Are there fees or permits required for Horsetail Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Horsetail Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Horsetail Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Live Conditions · 9 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Horsetail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Horsetail Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Horsetail Falls.

Oregon • 176 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 7 other waterfalls also named Horsetail Falls, see below

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

gharness CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

eliduke CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

brx0 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.6 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

610 ft

About Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a stunning 176-foot waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is named for its resemblance to a horse's tail as the water cascades down a steep rock face. The waterfall is easily accessible and a popular stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The Setting

Horsetail Falls sits at 266 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 176 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 176 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, lies 2.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Wahkeena Falls (242 ft, 3.0 mi) and Oneonta Falls (100 ft, 0.5 mi).

Multnomah Falls Wahkeena Falls Oneonta Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.6 mi distance 610 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Horsetail Falls (#438), a 2.6-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 610 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

HORSETAIL FALLS #438

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.28 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Horsetail Falls is short and easy if you only want to view the waterfall from the base. For those looking for a longer hike, the Horsetail Falls Loop Trail continues to Ponytail Falls and Oneonta Gorge, offering scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge and additional waterfalls.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 176 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Horsetail Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Horsetail Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Horsetail Falls, as the water flow is at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience, though trails may be icy.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Stay on designated paths to avoid accidents and protect the environment. Watch for falling rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

9 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

10 12 27 48

Based on 60 years of record

0.40 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

44 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138900

6.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 1,065 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

9 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

10 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

11 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

11 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, peaking in January.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Bonneville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 463 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 176 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 265 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 247 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 229 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Horsetail Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Horsetail Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, showing about 463 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 265 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 463 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Horsetail Falls is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, approximately 2.5 miles east of Multnomah Falls. It is easily accessible by car, with clear signage directing visitors to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking lot near the base of the waterfall, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Additional parking may be available along the highway.

Elevation

266 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.589399° N, -122.068654° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes if hiking the loop trail, as sections can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.6 miles and 610 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

7.6 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov