hike, I didn't find triple falls as......aesthetically pleasing. It was a nice, pleasant hike though. read more

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I stumbled upon Horsetail falls by accident. When the parking lot for Multnomah Falls was full, I kept on driving looking for a spot to take a U-turn. Eventually, I found the parking lot for Horsetail falls and decided to check it out to allow time for the visitors at Multnomah Falls to start clearing out. The hike is easy because the path is clear and there is not a lot of elevation change. The views are great. You will walk behind one of the falls and have an incredible view of the Columbia Gorge from the path. I only had enough time to hike to the sign that points you to the higher falls. I definitely would have continued onward if I started my hike at the beginning of the day rather than at the end of it. Nevertheless, my hike took a little over an hour and the views were worth every second. If you are visiting Portland or hiking in the nearby area and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found via my Yelp profile. read more

My 2nd favorite hike we did this trip - my favorite one being Oneonta Falls. This hike isn't as crazy where you have to climb, jump and walk through chest-level water. Its a regular hike, mostly uphill on your way to the 1st waterfall. It is unique since you can go around and behind the 1st waterfall and take some really sick photos. It is just an amazing experience. My friend says the further you go the more waterfalls there are but we stopped at the 1st one since we were on a time crunch. It is relatively easy hike to the 1st waterfall. We went down to the water as well and it was so cold but refreshing. Worth coming back! read more

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" Is That A Horses Tail ? " That is the question my wife asked me as we approached Horsetail Falls in Oregon. The waterfall is easily accessed. The shape of the falls, with the rounded rock face over which the 176 ft water cascade flows, causes it to resemble the shape of a horse's tail. There are actually two waterfalls along the creek. The upper falls, called Upper Horsetail Falls or Ponytail Falls, can be accessed from a footpath. The Horsetail Falls are beautiful and really worth a visit. read more

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Scenic waterfall on the way to Multnomah. You can park you car and just waddle in the water. Very relaxing area to hang out for a breather. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Basically, I consider this the little sister of Multnomah Falls. We came by these falls, because the entrance on the other side of Multnomah Falls was closed. We were driving by and lucked out by finding parking right next to the falls. We took a few pictures and went on our merry way. While not on the scope of Multnomah, these falls are fairly nice in its own right. There is parking across the street and also a few on the side of the road. Be careful when walking back to your car as the little bridge is tight and 1 car came a little close to us. read more

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This is a beautiful little (compared to others in the area) waterfall. If you take the old highway instead of I-84, you can get right up to it and get some great photos. I went there in the dead of winter and it was stunningly beautiful and also supremely dangerous. the walkway around it was covered in slightly over half an inch of ice. There was none in the parking area and the street was clear, but closer to the fall itself (and the spray) it was glassy and slippery. I wanted to go closer to the falls, but I was not sure how slippery it would get right up close. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Stopped here with some friends on a drive back to Portland from Bonneville Hot Springs. Gorgeous break from the road and much less crowded than the nearby Multnomah Falls. This was a great spot on Christmas Day - it was totally empty and we got some great shots of the waterfall. After this, we drove up to Mutlnomah Falls and it was fun to compare and contrast. We are really lucky to have this stuff in the northwest, and so close to the city to boot. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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My original plan was to hike Oneonta Falls but decided to do this one instead. Wasn't disappointed. It was hot in PDX so this was awesome to get away and be cool since you have 3 waterfalls and lots of shade. We went from the start all the way to the 3 Falls. It's was beautiful and worth the almost 3 hours we spent there. Went on a Saturday afternoon and it's wasn't too packed. Definitely must check this out if you haven't already. read more

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One of the many waterfalls you can visit along the Historic Columbia River Highway and just minutes down the road from Multnomah. Oneonta Gorge is also very nearby and Oneonta trail connects the two in fact. We were pretty wet by the time we hit this waterfall up, so we only viewed Lower Falls from the highway. From the highway viewpoint, you can walk down to the base of it at the pool. If you get a chance, hike in to Upper Falls - you can walk under this one and it looks pretty cool to be quite honest. read more

If you're looking for natural beauty, this is *the* place to go for a romantic morning hike. And stunning views. And picnics. And skinny dipping. And proposals. Wait, what? read more

Waterfalls waterfalls waterfalls.. is that all you got there at the gorge huh? Yessir partner! That and spectacular views. This waterfall is named aptly horsetail because guess why? If I have to explain that - well... It's a lovely walk to the upper falls and really takes nothing to get there so pretty much rewarding from the get go. There's also the "lower" falls just as you park your vehicle in case you just want to dip your toes in. So giddy up down and get off your high horse and take care of your dog poop bags while you are at it!!!! I hope the next time I go there all of those poopy bags are not still on the trail. I was disappointed in the dog walkers the day I went. I expect you all came back on the way down to grab them and put them in the trash that's right down yonder by where the lower falls are. No nay saying there neither! read more

I loved this hike because it was the perfect amount of challenging and a wonderful set of waterfalls+view point. There was the first waterfall that was huge that we didn't have to hike anything for, which was a great motivating factor to start hiking. When we started the hike it was a little steep but definitely doable for beginner hikers and it eventually flattens out and becomes a little up and down. There was one viewpoint off from a memorial for a girl who fell off the cliff which was a beautiful valley from which you can see little bodies of water and take wonderful pictures. There was also two waterfalls along the hike, the one horse tail one that looks like a horse's tail but also my friend imagined it to be a butt with huge amounts of water shooting out [explosive diarrhea??? Sorry]. But you walk behind it in the hike which is pretty cool The third waterfall came after a fake/dribbling sort of waterfall on the hike that I don't count and required crossing a bridge. This bridge you're supposed to cross one at a time but everyone just crossed whenever. You can climb around and get great pictures from the distance and we turned around to go back at this point. This was approximately an hour and a half but keep in mind we stopped at most of the places that looked extraordinarily beautiful. If you have a great appreciation for these things I would set aside 2 hours for hiking and 35-40 minutes driving over from downtown Portland. Enjoy it, it was amazing and beautiful for me as an LA native (especially since we're in a drought right now and all our waterfalls are dried out lmao) read more

A very underrated hike as mostly everyone is at Multnomah Falls. I don't know why everyone loves to go to Multnomah when there are so many different trails and waterfalls all around the Historic Columbia River Highway. It's less than half-mile to the Upper Horsetail Falls and 1.3 to the Oneonta Falls, which joins up with the Oneonta Trail. From there, is' another 1.2 miles to Triple Falls, which is a great end destination before heading back. The first 1.3 miles is a really nice hike. I'd say it's an easy hike, not moderately challenging at all. The trail head gives you a great view of Horsetail Falls itself, and is a definite must-see if you're around there. read more

This trail is one of the best trails within 30 minutes of Portland that features waterfalls. It features four waterfalls and a great scenic view of the Columbia River Gorge. This was the second hike I did since moving to Portland, and I'm not in the best shape, but hiking the trail was no problem for me. The views are breathtaking and the trail allows you to get real up close and personal with each of the falls. This is a nice quite travel that is, in my opinion, on par with, if not better then the Multnomah Falls trail. If you have time, the Oneonta Gorge Trail is just east of here, and it the most fun you will have on a one-mile trail in your life. read more

Beautiful falls that were really flowing the day we drove past. Decided to get out and check them out. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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This was a great hike!!! Based on a local yelper, she suggested hiking this over Multnomah falls and she was RIGHT! Why? Well, Multnomah is a tourist trap and you hike to the top with not such an impressive view... okay so you see the waterfalls looking down. Anyhow, Horsetail falls involves viewing 3 different waterfalls!!! Plus the entire view is pretty. After you park (free) in the small parking lot the first thing you see are the "Horsetail falls". Then the start of the trail is not so fun- various switchbacks but you have to hang in there. Once the switchbacks are done you continue your hike and enjoy some scenery along the way. But be careful, their is a little landmark where someone took a fall so stay away from the edge. Eventually you'll reach "Ponytail Falls" and you can go behind the waterfalls. You'll continue your journey to the last waterfall on your left where you have to cross a one person at a time bridge (safety reasons). You get a good picture of the falls if you cross it. You can also see the trail from Oneonta Falls (you should do this one too) with people crossing it. After you cross the bridge and snap your pictures you can continue on this trail and it will loop around and take you on the main highway back to your car. OR you can just go back the way you came which is what we did because we liked the scenery so much. This is definitely worth the hike! Enjoy! read more

Horsetail Falls - 2nd waterfall! - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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Park at the lot for Horesetail Falls. Enjoy the falls there or perhaps even go take a dip in the cold water. Then go upwards on a short hike (on the left side of the falls) to Upper Horsetail falls. It's well worth it as you can walk behind a waterfall and check out the cave behind it which drips with some water. read more

A beautiful place to sit and eat lunch. You'd literally be eating right beside a waterfall. Couple tables to the left of the waterfalls. Then go for a hike to work lunch off or vice versa. However, it was a nice quick pit stop for us. The falls were beautiful. read more

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Easily accessible for all bodies. The falls can be enjoyed roadside. There's a parking lot and even a resting space. No hiking required. Very nice and tall falls. Definitely one to visit while touring all the falls in that area!! read more

Horsetail Falls - Horsetail falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

Along Scenic Highway 30 in Oregon, seemingly everyone goes to Multnomah Falls -- and for good reason, it is amazing. But on a nice day if you want to avoid the crowds, drive a bit further and pick up the Horsetail Falls loop trail. Even if you're not in the mood for a major uphill hike, it is a short trek (roughly .50 mile) to Ponytail Falls, a smaller less heralded splash that feeds into Horsetail. I enjoy Ponytail because you can actually walk behind the falls itself and even dip your feet into the collecting pool. Be careful though, this area can be quite slippery! There are also plenty of connecting trails to Oneonta Falls and Gorge and on to Triple Falls. Great location when the crowds at Multnomah are too much! read more

This hike is utterly beautiful and the hike itself is just right. It's got a nice length (at a moderate pace you can make the hike it 3 hours) and each new trail head seemed like a good distance from the last. There is a great chillout spot near the plaque to Glenn W. Replogle. The plaque says "He fell from a cliff east of Horsetail Falls". I looked it up and found the newspaper clipping. Kid was only 14, very sad. The actual falls is stunning. It's smaller than some of the others around Oregon, but it's very intimate. You can walk behind the falls and walk down to the pool. The falls is a great area to hike. You can take this trail to other interesting trails, and keep hiking for a long time. There are a lot of beautiful sights to see. The trail is surprisingly uncrowded considering how nearby the crowded Multnomah Falls is. This is one of my favorite trails. read more

Beautiful set of falls (broken upper/lower), that draws a MUCH smaller crowd than the more popular Multnomah Falls. A quick hike up a decently steep set of maintained switchbacks will bring you to the top of the trail, where you find the upper portion of the fall. Bring your camera on the hike (the entire trail is beautiful), because the trail runs under/behind the falling water- and it's a sight to be seen. You can turn back at the upper falls, or you can continue the trail and complete the full circle. The hike is just over a mile I believe, but 100% worth it (and not very difficult, IMO). read more

Absolutely stunning! I went here in late January so there was a washout on the trail but it was still gorgeous, moderate on the knees/calves and peaceful. Looking at the multiple waterfalls on this trail reminded me of Octomom's water breaking. I also found a $10 bill by the main waterfall (nearest the road) so that was an added plus read more

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this hike. I have only done this hike 2 times. I wouldn't call this strenuous. But it had my calves and hamstrings burning a bit. There was a point about 2 hrs in where the trail was in a raging waterfall and you have to carefully make your way over by yes putting your feet/shoes in the water but I am very adventurous. The trail afterward didn't lead anywhere lol. But hey you never know what's there until you go there. There are ups and downs. I love to jog down hill. Makes more sense to me. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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Went here with a Meetup group and it was the 2nd hike in 2 days...so it was a bit more difficult than anticipated, but very beautiful! There were actually 4 falls, so more than just the Triple Falls...it was very nice. Highly recommend. We ended up doing the Oneonta trail too to that waterfall. read more

This place is a gem with a nice hike and a beautiful upclose view of a waterfall. It's close to Multnomah Falls, and the view from the top is spectacular. There are quite a few switchbacks. Once on the trail, you'll stumble upon a small cave just beneath the waterfall. Amazing view and experience. read more

Easily accessible, Horsetail Falls is on the same road right before Multomah Falls. Park your car and get up close to Horsetail Falls, admire, snap a pic and go on your merry way. It's another great sight to see on the list of waterfalls in the area. If you'd like, you can also take a short hike down to get a closer look. I did not get a chance to do so but I'm sure it would have been worth my time. read more

Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

What an awesome hike! We started out intending to hike just Horsetail Falls and didn't realize we could continue the hike back to Triple Falls. The short hike to Horsetail Falls was fairly easy, we saw all ages making the trek. We decided to continue not knowing where we'd end up. As we continued, we stopped at a point that overlooked a valley & water...gorgeous view. Continued on and ended up at Triple Falls. Wow, what an amazing reward! Hike is moderate and took roughly two hours (including several stops for pictures). Looked like you could continue farther than Triple Falls but we decided to turn around. Definitely worth the time to do this hike. read more

Horsetail Falls - Horsetail Falls - Hiking Near Me - Cascade Locks, Oregon

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Another beautiful place to hike in the Columbia river gorge. When you get there you can immediately see one of the falls with plenty of space in front of it to find a quiet rock to sit on and just enjoy. Hike up to the other falls where you can walk behind the falls from there you can turn around and go back or keep going and hike a loop back. Many options for making your hike longer or shorter read more

You can view this beautiful fall just as your driving. It's right by the road! They have a small parking lot but it seems like it's always jam packed. But would highly recommend taking some photos if you pass by it. read more

An absolutely beautiful hike, we took the shortest one just up to the first stop and the waterfall was stunning. the hike wasn't too bad, a little rocky and somewhat uphill but due to its shorter length it was the perfect hike for us. read more