You Can WALK BEHIND This Waterfall in Oregon!

If you want a Columbia River Gorge hike that delivers max waterfall vibes with minimal effort, Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls are calling your name.

This quick out-and-back trail gives you two waterfalls, a mini workout, and even the chance to walk behind a waterfall—all in under a mile. It’s beginner-friendly, family-approved, and ridiculously scenic the whole way.

We’ve only been here like… 100 times! If you’re short on time or just want to stack a few trails in one day, this one’s a no-brainer.

Table of Contents

Horsetail & Ponytail Falls Rundown:
Horsetail Falls: The Showstopper You Can Drive Right Up To
Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail Falls)
- Further Down The Trail:
Final Thoughts: A Quick Adventure With Big Payoff
More Along The Gorge:
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

Horsetail & Ponytail Falls Rundown:

A silky long exposure of Horsetail Falls bathed in golden hour lighting.

Distance: 0.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Time Needed: ~30–40 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate (short but with some rocky sections and incline)
Trailhead Location: Just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, near Cascade Locks
Facilities: None—no bathrooms
Parking: Free, small lot (fills up quickly)
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Trail Conditions: Rocky and narrow in places, can be slippery near the falls
Extras: Keep an eye out for poison oak along the trail edges—pants are a safe bet

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Horsetail Falls: The Showstopper You Can Drive Right Up To

As far as road-side waterfalls go, Horsetail Falls is one of Oregon’s finest. You’ll literally see it from the highway, and once you pull into the small parking area, it’s just a few steps to the base of the falls.

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There are picnic tables and benches nearby, and a small viewing area where you can walk down to the splash zone.

This is a perfect stop if you’re not into hiking but still want some major nature eye candy. And yes, it’s gorgeous year-round—whether it’s gushing from spring runoff or framed in fall color.

This is also where the real trail begins, just to the left of the falls, marked by signs for Upper Horsetail Falls (also known as Ponytail Falls). Time to climb.

Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail Falls)

Once you hit the trail, you’ll immediately start climbing through a series of switchbacks tucked into a shady forest.

You’ll catch peekaboo views of the Gorge between the trees as you ascend, and it’s not long before the trail levels out and drops the real gem: Ponytail Falls.

Ponytail falls walking behind it. — Can you spot a tiny Nina?

Smaller than Horsetail, sure—but this one comes with a twist. You can walk behind it. The trail curves around and passes through a rocky recess behind the falls, where mist swirls and water crashes just feet from your path.

It’s a short stretch, but honestly? One of the coolest moments on any Gorge trail.

Further Down The Trail:

The trail continues a bit further along the cliffside, with dramatic drops to your right and the Gorge unfolding in the distance.

It’s worth walking a bit past the falls for the extra views, even if you turn around shortly after. The entire out-and-back clocks in at less than a mile, so you’ve got some wiggle room.

If you’re not ready to stop, you don’t have to! You can keep going and head to Oneonta Trail.

The main part of the trail has been closed since the Eagle Creek fire, but there are still gorgeous views, more waterfalls, and, of course, miles and miles of trail to uncover!

Final Thoughts: A Quick Adventure With Big Payoff

Horsetail and Ponytail Falls are a reminder that you don’t have to hike 10 miles to see something amazing.

With waterfall access from the road, a short trail that feels more epic than it is, and walk-behind-the-falls bragging rights, this is the kind of hike that works for almost everyone.

Pair it with other short Gorge hikes nearby or use it as your warm-up before something longer. Either way, you’ll leave with muddy shoes and waterfall photos—and that’s a win!