Horsetail Falls

Historic Columbia River Hwy, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA

Address:	Historic Columbia River Hwy, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Phone:	+1 503-695-2376
Site:	fs.fed.us
Rating:	4.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

James M

This is an excellent waterfall and Trailhead in the Columbia Gorge. Horsetail Falls itself is right off the road across the street from the parking area, and visiting this location for Horsetail Falls alone is worth the trip. Its far less crowded than its more famous cousin to the West, but its still stunning in its own right. The trailhead just to the east of the waterfall leads up switchbacks the ponytail Falls, which is also gorgeous. The trail Cuts behind ponytail so you get a view from behind the waterfall, before it heads West on to more beautiful scenery and more waterfalls, including middle Oneonta Falls and if you go far enough Triple Falls. If youre looking to do some hiking, see multiple waterfalls on the hike and not have to deal with the crowds of Multnomah, consider this as a stopping place instead.

Paul Lawbaugh

Bring the family on a easy difficulty hike and then keep going up to Oneonta Falls for a medium difficulty but huge payoff hike. Its steeper for a bit but has an amazing view of the Colombia most of the hike and several beautiful waterfalls. Youll be hard pressed to find a hike with more to see in such a short space. Ive taken our kids as young as 5yo all the way up to Triple Falls where you can sit with your feet in stream and relax for lunch. Ill warn that your mileage will vary depending on stamina of kids (mine have more than most) but its easy enough to cut the hike shorter and not feel like you are missing out. Btw a huge rockslide last season (2015) made the leg between Upper Oneonta and Triple very tricky to navigate so I advise stopping there until they fix the path.

Ryan Fahey

Great because its sort of hidden, and is overshadowed by Multnomah. Half the times Ive come here, Ive been able to hike to the top (ponytail falls) and back down without seeing anyone. The hike itself to ponytail is nothing special, just a bunch of switchbacks until you get to it. Its also pretty tiring because its a steep hike all the way. But when you get there you will see why you made the hike! Past ponytail there is a much better and more Scenic hike along the river that feeds the falls. One of the last best places that isnt too crowded. Hope it stays that way for a while.

Abel Torres-Porras

Nice weather, if you are looking for a place for a picnic you have to claim pass stand 9 to fine a quiet place for yourself/ Clima agradable, si estas buscando por algun lugar para comer tienes que pasar la estacion 9 para un lugar tranquilo para los tuyos.:)

Seth Ring

The Gorge is a really good way to get into nature in the Portland area. Being after the main attraction, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls is a good place that thins out the crowd a little bit. Really didnt go to far, hiking is easy to moderate, the falls of course is stunning. Come in the spring for a big fatty variety pack of wildflowers (Cranes Bill Geranium, Saxofrages, Umbelliferae and the like). Its also host to songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. There are Pika-filled scree fields just a hundred meters from the trail head.

Randy Perez

Great experience would recommend stopping at this fall if youre on the scenic route. There is parking which was nice. The falls are very close with no obstruction of the view which provides a great photo op. The fall makes a nice pool at the bottom that some were brave enough to walk into! It is very easy to access so expect this one to be a bit more crowded than the others that require a hike. It is cleverly named as well cause it noticeably resembles a horses tail!

Mark Fisk

Drove up and found a couple of empty parking spaces. Care should be taken while crossing the road. There are no restrooms here. The Falls and surrounding forest are truly beautiful. The trail can be somewhat treacherous because of partially exposed rock, roots, and mud. Certain spots are very muddy due to mist from the falls. Perseverance is rewarded by a beautiful view of the back of the falls from inside a shallow cave.

Ben Bisland

Good hike, even with small children. There are a few narrow areas with long drops that you need keep a close eye on them. The trail is 4-6 feet wide in most areas, mostly dirt, but lined with uneven stones in several areas. There are several areas to pull off the trail for amazing panoramic shots.

LaKesha Raynor

Loved it. My husband and I climbed the pathways without the proper shoes and were terrified the whole time. Be prepared. Since it rains a lot pack a parka, wear comfortable climbing shoes and be prepared for small, rocky, muddy pathways with exceptional views. Be prepared to take plenty of pictures.

Cassandra Jones

Horsetail is a great spot! A bit difficult at the beginning but it levels out pretty quick into a nice, easy hike. The views along the way are fantastic and the waterfall is amazing! You can easily go behind it which is fun all by itself. Continue the trail for more great waterfalls big and small.

Fen Lombardi

Nice trail. With a 4yr old and a dog the hike required some hand holding because of the narrow path but it wasnt deterring. The beginning is a bit of a climb up but then it levels off and takes you behind the falls which is real nice. Decent hike for everyone. Bring shoes with good traction.

Anna H

Wonderful waterfall! Steps away from the road, stairs right down to the water. I took off my shoes and went right it! It was freezing cold (in early september) and the little rocks are so horribly sharp. I recommend keeping your shoes ON! Or even just socks!

subzone9

Definitely worth the stop. There are lots of trails, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a tourist center. You can get fudge and coffee outside well. The trails are well kept, and its easy to get some great photos. Be prepared to hunt for parking though.

Austin Schieler

An often crowded falls due to its size and proximity to the scenic byway. Dont waste too much time here and consider hiking just above to Ponytail falls, which offers the ability to walk behind the shooting falls as it plummets into the bowl below.

Amy Ravit Korin

Awesome hike, especially for flatflanders. The first ten minutes are steep but totally worth it for breathtaking views of the Falls and the River. The horsetail trail takes about an hour - 1hr 10 min depending on how often you stop for photos!

Eric Crowthers

Easily accessible, and far less crowded than Multnomah falls (though significantly smaller) which is just minutes away. Also, you can walk right up to the pool of water it runs into; something you cant do at Multnomah falls.

adam Overby

Super easy access off hwy 30...parkn lot is right across the street....went end of March during spring break hit all waterfalls on 30 to Vista view in 2 hours......Im sure mid summer this would b an all day traffic jam

Carter Smith

Beautiful waterfall with a cave carved away by the falling water where you can go behind the waterfall. Short hike to the waterfall (<1 mile) with a trailing continuing to the nearby Oneonta waterfall and creek.

Rachel Melzer

Its always beautiful hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. This is a beautiful waterfall and a short, easy hike, though steep in parts when you hike the upper trail. Parking, however, is horrendous.

Bridget Smith AlmaHausPress

Big water this trip. Snow made it so. Car trip is best we can do. Its awesome to view. Air crisp full of water spray. Loved the day. Not that far from home. We will return. Snow may be gone then.