The area around Portland, Oregon, abounds in beautiful waterfalls, many of which you can visit year-round. So which waterfalls take a place of honor in Portland motorcycle tours? While it’s a tough choice, we invite you to check out our five favorites.
If you also like to hike, you can enjoy some of Oregon’s waterfalls that require an approach on foot.
1. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and probably the most-known waterfall around Portland. Located on the Columbia River Gorge Highway, the iconic waterfall drops 620 feet from a breathtaking rocky precipice into a wooded gorge.
This local spotlight attracts over two million visitors every year and is so popular that you’ll need a timed-use permit if you’re planning to see it during peak season (late May through early September). Permits are available at recreation.gov.
2. Horsetail Falls
Another majestic waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge, Horsetail Falls, is easily reachable with no hiking. This 176-foot waterfall, which fans out slightly in a way reminiscent of a horse’s tail, drops into a natural round pool of clear water. The convenient location of Horsetail Falls next to the highway makes it the perfect stop-point if you’re short on time.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Leave your motorbike at the parking lot of Bridal Veil Falls and take a brisk 15-minute hike to the scenic 120-foot two-tiered waterfall with a hazy, delicate water pattern that resembles a wedding veil. The stunning waterfall plunges between rocks covered with ferns and moss, and the entire trail offers magnificent views of the Columbia River.
4. Latourell Falls
Next on the list of popular waterfalls to include in Portland motorcycle tours is Latourell Falls, located in Guy W. Talbot State Park. You can reach this waterfall by taking Exit 28 off Columbia River Gorge Highway, followed by a mile-long hike to the falls’ base. There you can see the historic Latourell Creek Bridge and the impressive 224-foot plummet of the waterfall against a backdrop of black basalt.
If you want to stretch your legs, head up to Upper Latourell Falls for a two-mile round-trip winding through an enchanting forest of moss-covered mountain ash, huckleberry, and vine maple.
5. Silver Falls State Park
Do you feel like setting aside a day to discover some of the most striking and least crowded waterfalls in Oregon? Head over to Silver Falls State Park and take the Trail of Ten Falls. The most popular time of the year to hike this charming eight-mile loop is from March to May, when water levels are highest.
How to Make the Most of Portland Motorcycle Tours
The following tips will help keep you safe and comfortable while you’re touring the epic waterfalls near Portland, OR:
- Wear appropriate riding gear, and remember that Oregon mandates motorcycle helmets for all riders and passengers.
- Check the weather. Look up the forecast several hours in advance to make sure you don’t set out in poor weather, and change your route if necessary.
- Bring the right supplies, including snacks, bottled water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a first aid kit.
- Make sure your bike is in proper working order, especially if you’re setting out for a long ride.
Law Tigers: 30+ Years of Experience Fighting for Riders’ Rights
Though we all aim to ride responsibly, accidents can happen on Portland motorcycle tours. When a motorcycle accident catches you off guard, we at Law Tigers are here to defend your rights and provide the legal support you need on the way to recovery.
Call 1-888-863-7216 24/7 for a free case evaluation by a local motorcycle accident lawyer.
