Category: Waterfalls

3 Best Waterfalls To Hike To In The United States

#3 Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil, Oregon

Difficulty: easy, short length, tourist-packed

620 ft falls! Includes a bridge midway to get a better view!

This waterfall is extremely popular and that’s why it’s making number three on my list. If it were just about the view, I’d place it as my #2 on this list. This area is a popular birding and hike trail and easily accessible so you’re very likely to run into other people. Reservations are currently required to visit the falls.

The Quick Rundown

In July of 2021, reservations to the Multnomah Falls in Oregon became required. Information for the reservation permits required can be found by clicking on this link.

Multnomah Falls is part of the Columbia River Gorge (which by the way, was a primary topic in my latest post “Hiking The Columbia River Gorge”)

It is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon and spans two basalt cliffs. Being the most visited waterfall in all of Oregon as well, there is a lodge, visitor center, and gift shop on site. It is also the most visited natural recreational site in the Pacific Northwest.

Best Time To Visit

This waterfall is great to visit anytime of the year. In the summer it is a nice escape from the summertime heat many areas experience. In the winter it becomes a frozen wonderland.

Multnomah Falls is absolutely stunning when frozen.

Pricing at Multnomah Falls

Due to the limited parking capacity at Multnomah Falls, timed entry permits are required if you arrive in your own vehicle. Permits are available up to 14 days in advance. Reservations cost $2 per ticket. Visitors should access Multnomah Falls and the Historic Lodge from the Interstate 84 parking lot at Exit 31.

The Trail

Easy to navigate out and back trail.

This trail is located right off of a highway and the visitor center hands out free trail maps and brochures with information about the trail.

#2 Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, Colorado

Not to be confused with Bridal Veil, Oregon, this trail is located in Colorado.

Difficulty: Moderate, elevation, technical terrain

365 feet of waterfall makes this easily one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the United States.

Overlooking Telluride, Colorado is a 365 ft. waterfall with a hydroelectric power plant positioned at the top of the falls. This is a picturesque waterfall as the landscape is gorgeous and the power plant is aesthetically pleasing.

The Quick Rundown

Off-road and hike trails pass through the area to get to the waterfall. This is the tallest free-falling falls in Colorado. This is listed as a moderate hike but is rather short at just 1.2 miles to the top from the parking lot at the trailhead. The path is open to biking and atvs as well.

The terrain at Bridal Veil Falls is considered moderately technical and there are no cabling systems, so trekking poles could come in handy.

Very photogenic falls for a night hike!

Best Time To Visit

During the late spring and early summer months there are some hazardous areas to cross to reach the top of the trail. Mid to late summer would be the best time to visit. As a bonus, the weather in Colorado during mid to late summer is very comfortable. In the winter months Bridal Veil Falls turns to ice and is stable enough for fearless ice climbers, if that’s something you’re in to.

Pricing At Bridal Veil Falls

It’s free!

And easy to get to from the main road.

The Trail

Just past Pandora, to your left, you’ll see the trailhead parking. This trail is a high traffic trail due to its easy to get to location.

From the base of the falls to the top: 1.2 miles.

Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride, CO still flows even with low amounts of recent rainfall.

#1 Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard, length of trail, low elevation, pack mules available but keep in mind how that would contribute to animal cruelty.

100 foot drop from a cliff, Havasu Falls also offers turquoise blue water to swim in. One of earths rarity’s!

Tucked away within the Grand Canyon, lies an oasis. That oasis contains a 100 foot waterfall that has some of the United States’ bluest waters. A turquoise blue that can only be found at Havasu Falls.

The Quick Rundown

Part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and located within tribal lands, this one has become one of the hardest waterfalls to get to if you aren’t already living within the reservation. It once was open to the public but COVID-19 forced a change on that policy. Now, it is only available by reservation, and reservations are not easy to obtain.

To land a reservation is to play the lottery; literally. Permits to visit Havasu Falls typically go on sale on February 1st each year. Most permits are usually bought out within the first few hours of them going on sale.

If you want a chance at snagging a permit, make an account in advance by clicking this link, and then be ready to go at 8am February 1st.

Best Time To Visit

The warmer months are going to be your best best bet because the Havasu Falls are all about the swimming. I’d visit as early as possible after tickets go on sale.

Pricing At Havasu Falls:

Per person on weekday $100 per day.

Per person on weekend $125 per day.

Camping reservations require a 3night/4day reservation.

There’s a lodge available; though it’s rather small, with a quantity of just 24 rooms. These book quickly, of course. To book a room, call (928) 448-2111

You may add a helicopter tour for $170

Reservations cannot be transferred to other people. The person named on the reservation is the only person that reservation will allow in.

However, reservations can be resold at this link. So, if you didn’t get a permit on opening day, then you might still have a chance.

The Trails

Parking lot

Hualapai Parking Lot to Supai Lodge: 8 miles

Lodge

Lodge to Havasu Falls Camping Area: 2 miles

Campground. Photo credit: NPS

Havasu Campground to Mooney Falls: .5 miles

Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls to The Colorado River: 8 miles

Colorado River

Not A Trail, But Still Fun

You can take a rafting tour of the river, available from the lodge as an add-on to your stay. If you’d like more information on the rafting availability you’ll want to inquire at the front desk upon arrival. These, like everything else within the oasis, are often booked out.

A Final Word

Havasu Falls is a bucket list item that every hiker should have on their list of places to hike to. Not only is the waterfall beautiful but the water color at the falls is worth the trip alone. It’s rare to find such a gem, and this one doesn’t fail to shine.

I do not receive any commission for this post. I simply want to provide my readers with information that I’ve learned over time, so that it can later be passed on to the next generation of hikers. 

This post was written by Evan.
Click here to learn more about HykLyt!
Return Home

Hiking The Columbia River Gorge Via Eagle Creek Trail

The signature trailhead for the Columbia River Gorge is the Eagle Creek Trail. This trail is famous for its lush forest scenery and a hiking path that takes you through a waterfall. Yes, through a waterfall! Many trails offer views of the falls but nothing quite like this. Walking through what is known as “Tunnel Falls” gives you the exciting sounds of rushing water, the breathtaking views from the elevation gain, and the elemental feel that Oregon has to offer.

The Tunnel Falls exit, a hike through a waterfall!

Speaking of the elements, be sure to check the trail conditions before planning this hike. The trail is located in an area where icy weather is very possible, and, as a polar opposite, forest fires. You can see the trail conditions in the link below: 

Eagle Creek Pass Weather Conditions

This trail is at risk of natural storms, high amounts of ice buildup, and forest fires, so it’s best to check the closures notifications as well. You may check the trail closure announcements here:

National Park Service Notice of Trail Closures and Conditions: Eagle Creek

The Trail

Hiking the Eagle Creek trail can be a very short trip of just 4.2 miles if you’re only doing the quick version of the hike. If you are wanting a quick, but moderate-difficulty day hike, this is your place to go. However, many people travel to Oregon to see the Columbia River Gorge because the the trip can be extended to a multi-day backpacking hike of 26.6 miles.

This is what brings me here. I currently live in the Midwest, so I wouldn’t be itching to travel to a hike that’s not worth the time. Believe me when I say, if you’re into thru-hiking and want a good training area, or if you simply want a trail that’s not packed with people, and it also offers the capability to setup camp in the wilderness, then Eagle Creek will not let you down.

How To Get There

If you’ve read my other post about planning a backpacking trip, then you’d know I highly suggest booking an Airbnb or hotel stay within 3 hours from your destination. In the morning it’ll be much easier to drive that final bit if you’ve travelled by car. Backpacking can be one of those things that make for less sleep depending on what type of environment you end up dealing with when you’re spending the night with Mother Nature. So, personally, I like to start off on the right foot *queue applause for corny joke*.

The bridges on this trail offer amazing views.

If you travel by plane. Portland is where you’ll be flying into anyhow, so I still offer the same perspective. Sometimes, my suggestion would change based on driving or flying, but, this is not one of those times. 

For example: if driving to the Rocky Mountains, my wife and I found a nice little cabin in Stratton and also the city of Castle Rock was quite beautiful. If flying, then Denver is the place to stay.

I don’t get any commission for this, I just want my readers to know that there are options out there. I’ve stayed in some Airbnbs that were really nice, and I’ve stayed in some that were very sketchy. So, if you don’t mind spending a little extra, sometimes a nice hotel is a better pick in my personal opinion. Here’s a quick glance at what the prices look like per night in Portland, OR on Airbnb:

Airbnb stays are available in the Portland area if you’re interested in visiting while planning your hike through Eagle Creek.
Eagle Creek trailhead is a 46 minute drive from Portland. If it’s your first time in Oregon, I highly suggest taking in the urban scenery the city has to offer either before or after your hike.

Once you’ve planned your stay, you can get to Eagle Creek via Uber, Lyft, Shuttle, or driving. There is a parking fee if you park at the trailhead. There is also an Eagle Creek campsite that you can utilize for a fee. If you have the National Park Pass, then it’s free to enter the campsite, but you’ll still need to pay your parking fee per car. Do not attempt to park along the roadside or you will be towed.

Inside the Tunnel Falls pass.

How To Complete The Hike

You’ve got options:

It’s 4 miles to Punchbowl Falls

It’s 6.5 miles to High Bridge

It’s 12 miles to Tunnel Falls

It’s 26.6 miles to Wahtum Lake

The thing about The Columbia River Gorge is that waterfalls are concentrated in this area. There is a five mile stretch that contains 13 waterfalls. The highest waterfall available will be Twister Falls and it rises to 140 feet. So, if you’re looking for amazing waterfalls to hike to, this is one of the places to be!

Don’t venture too far off of trail without placing markers, the woods in Oregon are dense and can begin to “blend” (looking the same the further you travel, risking navigation confusion).

Completing this hike will require a couple of days so be prepared to setup camp. Wilderness campsites are not pre-plotted here, so if you hike past the 12 mile mark you’ll likely be able to find an area to yourself. There are crowds at the trailhead if you go during “busy hours” but as you hike further out they start to thin out until you find yourself only running into other hikers every now and then. Wilderness camping truly requires you to be prepared so if you need additional information on this you can read my blog post about planning your first backpacking trip. 

Reminder: ice crystals form easily in the humidity out here. If the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing while you’re out on the trail, be prepared for it!

For safety, there are cables to hold onto on the high-drop off areas. It’s rainy and muddy in the Pacific Northwest, so watch your step! Trekking poles may get in the way of hanging onto the cable system when needed. A hiking pole may be more trail-friendly in this particular setting.

There are six campsites throughout the trail. You can find the main one here, along with links to the additional, smaller campgrounds available. 

Side note: this is an out and back trail.
You’ll start to see dynamic views as you climb. The best views are always from the top!

What Gear To Take

I am very fond of traveling light. That includes when I’m backpacking. I don’t just travel light, I travel ultralight. It’s really the best way to backpack and hike. You can conserve energy, make it much further between rest areas, and need for less water.

I have a guide on ultralight equipment. Click here to read the post.

Eagle Creek Park Maps

Lastly, I want to post a couple of trail maps for you. These maps are just of the public park areas but are useful when you’re in the tourist-area.

Photo credit: Eagle Creek Park Foundation
Photo credit: Eagle Creek Park Foundation

Before closing out this post I want to mention the AllTrails app has the capability to download routes before going. This allows you to pull up your location and see where you need to go to get back to the trail if you become lost, even without cell phone reception.

Closing

If you’re looking for a beautiful escape into the wild, Eagle Creek can definitely offer you an amazing experience.

Hopefully, this blog article has helped you with getting more info on Eagle Creek to better plan your stay and help you to have an enjoyable hiking experience.

This Guide Was Written By Evan Erwin

Visit the homepage to learn more about HykLyt
Return Home