Are you a fan of hiking through diverse landscapes that’ll take your breath away? If you’re looking to be captivated by nature and have insatiable waterfall wanderlust, there’s nowhere better than the Oneonta Gorge in Oregon, When you go, be prepared to be mesmerized by stunning views that’ll make you feel as if you’re in the midst of a fairy tale.

As part of the larger Columbia River Gorge, the Oneonta Gorge Trail is a lesser traveled and accessible trail that leads to the breathtaking Oneonta Falls.  Read on to learn about one of the best hikes in Oregon if you’d like to know more about the epic adventure you’ll have when you hit this trail.

Editor’s Note: Please note that Oneonta Gorge may be currently deemed unsafe due to fire damage. Heed all state and local warnings before visiting.

Columbia River Gorge might be known as the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, but within this wondrous oasis, there’s another beguiling spot called Oneonta Gorge that’s just as breathtaking.

Samson1976/iStock via Getty Images Plus To reach this slice of paradise, take Interstate 84 East to Bridal Veil, Exit #28 if you’re coming from Portland.

Oregon’s Oneonta Gorge is a brilliant green slot canyon, where verdant moss and thick ferns cling to the basalt cliffs, and startling cold waters flow through the narrow ravine. At the end of this mile-long trek, Oneonta Falls appears almost like a mirage, with its turquoise waters cascading off the cliffs in the most marvelous way.

Piriya Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

The entire scene is a real-life oasis, with a cobalt blue pool, stark black canyon walls, and emerald green foliage. The forest canopy provides a thick ceiling, but during certain times of the day, sunbeams filter through the Oneonta narrows and give the impression that you’re in your magical world.

Piriya Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

As one of the best hikes in Oregon, you’ll need to walk less than a mile along this Oregon hiking trail that follows Oneonta Creek. You’ll want to make sure you wear proper footwear. To start the hike, you’ll descend a set of stone stairs leading into the canyon. From there, take the short dirt path that ventures straight into the tall and dramatic Oneonta narrows.

Bonnie Moreland/Flickr

At the beginning of one of the most spectacular Oregon hiking trails, you’ll encounter a logjam that’s been known to deter some hikers. Rocks, debris, and knee-deep water can provide various challenges, so proceed slowly and with caution and be mindful of your surroundings.

Samson1976/iStock via Getty Images Plus Take note that although this is one of the best hikes in Oregon, his trail is nearly impossible in the winter and early spring due to extremely frigid water temperatures and dangerous rapid flow.

But with the right preparation, what awaits at the end of the trail really is worth the effort. Tucked away in a bowl only fully visible to the most intrepid explorers is Lower Oneonta Falls, which tumbles about 100 feet down the canyon. There’s a deep pool at the basin of falls that’s one of the best waterfall swimming pools in Oregon!

Jeff Jones/Flickr

As you journey into the depths of Oneonta Gorge, you’ll feel as though you’re living out a scene from a Tolkien fantasy. But as one of the best hikes in Oregon, this experience is 100% real! Therefore, remember to bring your camera to capture the extraordinary landscape you’ll see on one of the most stunning Oregon hiking trails.

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Have you ever hiked the Oneonta Gorge Trail in Oregon before? What an enchanting and memorable adventure in the Columbia River Gorge! Visit the USDA Forest Service website before you go to view current trail conditions and plan your adventure.

Samson1976/iStock via Getty Images Plus

To reach this slice of paradise, take Interstate 84 East to Bridal Veil, Exit #28 if you’re coming from Portland.

Piriya Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Bonnie Moreland/Flickr

Take note that although this is one of the best hikes in Oregon, his trail is nearly impossible in the winter and early spring due to extremely frigid water temperatures and dangerous rapid flow.

Jeff Jones/Flickr

Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images

 

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Address: Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Oneonta Gorge January 19, 2023 Marla S. What are some of the best hikes in Oregon with waterfalls?  While Oneonta George is stunning and one of the best hikes in Oregon, there are some other waterfalls in the Beaver State worth visiting too. This includes the following destinations:

Ponytail Falls Tumalo Falls Sahalie Falls Hug Point Waterfall

  Take a look at this guide to learn about event more Oregon hiking trails with waterfalls. If you don’t feel like taking one of the Oregon hiking trails, you can check out waterfalls during this Oregon road trip too. What are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland? Following are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland:

Washington Park Hoyt Arboretum Mt. Tabor Park Sauvie Island Tryon Creek State Natural Area

  What are some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles? Some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles include the following hikes:

Crescent Lake hike Butte Creek Falls hike Wilson River Trail Peter Iredale Trail

  Check out these hikes in Oregon that are under 5 miles and also easy. Take a look at these easy best hikes in Oregon to do in the Spring too.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

Oneonta Gorge

January 19, 2023

Marla S.

What are some of the best hikes in Oregon with waterfalls?  While Oneonta George is stunning and one of the best hikes in Oregon, there are some other waterfalls in the Beaver State worth visiting too. This includes the following destinations:

Ponytail Falls Tumalo Falls Sahalie Falls Hug Point Waterfall

  Take a look at this guide to learn about event more Oregon hiking trails with waterfalls. If you don’t feel like taking one of the Oregon hiking trails, you can check out waterfalls during this Oregon road trip too. What are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland? Following are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland:

Washington Park Hoyt Arboretum Mt. Tabor Park Sauvie Island Tryon Creek State Natural Area

  What are some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles? Some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles include the following hikes:

Crescent Lake hike Butte Creek Falls hike Wilson River Trail Peter Iredale Trail

  Check out these hikes in Oregon that are under 5 miles and also easy. Take a look at these easy best hikes in Oregon to do in the Spring too.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

While Oneonta George is stunning and one of the best hikes in Oregon, there are some other waterfalls in the Beaver State worth visiting too. This includes the following destinations:

  • Ponytail Falls
  • Tumalo Falls
  • Sahalie Falls
  • Hug Point Waterfall

Take a look at this guide to learn about event more Oregon hiking trails with waterfalls. If you don’t feel like taking one of the Oregon hiking trails, you can check out waterfalls during this Oregon road trip too.

What are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland?

Following are some of the best hikes in Oregon near Portland:

  • Washington Park
  • Hoyt Arboretum
  • Mt. Tabor Park
  • Sauvie Island
  • Tryon Creek State Natural Area

What are some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles?

Some Oregon hiking trails that are rated easy and under 5 miles include the following hikes:

  • Crescent Lake hike
  • Butte Creek Falls hike
  • Wilson River Trail
  • Peter Iredale Trail

Check out these hikes in Oregon that are under 5 miles and also easy.

Take a look at these easy best hikes in Oregon to do in the Spring too.