Hike from Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge
Only a few miles down the road from Multnomah Falls you’ll find lovely Horsetail Falls, one of the highlights of the Columbia Gorge’s Waterfall Corridor. While most visitors don’t explore beyond the Horsetail Falls viewpoint, a hiking trail starts here that will bring you to three more waterfalls, a dramatic slot canyon, and knockout views of the Columbia Gorge. The hike ends at a rewarding viewpoint overlooking the three channels of Triple Falls as they tumble over a basalt ledge. Here is everything you need to know about the hike from Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls.
Oneonta Gorge
Know before you go
There is a small parking lot across the road from the trailhead at Horsetail Falls. It is very popular. It’s a good idea to arrive early if you’re visiting during summer to make sure you get a parking spot, especially on the weekend.
You do not need a pass or permit to park at Horsetail Falls. A seasonal timed entry permit was required during the summer of 2022, but will not be required in 2023.
There are no restrooms at the trailhead. You can find restrooms nearby at the lodge at Multnomah Falls. Note that parking can be limited there during popular times.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
The trail to Triple Falls has steep drop-offs, loose rocks, and occasional downed trees. It is not a particularly family-friendly trail, although would probably be okay for older children.
The trail goes through areas heavily impacted by the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. Most trees have been burnt and there is very little shade along the trail.
This trail can get muddy, especially in winter. Although doable in sneakers, the trek will be easier with hiking boots.
Do not leave valuables in the car. Sadly, this area is a target for car break-ins.
While it’s always a good idea to have an offline map, the trail is easy to follow and its only major junction is marked with a sign.
Top of Triple Falls
When to go
There’s no getting around it. This hike is in one of Oregon’s most popular areas and it gets crowded, especially during summer. Since parking is limited and the narrow trail can be more challenging when many other hikers are present, I’d suggest an early start if you’re visiting from spring to fall, especially on weekends. Late spring is the best time to see wildflowers along the trail.
Winter is a different story. I visited in January and had the trail almost to myself. I parked any old where in the mostly empty lot and ate lunch more or less sitting in the middle of the trail. You might see snow and ice on the trail during this time of year. Given how many steep drop-offs there are, I would skip this hike and go another time if you run into much ice on the trail.
Horsetail Falls
The trail to Triple Falls
Distance: 4.2 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate, although it might be difficult if snow and ice are on the trail in winter.
Pass required: None
Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
ADA access: No, other than the viewpoint for Horsetail Falls.
Ponytail Falls
On the trail:
From the parking lot, cross the Historic Columbia River Highway and take a moment to admire Horsetail Falls, an elegant 176-foot waterfall that plunges over a basalt cliff into a pool framed by a stone wall. Look for the trailhead to the left of the waterfall. You’ll begin by ascending several switchbacks that make for a steady, 0.4-mile climb to Ponytail Falls.
Behind Ponytail Falls
As you’re walking, it’s worth noticing the texture of the basalt walls along the trail, which came from lava flows through the Gorge millions of years ago. Picturesque Ponytail Falls flows over such a wall and the trail will take you behind the waterfall to see it from all angles.
Columbia River Gorge
After passing behind the falls, continue for about 0.2 miles to reach a viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River and the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge to Beacon Rock. This point in the hike is also when the legacy of the Eagle Creek fire starts to become obvious. Acres of charred tree trunks cover the hillsides and reveal the contours of the Oneonta Gorge. This damage is less jarring in winter when the blackened trunks match the season’s quiet dormancy.
Glimpse of Lower Oneonta Falls
Continue past the viewpoint toward the Oneonta Gorge. Look for Oneonta Creek flowing at its base, which helped shape the distinctive slot canyon by eroding the walls of basalt. You’ll see a glimpse of Lower Oneonta Falls from the trail. This view is currently the best available while the creek is closed to hikers. A metal footbridge will take you across the Oneonta Gorge and past Middle Oneonta Falls.
Middle Oneonta Falls
Shortly after the footbridge, you’ll reach the only major trail junction on the hike. Take the fork to the left toward Triple Falls and the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. There will be a sign pointing the way. Continue on the steady uphill trail for another 0.8 miles through the burnt forest until you reach the viewpoint for Triple Falls. Take care around the viewpoint. It slopes downward toward a drop-off. After walking past so many charred trees, it was reassuring to see Triple Falls looking just the same as it had before the Eagle Creek fire. While the forest around it is transformed, the three streams of the falls are still as beautiful and memorable as ever.
Triple Falls
You can turn around at the Triple Falls viewpoint, but I’d suggest continuing another 0.1 miles or so to see the top of Triple Falls and the picturesque log footbridge crossing the Oneonta Creek upstream of the falls. The footbridge makes for a good turnaround point, but the trail continues long past the bridge, eventually leading to the top of Larch Mountain after about 6 more miles. When you’re ready to turn around, return the way you came back to the parking lot.
Oneonta Creek upstream of Triple Falls
Make it a loop hike
Rather than returning the way you came, you can do part of this hike as a loop. Although I love a loop hike, I prefer doing this one as an out-and-back because the loop requires walking about 0.5 miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway to return to the parking lot. It is not always possible to keep off the road, so you’re relying a lot on the vigilance of drivers. Still, in the spirit of presenting all options, here is how to do it.
After seeing Triple Falls, head back down the hill until you reach the trail junction marked with a sign. Rather than turning right to head back to the metal footbridge and returning the way you came, follow the fork to the left to stay on the Oneonta Trail. Follow this trail for about 0.7 miles, then make a right at the junction to stay on the Oneonta Trail. Continue for another 0.2 miles until you reach the Historic Columbia River Highway. Take a right and follow the road until you arrive back at the parking lot for Horsetail Falls (about 0.5 miles). You will get to pass through the car-free Oneonta Tunnel along the way, which is a cool bonus if you choose to take this route.
Footbridge over Oneonta Creek
Getting there
To reach Horsetail Falls from Portland, take I-84 East until Exit 28 for Bridal Veil. Turn left onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and continue for about 6 miles. The parking lot will be on your left. Cross the road to reach Horsetail Falls and the trailhead for the Triple Falls hike. The drive from Portland takes about 40 minutes.
If you go on a busy day and aren’t planning on visiting Multnomah Falls, you may want to continue on I-84 East until Exit 35 toward Ainsworth Park. Then, take the Historic Columbia River Highway west for about 1.5 miles. If you take this exit, you won’t pass by Multnomah Falls and its associated traffic on your way.
From Hood River, take I-84 West until Exit 35 onto the Historic Columbia River Highway. Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway for about 1.5 miles. The parking lot will be on your right. The drive from Hood River takes about 30 minutes.
Ponytail Falls
Enjoy your hike to Triple Falls!
With love,
Emma
Vista House
Looking for more to do in the Columbia Gorge? Check out some of these places nearby:
Or try out these ideas in and around Portland:
