Three Easy Access PNW Waterfalls You Have to See To Believe

3 Dreamy PNW Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe

Three Easy Access PNW Waterfalls You Have to See To Believe

California, Hiking, Idaho, Oregon, OUTDOOR TRAVEL, USA Destinations

There are thousands of waterfalls, yes thousands, in the Pacific Northwest*, ranging from small trickles to hundreds of feet of vibrant flow. These are three truly jaw dropping waterfalls that are accessible – meaning, you don’t have to hike to enjoy their splendor. Though, if you’re into hiking there is ample hiking to be done in each of these areas.

The splendor and accessibility of these falls, makes them prone to crowds, particularly Multnomah Falls & Shoshone Falls due to their proximity to Portland and Boise, respectively. Don’t let that deter you. Go early in the day, late in the day, or towards the end of busy season to avoid crowds. If you’re new to solo travel and solo hiking, these are great starter adventures because you’ll feel more comfortable with people around.

…and remember, enjoy your waterfalls like you enjoy your alcohol: responsibly!

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Where to Stay: Portland, Oregon
Height: 620 feet
Know Before You Go: Go early if you want to park near the Multnomah Falls viewing point, and don’t overlook nearby Wahkeena Falls and Latourell Falls which you can drive or hike to depending on how spunky you are feeling.

Photos of Multnomah Falls, OR

Multnomah Falls Bridge No People — Multnomah Falls bridge with no people, a rarity.

Two Friends at Multnomah Falls in Winter Oregon — Pam and I at Multnomah Falls lookout in February

Multnomah Falls, Oregon in Winter — Moody Multnomah Falls in winter

Plan Your Trip to Multnomah Falls, OR

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Multnomah Falls
All Trails: Best Trails in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Trip Advisor: Portland Hotels

LIKE TRAVEL PHOTOS? Click here to check out my Etsy store with some of my favorite prints (including some from this post) so you can bring a little adventure into your home or office.

Shoshone Falls, Idaho

Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Where to Stay: Twin Falls, ID or Boise, ID
Height: 212 feet
Know Before You Go: Shoshone Falls has been called “the Niagra Falls of the west,” and it is, IF you visit during season (apx April to July). If you go out of season, you will find an interesting canyon view but no falls.

Photos of Shoshone Falls, ID

Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho with Rainbows — Impressive waterfall and rainbows in April

Shoshone Falls, Idaho Waterfall in Winter — A dry Shoshone “Falls” in winter (February)

Plan Your Trip to Shoshone Falls, ID

Twin Falls Idaho: Shoshone Falls Scenic Attraction
All Trails: Best Trails in Shoshone Falls Park
Trip Advisor: Boise Hotels
Trip Advisor: Twin Falls Hotels

McArthur-Burney Falls, California

Where to Stay: Redding, CA or McArthur-Burney Falls Campground
Height: 129 feet
Know Before You Go: These falls, called the “8^th Wonder of the World,” by Teddy Roosevelt are well-known and popular but not as crowded as Multnomah and Shoshone. The downside is they’re harder to access because there is no nearby large airport (Sacramento is the closest at about 140 miles away), just smaller airports like Redding Municipal Airport with more limited flights. It’s worth the drive!