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Alright y'all it's time to talk elopements. Specifically waterfall elopements.
I love a good waterfall elopement in Oregon and with so many options to choose from, I’ve put together a list of the best waterfall elopement locations near Portland. If you’re getting married soon, looking for a Portland wedding photographer, and want to tie the knot after a short hike to a scenic, picturesque backdrop, you’re in the right place.
There are so many waterfalls in the Portland area and this blog will dive deep into five of my favorites, but do some research of your own to see if one of these alternative spots suits you better.
The Complete List of Waterfalls to Elope at Near Portland
As a Portland photographer, I love a waterfall for a portrait shoot, wedding, or elopement. Portland and its surrounding areas are known for their stunning natural beauty, including a wealth of beautiful waterfalls that are perfect for an elopement. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most picturesque waterfalls near Portland, ideal for a romantic and unforgettable ceremony:
1. Multnomah Falls (Columbia River Gorge): Oregon’s tallest and most iconic waterfall, Multnomah Falls features a dramatic two-tier drop. The area around the falls offers numerous spots for a picturesque ceremony.
2. Bridal Veil Falls (Columbia River Gorge): Known for its delicate, veil-like appearance, Bridal Veil Falls cascades down a cliff and is a romantic and less crowded option compared to Multnomah Falls.
3. Latourell Falls (Columbia River Gorge): Featuring a striking curtain-like drop, Latourell Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and is relatively easy to access. It’s a wonderful spot for a serene ceremony.
4. Wahkeena Falls (Columbia River Gorge): This waterfall is known for its beautiful, cascading multiple tiers. The surrounding area has some lovely spots with scenic views for an intimate elopement.
5. Horsetail Falls (Columbia River Gorge): A graceful, thin stream of water that resembles a horse’s tail. The surrounding forest offers a magical setting for a wedding.
6. Punch Bowl Fall (Eagle Creek, Columbia River Gorge): Nestled in a picturesque, secluded area, Punch Bowl Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a unique, natural setting for a ceremony.
7. Metlako Falls (Eagle Creek, Columbia River Gorge): This dramatic, tall waterfall is viewed from a bit of a distance, but its beauty and the surrounding area make it a stunning location for an elopement.
8. Abernethy Falls (Abernethy Creek, near Estacada): A lesser-known but beautiful waterfall that features a peaceful setting ideal for a private elopement.
9. Silver Falls (Silver Falls State Park, Silverton): Known for its multiple falls, Silver Falls State Park offers several picturesque locations, including the famous South Falls, where you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
10. Sahalie Falls (McKenzie River): A powerful and dramatic waterfall with a stunning backdrop. It’s a bit farther from Portland but worth the drive for its breathtaking scenery.
11. Koosah Falls (McKenzie River): Close to Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls is a beautiful and serene spot for a wedding. The turquoise waters and lush surroundings offer a dreamy setting.
12. Ramona Falls (Mount Hood National Forest): A more rugged and remote waterfall, Ramona Falls is surrounded by beautiful old-growth forest, providing a majestic and intimate atmosphere.
Tips for Planning Your Oregon Waterfall Elopement:
Permits: Check if you need a permit for your elopement at any of these locations. Popular spots like Multnomah Falls often require special permissions.
Accessibility: Some waterfalls, like Ramona Falls, may involve a hike to reach. Make sure to consider the accessibility of the location based on your preferences and physical condition.
Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so plan for potential rain and be prepared with appropriate gear.
Timing: Early mornings or weekdays can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Distance from Portland: 40 minutes
To kick things off we’ll start with Latourell Falls, a 250-foot plunge waterfall that drops straight down from an overhanging base cliff. Latourell is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway with just a 2.4-mile loop trail with views of both the upper and lower falls. The hike itself is pretty simple and the area has plenty of roaming space, so this location is an ideal one if you plan on inviting your friends and family to your elopement. There are only about 5 minutes of walking downhill as the falls are near sea level. The beautiful rock formations and impressive height are honestly the main highlights of Latourell Falls for couples looking for an Oregon elopement location. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the trail past the falls and explore the deep Oregon woods, with me there to photograph!
Distance from Portland: 30 minutes
Next up we’ve got Bridal Veil Falls, a two-tiered waterfall located off the Historic Columbia River Highway (off the Bridal Veil Exit). There’s a ½ mile out-and-back hike that’s fairly easy but can get steep along the way, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear before heading down. The upper falls drop around 60-70 feet down, while the lower falls drop slightly higher at 50-60 feet, totaling about 120 feet tall. True to its name Bridal Veil Falls resembles a delicate veil with water gracefully flowing over a rounded, moss-covered basalt cliff. Truly a stunning location for your Oregon elopement.
Distance from Portland: 40 minutes
Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot waterfall in the gorge with a spacious picnic area nearby that you could absolutely host your post-elopement celebration. You can get to the falls via the Wahkeena Trailhead and a .2-mile path that leads to the base. This trail connects to plenty of other scenic routes that you could take if you want to extend your Oregon elopement adventure. At Wahkeena, the water doesn’t plunge directly into the ground - instead, it’s more of cascading flow-type vibe that would provide such an epic backdrop for your ceremony. Keep in mind that parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly on the weekends, so either get there early or plan a weekday elopement.
Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
This waterfall is a lot lesser known than most others on this list, but it’s still such an enchanting location in the Gorge! Fairy Falls is about 20 feet high with a 1-mile hike that’s moderately difficult due to the incline. It’s not the most extravagant waterfall in Oregon, but it certainly is a great, secluded spot for your intimate elopement. You can get to Fairy Falls via the Wahkeena Trailhead for easy access.
Distance from Portland: 35 minutes
Multnomah Falls is one of THE most popular and iconic waterfalls in all of Oregon. It’s actually the most visited national recreation site in the state… most likely because it is the tallest waterfall you‘ll be able to find. At 610 feet high, the upper fall plunges at around 540 feet while the lower fall drops at 70 feet. The area is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain and cascades down a steep, basalt cliff, free flowing all year round. The hike to get to the top is about 2.2 miles out-and-back, but be careful as it can get a little steep in some places.
Keep in mind that Multnomah Falls can get pretty busy, especially on the weekends in the spring and summer. If you aren’t planning an off-season or weekday elopement, then I’d recommend stopping here for portraits and having your ceremony at one of the nearby falls mentioned above.
Distance from Portland: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ramona Falls is a bit farther from Portland than the other falls we've talked about, but still totally worth the drive. It’s located in the Mount Hood Wilderness on the western side of the summit, so you will have to obtain a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead. Once you get there, there’s a 7-mile (round trip) looped trail that winds through dense old-growth forests and crosses the Sandy River. I recommend being cautious while getting here during the summer when the water flow is higher than usual. The waterfall itself is 120 feet tall, consisting of a wall of cascading tiers. You will have to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass when you visit Ramona Falls.
Distance from Portland: 45 minutes
Last, but not least on our list is Punch Bowl Falls located along Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This 35-foot waterfall cascades into a large basin that, you guessed it, resembles a punchbowl. There are such scenic views of the gorge, the nearby basalt cliffs, and several other waterfalls on your way there. The hike is just under 4 miles round trip (out-and-back), but be cautious as it gets pretty narrow at times with steep drop-offs. To park at the trailhead, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass.
Ready to Elope At One of These Waterfalls Near Portland, Oregon?
If any of these waterfalls caught your eye, or if you're looking for an elopement photographer or an engagement photography package on film that captures your love in a candid and authentic way, I would love to chat and help plan an epic shoot. To get the ball rolling, you can inquire via my contact form and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
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