9 Oregon Waterfalls That Are Stunning Even In The Middle Of Fall
Oregon’s waterfalls don’t take a break when summer ends—in fact, fall may be the most magical season to chase them. As the first autumn rains awaken their flow, fiery foliage frames every cascade, turning already breathtaking views into natural masterpieces.
Mist drifts through golden forests, maple leaves swirl in the breeze, and the sound of rushing water becomes the soundtrack to Oregon’s most enchanting season. What makes visiting in autumn truly special isn’t just the beauty—it’s the experience.
Trails that are crowded in summer feel more intimate now, giving you space to breathe in crisp mountain air and savor the sights at your own pace.
Whether you’re standing on Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls or discovering a hidden gem like Linton Falls, Oregon’s waterfalls in fall will leave you with the kind of memories that stay etched long after the leaves have fallen.
1. Multnomah Falls: A 620-Foot Wonder Draped In Autumn Colors
Last October, I stood on the iconic Benson Bridge with maple leaves spiraling down around me like nature’s confetti. Multnomah Falls roared with renewed energy from the first autumn rains, creating a misty veil that caught the golden light in ways summer visitors never experience.
The two-tiered cascade looks absolutely majestic when framed by yellow and orange foliage. What makes this 620-foot giant even more special in fall is the thinning crowds – you might actually snap a photo without strangers photobombing your perfect shot!
Pro tip: Arrive before 9am on weekdays to have this magnificent beauty almost to yourself. The Columbia River Gorge puts on its fall finery between mid-October and early November, making this the prime window for your visit.
2. Latourell Falls: The Neon-Green Masterpiece
Whoever said green and yellow clash never saw Latourell Falls in autumn! The 249-foot single-plunge waterfall features that mind-blowing neon-green lichen covering the basalt cliff face, which absolutely pops against fall’s yellow backdrop.
My dog nearly pulled me off the trail last fall when we rounded the corner to this view. Unlike many Oregon falls that require serious hiking commitments, Latourell rewards even casual walkers – it’s visible just steps from the parking area.
The upper viewpoint offers my favorite perspective: looking down as the water cuts through a canyon of golden big-leaf maples. Photographers, bring your polarizing filters to cut through water glare and make those autumn colors sing even louder against the dark volcanic rock.
3. Sahalie Falls: The Blue Pool’s Thunderous Big Brother
Snowmelt who? Sahalie Falls actually gains personality in autumn when rain-fed waters churn the McKenzie River into a frothy blue explosion. The viewing platform practically vibrates from the 100-foot cascade’s raw power – I once watched my coffee ripple Jurassic Park-style from the thunderous impact!
Ancient lava flows created this dramatic waterfall, forcing the river to find spectacular new paths. The surrounding old-growth forest turns surprisingly colorful despite being primarily evergreen, with vine maples adding splashes of crimson among the towering Douglas firs.
The three-mile loop connecting Sahalie to nearby Koosah Falls becomes a mushroom hunter’s paradise in fall. Look for bright orange chicken-of-the-woods fungi decorating fallen logs along the path – nature’s own autumn decorations that perfectly complement the waterfall experience.
4. Toketee Falls: Nature’s Perfect Double-Drop Through Volcanic Columns
The quarter-mile hike to Toketee Falls smells different in autumn – like rain-soaked earth and that indescribable spiciness that only appears when leaves begin to turn. This two-tiered beauty drops through a slot in geometric basalt columns that look man-made but are entirely natural volcanic formations.
I nearly missed my footing on the viewing platform stairs last fall because I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the scene. The North Umpqua River narrows dramatically before plunging 28 feet then 85 feet through what looks like nature’s perfect picture frame.
Fall brings spectacular color contrasts here – the blue-green water against red and orange vine maples, all bordered by those dark hexagonal columns. The shorter daylight hours often create dramatic light beams through the canyon mist around mid-morning – a photographer’s dream that summer visitors rarely witness.
5. Tumalo Falls: Central Oregon’s 97-Foot Showstopper
Mountain ash trees turn Tumalo Falls into a fiery spectacle every October! Their brilliant red berries and golden leaves create a frame that makes the 97-foot cascade look like it’s performing on nature’s center stage.
My hiking boots got their first real mud test here last fall when an unexpected shower turned the trail slick. The extra moisture transformed Tumalo Creek from its summer trickle into a respectable torrent that thundered down into the canyon below.
The viewpoint just steps from the parking area offers an excellent perspective, but continue up the trail for increasingly dramatic angles. About half a mile up, you’ll find an overlook that peers directly over the lip of the falls – a heart-racing perspective that shows why Bend locals consider this their crown jewel waterfall, especially when surrounded by Central Oregon’s distinctive fall palette.
6. Proxy Falls: The Lace Curtain Of The Cascades
Stumbling upon Proxy Falls feels like discovering a fantasy movie set. Water doesn’t just fall here – it spreads into countless rivulets across a 226-foot moss-covered cliff face, creating what looks like a living lace curtain. The surrounding vine maples turn stop-sign red in October, creating a color explosion that defies belief.
During my last autumn visit, I watched water droplets catch the low-angle sunlight, turning into thousands of mini prisms against the dark volcanic backdrop. The 1.5-mile loop trail crosses a 2,600-year-old lava field before entering old-growth forest, making this short hike feel like a journey through multiple worlds.
Fall brings another surprise – the reduced water flow actually improves the aesthetic, revealing more of the intricate rock face patterns normally hidden by summer’s heavier cascade. Bring waterproof boots if you want to cross the creek for the best photo angles!
7. Salt Creek Falls: The Plunging Giant Of The Willamette Forest
Vertigo alert! Peering over the edge at Salt Creek Falls during my autumn road trip last year nearly made my knees buckle. At 286 feet, this thunderous plunge is Oregon’s second-highest single-drop waterfall, and fall rains kick its volume into overdrive.
The observation deck offers the perfect unobstructed view, where you can watch the creek transform from peaceful mountain stream to roaring giant in seconds. What makes this fall special in autumn are the golden larches and mountain hemlocks that ring the canyon rim, creating a fiery crown around the waterfall bowl.
Early morning fog often fills the canyon in fall, creating surreal conditions where the waterfall seems to disappear into cloudy nothingness. If you’re lucky enough to catch this phenomenon, stick around – when the fog lifts, the reveal is nothing short of magical.
8. Linton Falls: The Secret Cascade Of The Mackenzie Highway
Blink and you’ll miss the unmarked pullout for Linton Falls! This hidden gem along the Mackenzie Highway becomes a photographer’s paradise when autumn paints the surrounding forest in russet and gold. I nearly drove past it myself until a flash of white water caught my eye through the trees.
Unlike Oregon’s more famous falls, Linton requires a short scramble down an unofficial path. Your reward? Having this multi-tiered cascade all to yourself most days. The falls tumble through a narrow canyon filled with sword ferns that turn a surprising copper color in fall.
The real magic happens when afternoon sunlight slants through the canyon, illuminating the spray in golden light. Bring a tripod for longer exposures that capture the silky water effect against the backdrop of fall colors. Just remember to tread lightly – this unofficial treasure deserves our respect.
9. South Falls: The Walk-Behind Wonder Of Silver Falls State Park
Remember that childhood dream of walking behind a waterfall? South Falls makes it reality! The 177-foot curtain of water creates a perfect half-dome cavity that allows visitors to experience the falls from every angle – including behind the thundering cascade.
My glasses instantly fogged when I stepped behind the falls last October, but the misty view of fall colors through the water curtain was worth every droplet. The Trail of Ten Falls loop showcases South Falls as its crown jewel, surrounded by big-leaf maples that turn buttery yellow and create a stunning contrast against the dark basalt.
Fall brings another bonus – mushrooms! The damp environment sprouts incredible fungi varieties along the trail, adding another layer of discovery to your waterfall adventure. The historic South Falls Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers the perfect spot to warm up with hot chocolate after your waterfall exploration.