Tips for Exploring the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

When most people think of visiting Oregon, spending time in the state's abundant and great outdoors is usually top of the list. There are dozens of waterfalls near Portland specifically, but some of the most well-known ones are in the Columbia River Gorge. Originally, I had included this as a section in my Portland Itinerary but it felt deserving of its own post. If you're planning a trip to Portland soon and want to venture out on a waterfall trek or two, read this first:

1. Multnomah Falls are the most famous of the waterfalls in this area, which means that they are also more touristy. It is incredibly easy to access and see these falls--no hiking required!
2. From May - September, timed entry permits are required to park in the lot nearest the falls. They cost $2 per car and can be purchased at Recreation.gov
3. The hike to Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls is steep and not family-friendly. I planned a lot of this day from the comfort of my couch and I didn't know what the reality would be once we got on the trail. On my map, the hike is half a mile. But the first 25 yards are severely inclined with a narrow path that didn't feel safe for my 3.5- and 5-year-old kids. I would recommend these two waterfalls for older kids and preteens
4. Bridal Veil Falls is a better waterfall hike for families with beautiful views. If I had done enough research on waterfall options beforehand, I would have chosen this one
5. Parking at both Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls could be a hassle depending on the time of day and the season. There are two ways to avoid parking issues if you want to see these waterfalls...
6. Ebike Multnomah Falls: if everyone in your group is over 16 years old, this is a fun way to explore the area with either a half day or full day tour
7. Waterfall Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: this is a wonderfully unique option for families with younger kids. Children under 5 ride free and 6-12 year olds are half price. With 10 waterfall stops between the parking lot in Corbett and Ainsworth, riding this trolley is a great way to explore the area and not stress about parking. Another great benefit of the trolley is the option to hop on at the beginning of the line in downtown Portland for car-free travelers. With Portland's amazing public transportation system (the MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar), it's totally possible to get around all week without a car

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Have you been hiking in Columbia River Gorge? What are your favorite trails and falls to see?