Horsetail Falls

In October 2022, the four of us—dad, mom, me, and mom’s mom—stopped by Horsetail Falls to take some photos. Even though we didn’t go on a long hike, the waterfall was stunning to see from the roadside. The water cascaded gracefully down the basalt cliffs, and the autumn colors of the surrounding trees made the scene even more beautiful. It was an easy and memorable stop, perfect for snapping pictures and enjoying the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge without needing to venture far from the car.

One of the most impressive and accessible falls along the historic scenic byway in Columbia Gorge. You can actually see it from the road, but better to park across the road and walk to view the falls. As a bonus, there is a short trail that offers fantastic views of the gorge and the remarkable Ponytail Falls.

Love this place. It is right one the road and you can walk down too and in the water if you want. Lots of good angles and places for photography. If you are on Int 80 going east exit 35 and go back towards Portland. Then at the stop sign go left or west. If west then exit 35 and stay on historic route 30. It is maybe a mile. If you arevone historic route 30 it is not that far from Multnomah falls. Just keep going east. There is some parking. This lot can fill up. It is also the trail head for my favorite falls Pony Tail that is only about .8 mile round-trip. There are no restrooms here.

It was beautiful and the water was clear. The best part was you can get in it, so take a towel to dry off

Horsetail Falls is a beautiful and easily accessible waterfall that plunges 176 feet in a graceful horsetail shape, true to its name. Located right off the Historic Columbia River Highway, it's a quick stop with big visual impact. A short, paved path leads to the base, and a trail continues to Upper Horsetail Falls (also known as Ponytail Falls), which you can walk behind.

A waterfall you can see from you car. It is right along the Historic Columbia River Hwy. Parking is across the street from the waterfall. a great waterfall to go especially if you have mobility issues. P.S. I do have a YouTube video of the falls and many others if you care to check it out @PNW-Rush.

So beautiful and I love the sound of the waterfall. This is a wonderful place to visit and it is free. But finding a place to park is very difficult.

Beautiful waterfall directly off of the road. Lots of parking on the other side of the road and you can either view it from there or take 10 stairs down to get to the bottom of the waterfall. Highly recommend for anyone with mobility issues

This spot is such a hidden gem and super easy to access - literally right off the freeway. You can park just steps from the waterfall and take in the view without even breaking a sweat. The falls are tall, powerful, and absolutely stunning. We also did the short hike up to the Ponytail Falls (about 0.4 miles), and it was totally worth it. You can actually get to walk behind the waterfall, which felt like a cool little adventure without being too strenuous. It's a quick stop, but one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. Perfect stop if you're waterfall hopping.

Horsetail Falls is right across the road from the parking. There are some steps involved, either up for viewing or down to the water for a great photo opportunity. It is very peaceful if you go early enough.

A classic, right off the highway! Its elegant horsetail shape makes it a unique sight. It's an easy stop but just as breathtaking and a great photo spot!

There is a reason for this waterfall named Horsetail. The waterfall is shaped like one. It was sol beautiful, so pristine, I could sit on a rock all day staring at nature. Yes, approximately 170 feet of it coming down. There really isn't a hiking trail here, but the waterfall is up close and personal. You can walk all the way towards the falls and touch the water. Of course, there are rocks everywhere. So caution is a must. You can see the Horsetail Waterfall as you drive by. Very limited parking, and quite secluded. And probably the one you could get closest to. So beautiful!

Yasss, Im in waterfall haven! This area of Oregon has quite a few waterfalls, make sure you stop bye the visitor center first for a free map. This will maximize your time, we had alot planned on this trip. The volunteers are indeed helpful with ideas for our day. There is a small parking alot in front of this waterfall, you cant miss it. Dont miss this waterfall, its absolutely stunning!! The best part there is no climbing or walking far to enjoy all this glory. This by far is my second favorite waterfall along the waterfall corridor. Oregon I will be be visiting again real soon!! @glampedlife

Unexpected! We literally stumbled upon it. It's right on the highway. Park and walk right up. Amazing!!

This is one of my favorite waterfalls and Oregon has a lot of beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls! Love this one because you can definitely go for a dip in the water and it's great on a hot, summer day, especially if you did some hiking. There's a parking lot available and you can park at the side of the road. Definitely when visiting Horsetail Falls, pack a swimsuit or rash guard and enjoy the water!

This is the smaller waterfall in the area compared to the others but it's right by the street and easy to see, no need to hike anywhere. There's also a small parking lot near it which is free.

Lovely little falls without nearly as many tourists as down at Multnomah Falls. You can actually dip your feet in the water at this site if you walk down the stairs. Beautiful landscape and super easy to get to!

Stunning waterfall right along the road with perfect view as you drive by; if you want to see it up close and personal, just park in the small lot in front and cross the street. Bam, there it is! No hiking necessary means every single person of every ability can experience this beautiful piece of nature. Horsetail Falls is on the strip of the Historic Columbia River Highway that contains seven waterfalls. It is the furthest east, about 3 miles from the most famous, Multnomah Falls. While I have been to Multnomah many times and have hiked to the top and enjoyed the expansive views of the Columbia River along the way, sometimes I don't have the time for that hike. For zero effort - literally - you can see this powerful and majestic waterfall. Just park in the small lot directly across the two lane road, walk a few steps and the entire waterfall is right in front of you. If you want to hike to the top it's about 2.4 miles round trip. The trail starts with a steep incline, and it is rocky, but then levels off. You can enjoy Horsetail Falls this magnificent and have plenty of time to take in other sites or hikes. Today was a sunny and blue sky day, with no wind, so I decided to take a ride from Portland out to Chanticleer Point, which offers an incredible view of the Columbia Eiver and Crown Point in the distance, the vista House perched on top. Afterwards I drove to the Crown Point to see the Vista House, the interior is once again open after being closed most of Covid. It was a pleasure to walk around without getting knocked over by the typical winds! Deciding to follow the old highway along the Waterfall loop afterwards, I was enjoying twists and turns of the road with glimpses of the river along the way. When I got to Horesetail Falls, I was stunned that the falls were right there! I paused to take in the sight and noticed the parking lot was half empty. What? That is an opportunity one can not pass by! So I pulled in and stayed about 20 minutes enjoying the beauty of the falls and walking a little bit up the trail. There were just a few people there so I was able to get some great shots of just falls sans people. The trees are just starting to bloom, but the ferns and moss make it so green and lush. When the weather is warm, you can walk in the water at the base. It will be cold but refreshing! So don't just drive by! Stop and take in the beauty of Horsetail Falls. It has quickly become one of my faves!

This is the somewhat scaled down falls within a mile or so (east) of Multnomah Falls. It has a small parking lot; we were able to wait for a couple of minutes and get a space. Once in the lot, you merely have to cross the road to see the falls. While not nearly as tall as Multnomah Falls, this is impressive in its own right. There are a couple of different vantage points, and you can get good photos from either one. Again, as we visited in the morning the lighting was not ideal. If you are driving through the gorge, this is definitely worth a stop just for the convenience to impressiveness ratio.

Great trail but under repair. The gorge fire from a few years ago it's still evident and the trails are damaged. We hiked to the third fall - there were wash outs, rocks on the trail, and other issues. But, it was lovely. The climb wasn't too long but the elevation gains were significant. I would call it a moderately difficult hike to the third waterfall but well worth it.

We just stumbled upon this waterfall after coming from another waterfall. I would recommend to exit 35 after 5p so you don't have to make reservations and pay a fee. There won't be rangers stopping you as well. There is a small parking lot for @15 cars on the right. From the parking lot, you can already see the waterfalls. Many come here to hangout on a hot day like the day we came and to get in the water to cool off. I would recommend to wear waterproof sandals to walk in the water as the rocks hurt as you walk on it. The waterfall runs pretty hard and I have not see anyone go in it but only close to it. I am sure the water is cold. Very clear water and beautiful scene of this waterfalls. Picture worthy. I loved it so I would bookmark this place as well. It was worth it!! [79th R]

We had planned on hiking up to Multnomah Falls but so many of the parking and entrance points were closed off due to COVUD. We ended up doing a quick search for waterfalls and found this less popular yet still stunning spot for a quick hike. I, unfortunately, was wearing a dress and sandals but was still able to pull off the half mile hike up to the upper falls of Horsetail Falls. We only encountered a few folks along the way so it was nice to feel like we had the spot mostly to ourselves. Parking can easily be found across the street (bonus: it's shaded). There were three to four trail options at this point with one mile round trip being the shortest. You can, however, easily swim in and enjoy the falls directly off the road. It seemed to be popular fir a few families with kids. Otherwise, the trail was somewhat steep and not ideal for all audiences. The spots of shade along the trail and under the waterfall were such a nice break on a hot summer day. This is a great quick pit stop for movement along the Columbia River!

Wow, I know Multnomah Falls gets all the acclaim and recognition, but this, Horsetail Falls, in my opinion....obviously wasn't as statuesque...but without a doubt still gets 5 stars in my book! For sure. Funny...I guess, just...visiting and exploring along 74 mile Columbia River Gorge...I didn't have much expectations. I really at first was headed on my cross country road trip primarily to visit National Parks like Olympic NP, Mt Rainier, Mt. St. Helens down towards Crater Lake, Redwood NP and Yosemite. But...upon visiting Columbia River Gorge....I was so blown away by the beauty of all the waterfalls here that I've coined it..."Waterfall Way"! Lol...I've truly fallen in love with waterfalls! They are my new obsession. I think I may need to visit all the waterfalls in the United States, hehehe. So yeah, not just this Horsetail Falls and Multnomah Falls....but also along the scenic drive there's Laturell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Waterfalls have afforded me a new perspective, outlook and appreciation for being out in nature. So...yes, visiting this Horsetail Falls...I truly felt humbled and blessed. My only difficulty that I'd like to pass along was the parking. This whole area was so popular and it's situated among the height of all the attractions along Columbia River Gorge...that there just weren't enough spots along the side of the road to pull over or park. I had to drive up and down and back and forth to finally park in a spot, (which was reserved exclusively for an RV/van)....but at that point in time I was willing to risk getting a parking violation for the opportunity to bask in this (literally) roadside waterfall. While you are driving....Horsetail Falls cascades right in front of you! It took me by surprise. But yeah...once I finally parked, I walked straight up to it and basked in it's glory. Taking uninterrupted pictures of Horsetail Falls was hard. As you'd expect there were plenty of visitors playing in the water below or just sort of hogging the picture space without regard towards others. But the good news for me was that I wasn't on any timetable. So I just waited for an opportunity. Finally, I got it. I was able to snap some real wonderful photos not just of Horsetail Falls itself, but also I was able to squeeze myself into the pics as well....feeling so grateful to be here. I visited Horsetail Falls and Columbia River Gorge on the weekend in early September. This was a popular time to visit. But...as I would recommend with any popular attraction, if you get here early enough in the morning, you'll be able to grab a coveted parking spot. I learned this lesson well along my visit. I was able to explore this Horsetail Falls, Laturell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls all in one day when I arrived spontaneously. Though for the biggest attraction, Multnomah Falls, I waited for the following day and arrived when it was first accessible at 8am. And for 8am, I grabbed a parking space right away and rushed to the Multnomah Falls viewing point to grab undisturbed pictures without many people around, lol. Finally, Horsetail Falls was simply a roadside waterfall with a straight drop. But to be allowed such easy access to it from the road...it was quite a pleasure. And the ambiance all around was beautiful. Taking in the majestic water flow of the falls from high above was sort of...hypnotic! Who would think such a terrific waterfall could be so easily accessed?! In all, when visiting Columbia River Gorge, this Horsetail Falls may not win best of breed compared to Multnomah Falls....but it absolutely (in my opinion) was still a breathtaking waterfall that should not be missed....not matter how long you have to wait to find a parking spot.

Beautiful waterfall! I've only stopped at 3 waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge because finding parking is BANANAS!!! I came to visit on a Monday afternoon and there were so many people, kids, dogs and no parking. I had my little dog with me and couldn't tell from the website if dogs were allowed on the shuttle bus so we took our chance and drove to the gorge. Horsetail is my favorite of the 3 waterfalls I went to see. Less crowded, but the parking lot smells like urine. There are no bathrooms around here which would explain why. You just have to cross the street and the waterfall is just right in front of you. You may even take a photo simply driving by. Just be mindful of the traffic behind you.

Raw and strong waterfall! This would be the first of the four waterfalls we were to visit on our Columbia River Gorge tour (and the third stop of our tour). Parking was across the street and at 10:30a on a Memorial Day holiday weekend you better believe that this place was overflowing not only with a strong waterfall but also of tourists and locals!! Another reason why I was happy to visit this place on a guided tour so we don't have to hassle with the driving and finding parking. Horsetail Falls is right off highway 30, easy access with no hiking needed. We could hear and feel the falls from the road as we drove in. We walked towards the Falls sign and snapped some photos and proceeded to descend on the steps to get closer to the water. There are hiking trails available but with our limited time schedule we weren't able to do any of that. Just lovely the way the water hits the pond below it... it moves just like a horsetail. The impressive long narrow flowing water of the falls resembled a horse's tail (hence the name). I love all waterfalls even though some are not quite "jaw-dropping." The falls had a robust and vibrant flow at end of May during our visit... roaring and strong! Review #1415 (72nd business review)

As part of the Waterfall Corridor, my boyfriend and I stopped by here after visiting the Wahkeena Falls and before getting to Multnomah Falls. There is a small parking lot available right in front of the falls, and it's just a short walk to get there. Luckily, it wasn't so crowded when we arrived (August 2022), so we were able to get some nice up close and personal shots. Would definitely recommend stopping by here!

This is the easiest falls to get to. You literally can drive past it and see the whole thing, but if you decide to stop, all you have to do is park and cross the street. The water is freezing cold if you decide to step foot in there haha. Not as crazy as some of the other falls but definitely worth a visit especially since it's so easy to get to!

Such a stunning waterfall! Horsetail Falls is one of the many waterfalls located along the Columbia River Highway. I came here with my hiking group in early April, and the falls were flourishing with water. It truly does resemble a horse tail, especially when viewing it from afar. The waterfall is viewable right from the side of the road! There's a decent sized parking lot right across the street that wasn't full when we pulled in around 10 am. We visited this waterfall after doing a short hike from Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls, so they're all relatively close to each other. There's one main hiking trail that stops at various viewpoints and leads to Oneonta Falls. Unfortunately, most of the trail was closed down due to heavy rains in the area. We did a short out and back hike up to Upper Horsetail Falls, and although it was short, the upper falls were insanely beautiful. This was a very easy and short hike, perfect for beginners and even small children. It was rainy and cold in mid-spring, making the trails muddy and slippery. I would highly recommend that you wear hiking boots and a raincoat or poncho if you are planning to come during the springtime. At some of the highest points of the trail, you'll get some incredible views of the Columbia River. There's a cave about a half mile in, and you'll be able to actually stand behind the falls. It's a really neat spot with great up close views of the falls. We took several pictures here and they came out great. The trail is also surrounded by greenery and tons of beautiful trees. I wish we could have hiked all the way to Oneonta Falls, but I guess the rain damage is always pretty bad during the spring. Make sure to research which trails are open before you stop by. We found that most of the hiking trails nearby were closed down due to rain and previous fire damage. This was easily one of the prettiest waterfalls that I've hiked in Oregon. I wouldn't say it's as charming as Multnomah, but it's still worth a visit if you're chasing waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge.

Multnomah gets a lot of the press - and a lot of the visitors. So the second-tier waterfalls end up more appealing. Take, for example, Horsetail Falls. A small creek cascading down the cliff, hitting the rocks near the bottom so that it looks like a horse's tail. Not as tall as Multnomah, but very pretty. We ate lunch here. The Hunny and girl had gotten worn out hiking from Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah, then braving the crowd, so they stayed at the car. So I was the only one to cross the street to get to the falls. And what did I see? Other people eating lunch. High school girls taking photos of each other with the falls in the background. Kids swimming. And although there were a lot of people there, it didn't feel overwhelming. A lot more relaxed vibe. Therefore, I gave it five stars instead of Multnomah's four. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the waterfalls on the Historic Highway. They are not lesser in any way compared to the big one three miles to the west. Horsetail Falls especially should not be passed up just because you're on your way to Multnomah. As for my family, we liked this one better.

This waterfall is easy to access to. All we did was parked our car, walked across the road, took a photo and off we go! It was raining heavily the day we went, beautiful and huge amount of waterfall.

WOW. the views here were WONDERFUL. This waterfall in particular had an area for you to get in and play/hangout in the water. Its great for kids since the water is not too deep. I took great pictures and visited here after hiking the Oneonta Falls which is literally right down the street. Lots of people brought their canvases and painted this waterfall. The pics I posted do not really do justice!! This is def. worth a few moments to check out!!

There is a plethora of waterfalls to visit along the Columbia River Gorge- one of my personal favorites is Horsetail Falls. The falls itself is long and narrow, and strongly resembles a horse's tail (hence its name). Tip: If the weather permits, pack some flip flops so you can get up close to the waterfall in the ankle-deep water. THINGS TO KNOW: -Parking is free here. -Horsetail Falls is a 40-minute drive from Portland. -The waterfall does not require a hike- you can reach the bottom of the falls by taking a short walk from the parking lot. -Other waterfalls to visit near Horsetail Falls: Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls

Definitely stop and see this while exploring the Columbia River Waterfalls - easy to park and to see with barely any hike/walking. But even better, make the trail up to ponytail falls above - it's so much better because you literally get to walk behind and potentially swim if you want in this waterfall!! Unless you want to, don't stay on the tail after ponytail falls, it will take you on a hike to Onetonta Creek, away from where you parked your car.

Horsetail Falls is a great place for a quick hike. If you live in the Portland area or are visiting Multnomah falls and need something easy and quick, this is your hike. At 2.6 miles, the hike can be done in under an hour. I wouldn't travel great distances to get here though, it's nice, but not that nice. There is a bit of an incline at the beginning, but it quickly evens out after a few hundred feet. The two highlights of the hike, walking behind the waterfall and a beautiful viewpoint, happen rather quickly. There is also a plaque remembering Glen. I highly recommend adding a little distance to this hike by joining it with the Triple Falls Hike. Make a left at the Oneonta Trailhead to do an out and back to the triple falls. This adds a total of about 3 miles to your hike and is a little more strenuous than the basic Horsetail trail. You can even keep going past the Triple Falls if you have a lot of time and energy and do the Larch Mountain Hike from there. Once you see the Triple Falls, head back and go the other way at the Oneonta Trailhead junction. You'll be dropped off at the highway and you'll need to walk back on the side of the road. It would be nice if a little trail was added by the Columbia so you didn't have to walk on the highway, but it isn't far. Although the hike is easy, it's not ADA accessible as the path has lots of jagged rocks sticking out of it. Wear good shoes and watch you kids so they don't end up like Glen.

Nice Hike, Clean Trails, Beautiful Place Cool little baby hike that's great even with little kids since it's so short... Virtually one of the shortest we saw... Pretty much park the car and hike a few minutes from the parking lot... Lol... Worth a few moments to check out if you are chasing waterfalls like we were.... Other than that be sure to check out the other falls all along the Columbia River Gorge and this scenic highway... SO MUCH TO SEE!

" 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.

If you went to Multnomah Falls first, Horsetail Falls will probably be a dud. But if you came here first, its quite lovely! If it was a bit warmer, and NOT raining, I might have even gone in for a dip in the pool...is that legal?

The Horsetail Falls may not be one of the most spectacular waterfalls you'll ever see. In fact, it looks quite simple compared to the other waterfalls in the area, but what sets it apart for me (and why I gave it 5 stars) is that after a short, easy hike you can get actually behind waterfall. The experience is quite unique!! I took great pictures and I actually made a canvas out of one them.

Beautiful place. Great for kids as there's not a long walk there. The only downside is that because it is so close there seemed to be a lot more people but it's a great place if you don't want to walk or want to get a bonus waterfall in before or after your hike!

Big and powerful Horsetail Falls is just 2.75 miles east of famous Multnomah Falls ... and when the water is flowing at full force, this waterfall is well worth a few extra minutes to see. The waterfall is easily visible from the the Historic Columbia River Highway. Use the small parking area across the road to get out and snap a few pics from the compact viewing area with a couple picnic tables. Plunging just over 176 feet, Horsetail Falls gets its name from the shape of the rounded cliff and the wide downward flow of the water which actually resembles a horse's tail. There is a short, but steep (sometimes very steep) 2.5-mile loop hike that passes behind the base of Upper Horsetail Falls and through a basalt half-tunnel before leading to nearby Oneonta Trail. The path back is along the road, so, plan accordingly and be safe. Horsetail Falls is not the most famous or most visited waterfall, but it is still totally worth a stop and/or scenic hike along your Oregon Waterfall Tour.

Beautiful waterfall with virtually no hike to see it! Pretty quick turnover in the parking lot and a quick street crossing to see this marvel.

Horsetails Falls does does not receive the press that Mulinomah Falls does, but they are beautiful in the their right. Parking was a little tight, but we found a spot. Truly worth a few minutes of your vacation time.

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.

Breathtaking. Great pit stop as you're making your way over to the Oneonta Gorge. You won't spend too much time here, but you sure will appreciate the beauty while you're over here.

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:)

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

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.

Part 13 in my Oregon adventures! "Waterfalls are teaching us that despite of the chaos, there is peace." --Mahalel Less than three miles east of the mighty Multnomah Falls is the lovely Horsetail Falls. It is named as such because its 176 ft cascade really does resemble the shape of a horses' tail! There is a nearby trail that allows hikers access to a smaller "upper" waterfall called Ponytail Falls, but our tight touring schedule didn't allow us time to do that. Plus, I took much too long putzing around in the Multnomah Falls giftshop. I regret nothing. Still, this is a beautiful waterfall. The state did an amazing job of creating a serene and peaceful stone walkway and viewing area. I could spend a whole day here with a good book and a warm sweater.

It's a fact: Living in Portland means having lots of visitors. And they'll probably want to go hiking. This is where you should take them. A short drive from the city, this is the first main trailhead East of that (gorgeous) tourist-bait Multnomah Falls. As a result, it's still going to be fairly well traveled, but for the ratio of effort to reward, I don't know that it can be beat. Before you even hit the trail you have a great view of the eponymous Horsetail Falls, and then after a (relatively) easy climb, you're rewarded with gorgeous views of Ponytail falls (which you get to walk under), Oneonta falls, and if you extend the hike, up to Triple Falls. All of which I found to be pretty dang impressive - again, in relation to the effort it takes to get here. It's easy to do this whole thing in just a couple of hours, even including photo-op time. If you (or your guests) are new to the area, there will be a ton of that. I'd say go early in the morning to beat the crowds. We started off feeling like we were relatively secluded, but on the way back down we passed quite a few parties. TL:DR? Got tourists? Go look at Mutlnomah Falls, but hike this one instead. Much higher payoff, with relative fewer crowds.

Another water fall along the Columbia River Gorge. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/horsetail-falls-cascade-locks?select=zNkRvCZ3fwyqaESMSnl9eg#kWyulaGtq0jKC-VCa8Ao4w Again smaller and less dramatic then Multnomah Falls, but no less calming or beautiful. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/horsetail-falls-cascade-locks?select=zNkRvCZ3fwyqaESMSnl9eg#mit0VThCak8rHfxjlNZJeQ Very nice indeed!

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.