Oneonta Gorge
Oneonta Gorge
5
This location was reported permanently closed
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Oneonta Gorge
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 3 miles
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
506 reviews
Excellent
416
Very good
71
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
3
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,403 contributions
May 2022
When we went the area was still closed off but we walked through the tunnel to see what we could. It was fun, there are not a lot of places where you can walk through a tunnel or have massive boulders right over your head, it felt a little death-defying. The area we could see was definitely worth the stop.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrieh
Humble, TX286 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Our day trip to Oneonta Gorge was the highlight of our Portland trip.
We left the hotel around 9:30 a.m and we were back at the hotel by 7:30 (includes stopping for dinner).
Take Hwy 84/30 to Columbia River Gorge. Once you get there you can stop at each of these with plenty enough time to take some photos, check it out and move on to the next.
Women's Forum State Park, great views but they do get better
Vista House at Crown Pointe (very interesting, beautiful and OLD building), great views. This place has free maps inside for all the waterfall stops along the route and also has bathrooms so go now if you need to. Most falls you can see from the road but also have the option to hike to the top of some of them if you wish)
Latourell Falls
Shepperds Dell
Bridal Veil Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Multnomah Falls (the fall of all falls...probably the steepest of hikes along this trail if you want to get to the very top but not needed, as you can see the fall from the road and the hike to the middle bridge is pretty short). Don't get me wrong, the view from the top is amazing but you don't have to do it to take in the beauty. We did it and we are in our 40's and I have plantars fasciitis in both feet!. This fall has a nice visitors area with a little store, a restaurant, restrooms, snacks, fudge & ice cream. Go if you need to, snack if you need to now.
View of Oneonta Gorge
Horsetail Falls
Once we stopped/hiked to these, we still had enough time to drive to the very top of Larch Mountain. Make sure you have at least 1/4 to 1/2 tank of gas before driving up. It's only residential which is few and far between and you don't want to get stranded. There is a parking area at the top and the hike isn't very long but it is a little steep but you've already made it this far so go for it. The view here was interesting because you can see the cascades of all 5 mountains: Mt. St Helens; Mt. Rainier; Mt. Adams; Mt. Hood; Mt. Jefferson There are markers at the top to let you know which ones you are looking. This was worth it and the views were amazing. This was probably our favorite day trip of our entire stay because you we got to see so many falls and gorgeous views. I would highly recommend not skipping any of it. If this review was helpful please give me a helpful vote! Enjoy your trip.
We left the hotel around 9:30 a.m and we were back at the hotel by 7:30 (includes stopping for dinner).
Take Hwy 84/30 to Columbia River Gorge. Once you get there you can stop at each of these with plenty enough time to take some photos, check it out and move on to the next.
Women's Forum State Park, great views but they do get better
Vista House at Crown Pointe (very interesting, beautiful and OLD building), great views. This place has free maps inside for all the waterfall stops along the route and also has bathrooms so go now if you need to. Most falls you can see from the road but also have the option to hike to the top of some of them if you wish)
Latourell Falls
Shepperds Dell
Bridal Veil Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Multnomah Falls (the fall of all falls...probably the steepest of hikes along this trail if you want to get to the very top but not needed, as you can see the fall from the road and the hike to the middle bridge is pretty short). Don't get me wrong, the view from the top is amazing but you don't have to do it to take in the beauty. We did it and we are in our 40's and I have plantars fasciitis in both feet!. This fall has a nice visitors area with a little store, a restaurant, restrooms, snacks, fudge & ice cream. Go if you need to, snack if you need to now.
View of Oneonta Gorge
Horsetail Falls
Once we stopped/hiked to these, we still had enough time to drive to the very top of Larch Mountain. Make sure you have at least 1/4 to 1/2 tank of gas before driving up. It's only residential which is few and far between and you don't want to get stranded. There is a parking area at the top and the hike isn't very long but it is a little steep but you've already made it this far so go for it. The view here was interesting because you can see the cascades of all 5 mountains: Mt. St Helens; Mt. Rainier; Mt. Adams; Mt. Hood; Mt. Jefferson There are markers at the top to let you know which ones you are looking. This was worth it and the views were amazing. This was probably our favorite day trip of our entire stay because you we got to see so many falls and gorgeous views. I would highly recommend not skipping any of it. If this review was helpful please give me a helpful vote! Enjoy your trip.
Written December 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy
Bonita Springs, FL75 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Wow!!! This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. This is also one of the best hikes I've ever done. I'll provide some information I wish I would have known prior: The hike was fairly difficult for me due to the log jam and my extreme fear of heights. I did the hike with my boyfriend and without his help probably wouldn't have been able to cross the log jam (hated seeing the water running below the jam and knowing if anyone fell they'd be seriously hurt). We both wore our Nike running shoes and it worked out fine (although hiking shoes would have been less slippery probably on the logs because a lot of them were fairly wet). There were kids doing the hike but I was really surprised at that. Also, a number of people had dogs - I would probably chose a different hike to take my dog on. Actually two dogs were stuck in the log jam and were really scared (my boyfriend helped one of the dogs get out). BUT walking thru the cold river, being scared on the log jam were worth it to see the waterfall at the end. Lots of people were swimming at the end - altho the water is cold. We went in August and the river wasn't very high. It was mostly ankle/shin deep water and the deepest part we had to put our backpacks over our heads (I'm 5'3" and the water was up to my shoulders). Some of the rocks are slippery but like I said, it was so beautiful. If you are coming from Portland it is kind of confusing how to get there. Take exit 28 and go East on that road for about 5 miles. You'll pass some other falls (one with a gift shop/restaurant) and then youll pass one trail head that says Oneonta but youll want to keep going to the next trail head which is the Oneonta Gorge (there's a tunnel you can see from the road and the trail starts right at the road on the stream) We went to the wrong trail head at first so hopefully these directions will help prevent that for others! If you like the outdoors, don't mind getting wet in a cold river and are fairly fit/active this is a MUST DO. I can't emphasize enough what a wonderful, beautiful and adventurous experience it was. We went on a hot August weekday and there were a fair amount of people there so I would probably try to avoid weekends if you have that option because it's more peaceful during the week with less people. It's a hike you will remember forever. I've hiked a lot of great places (Colorado, California, New Zealand, Ireland, etc.) but this one really topped any other hike I've ever done.
Written August 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Missy L
Heber City, UT1 contribution
Apr 2015 • Family
We were on our way to my little sisters wedding and stopped for a few minutes to take in the beauty of the falls. Don't get me wrong, this is a GORGEOUS area and the falls are amazing....however, in just 10 minutes our motorhome was broken into and over 20K$ of possessions were stolen. Cops didn't even bother to come out when we called. Said we were the 10th ones to get broken into off Historic Columbia HWY that DAY! Insane! There are no warning signs. No security patrol. So here's your warning folks! Don't park there!! Drive by slowly and snap a pic...but keep on driving! Their are thieves lurking in the trees...
Written May 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSNN
Portland, OR5,803 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
I was wondering what this looked like now after the wild fire and with the old Scenic Highway opened up. Well, it is closed off. I saw its name listed at Multnomah Falls where they have posted a list of trails closed right now.
So the Onteona area where you used to park and go into the area id totally blocked off. You can't even park near it at all.
I drove further to Hortail Falls and enjoyed seeing that instead. You can hike here. And the trail goes behind the waterfall in the side of cliff wall. So you can hike behind it and look out at the water falling into the plunge pool. Great!
a good idea is to stop at Multnomah Falls Lodge and go to the Information place and ask them about where you can hike. And pick up a general map of the area and the waterfalls. it is FREE.
So the Onteona area where you used to park and go into the area id totally blocked off. You can't even park near it at all.
I drove further to Hortail Falls and enjoyed seeing that instead. You can hike here. And the trail goes behind the waterfall in the side of cliff wall. So you can hike behind it and look out at the water falling into the plunge pool. Great!
a good idea is to stop at Multnomah Falls Lodge and go to the Information place and ask them about where you can hike. And pick up a general map of the area and the waterfalls. it is FREE.
Written March 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
number1Suzieq
Portland Oregon125 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
This used to be an amazing spot. When my kids were growing up we went here at least two or three times every summer. It was featured in the Oregonian travel section a few years ago under the title "Oregon's best hidden places". It should have remained hidden from the masses. The gorge itself is a narrow canyon and you have to climb over a log jamb and walk through the creek in one spot in order to get to the falls. The last time I was there, about three summers ago, everyone plus their dog and their grandma was there, literally. There were at least 200 people there that day. It was horrible. There was a line of people waiting to climb over the log jamb which isn't necessary safe for all. Not recommended for young children or people with mobility issues. There were young people playing bongos at the back of the canyon by the waterfall. People had left dog poop in several spots. And trash. I was mortified. One of the most splendid, peaceful and beautiful places close to the Portland area has been completely ruined. It made me very sad. Too many people are visiting that don't respect the area. And the canyon isn't large enough to accomodate the crowd. On a warm summer day, prior to the Oregonian feature, there may have been a dozen people there at most. Now it's just another tourist attraction ruined by throngs of crowds. I think the Oregonian should leave Oregon's best hidden places for Oregonians to enjoy unspoiled.
Written December 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawna W
15 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Saw this beautiful jem while hiking beautiful waterfall and a nice little spot to hang out at and take photos
Written April 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phu C
Alexandria, VA373 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
The physical address of this gorge is approximately 48700 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, merely 4 minutes away from the famous Multnomah Falls (50000 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy). As you're driving east coming from the falls, the gorge is before the tunnel on your right with a small parking lot. There is a very subtle flight of stairs you must take down to reach the log jam at the mouth of the gorge, which you must climb before wading/swimming through the waist-high water to arrive at the waterfall at the end. Don't plan on bringing any expensive electronics like DSLR cameras because the slippery rocks will get the better of you. Instead, I took pictures with my phone because I had forgotten my water-proof case for the camera. While the climb over the logjam isn't extremely difficulty, it can be dangerous if you're not careful, so be cautious and you'll be fine. This is the most surreal natural wonder I've ever visited, but I can't say I'm a nature-person so take this with a grain of salt. It's a must-visit while in Portland, nonetheless, so drop by and you won't regret.
Written March 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family_Of_4_From_MA
Western MA40 contributions
I came across the previous review on TripAdvisor about the Gorge and had to see it for myself. My 8 year old daughter and I went to Multnomah Falls on one of the hottest days of the year (105+ degrees). We decided that since we were so close to Oneonta Gorge, we would check it out. If nothing else, it would be cooler than our hotel. My packed my daughter's swimsuit gear but decided to keep mine in the car because I figured that I would "just get my feet wet." What a mistake! However, I wouldn't change the experience for the world. We walked through the gorge in order to see the waterfall and had to wade through water that was waist high (my daughter could easily swim by this point on the hike). The waterfall was beautiful but the expedition to see it was probably the most fun. There are some HUGE logs that you climb over at the beginning of the trip. The only bad part is trying to cross them after you are soaking wet in order to get out. I wish I lived closer so I could come here every weekend. My only regret is that I didn't have my 5 year old son with me.
Written August 1, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R8432SDrobertj
75 contributions
I am 66 and not 26 so my view is different than most people. I hiked the gorge 08/27/15, the temp was 63 but getting sunny at 11:30am. I read reviews from muliple sights and hiked prepared. I had good hiking boots and light quick dry wind breaker but a cotton t-shirt, light hiking shorts. I took a water proof camel back day pack. I had a towel and a change at the car. Oh, I took a camera in a zip lock bag. But I did not work out before hand based on the reviews. Next time stairs before hand. The water was cold but go from gravel bank to gravel bank most of the way. The gravel is not small gravel but fist sized that make walking harder than described. The logjam is about 30 feet deep and 8 feet high. Which means a big drop into the center of the jam. It's a nice but slick clamber each way. It was alot easier go out than back, but everyone is nice and helpful. Infact everyone comeing back told everyone going out, "you are going to get wet". The sink hole before the last bit before the falls was just below my shoulders and I'm 5' 10". the men took off our shirts and held them over their heads or just leave non-valuables on a log before the sink hold. It was really cold but just not to bad. I started back and heard a crack above me and saw a fist sized rock miss a women by about 2 feert. it looked closer but 2 feet is close. Then another rock cracked and popped off the top of the cliff and missed her by about 6 feet. (the forest service people said they do not recommend hiking Oneonta at this time of year). I would just be carefull. The log jam was harder going back than going out for some reason. But again every one was nice and helpful, my legs just said time to stop and didn't work as they were supposed to. All in all a great adventure.
Written May 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the status? Is it open?
Written March 6, 2020
Still closed indefinitely as of June 2019. No word when it might reopen.
Written June 24, 2019
Mindysue852
Omaha, Nebraska
Does anyone know if the Oneonta Gorge trails have reopened since the fires a couple years ago? I've found conflicting information online. Planning a trip in June.
Written February 24, 2019
We are planning to visit the area in mid September. Has it recovered well from last year's fire? I know that there are new fire risks, but thought I would see how it was when you were last there! Thanks!
Written July 28, 2018
Is this Traihead still closed due to the fire?
Written May 21, 2018
Hello ! I will be there in the middle of june. Do you think it will be re-open by that time?
Written March 13, 2018
tikiwaniki
San Francisco, California
Hi all. Is the Gorge still a worthwhile visit despite not going into the water during late November? Visiting in one week and I'm scaredy cat unsure of my abilities in the faster & colder currents.
Written November 17, 2017
I think you will still thoroughly enjoy yourself. The gorge is stunning. Just be mindful of rain and don’t get caught in too high of water after a heavy rain . Getting a little cold and wet, is worth the effort to see this marvel.
Written November 17, 2017
We went the end of May and there's a yellow caution tape. Is it still there?
Written August 29, 2017
There was no tape when we arrived. I read there was a flash flood in May, which closed the gorge. Everything was great when we were there at the end of July.
Written August 29, 2017
Approximately how long does it take to hike the entirety past the log jam to the end of the gorge? I will be traveling with a one year old and I was thinking my husband can wait with her before the log jam, while I go then we could switch, if possible time wise. I would take her over he jam we live in a rural coastal area and we are avid hikers but after reading reviews it seems as though taking her over the jam may be too risky.
Written August 23, 2017
Once you are past the logjam, it's only ~20 min round trip to the waterfall at the end of the gorge. But give yourself a few additional minutes to enjoy stuff along the way. However, the logjam is unpredictable. If it's empty and you're relatively athletic, it only takes 5 min each direction. But it was packed when we were there, and there were some spots where it's not safe to go around people moving slower. I think it took us ~10 minutes one direction, at least 15 min in the other. Also, you probably already realize this, but you'll be wading through waist deep water on the way to the falls.
I would very strongly recommend against trying to carry your baby through the logjam. We saw one woman do it, and it looked like an insane idea (and not in a good way!). It would be like rock climbing with your kid on your back.
Written August 24, 2017
…
Showing results 1-10 of 44
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing