Oneonta Gorge

Walk upstream from the river’s outlet along the Columbia River Highway to see Lower Oneonta Falls, Upper Oneonta Falls, and Triple Falls. You can also hike down Horsetail Falls Trail to the bridge crossing over Oneonta Creek, which provides views of Middle Oneonta Falls.

Columbia River Gorge tours sometimes include a visit to Oneonta Gorge along with Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, and Beacon Rock. Some combination tours combine a Columbia River Gorge visit with a hop-on hop-off tour of Portland.

• Oneonta Gorge is a must-see for nature lovers.

• There's no trail through the lower gorge, so hiking here usually involves walking in cold water that can be anything from ankle deep to chest high, depending on the season.

• If you plan on hiking, wear closed-toe hiking shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting wet.

• The Oneonta Gorge is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Oneonta Gorge is located roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) outside of Portland, Oregon, just off Interstate 84. Public transportation to the site is limited, but you can take a taxi, rental car, or guided tour.

Since there is no trail and you will likely get wet while hiking along the riverbed, it’s a good idea to visit during Oregon’s warm summer months. To avoid crowds, opt for an early morning or weekday visit.

Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is full of waterfalls to explore, including Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Punch Bowl Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the area, making Columbia Gorge a popular scenic getaway from downtown Portland.

Oneonta Gorge is located on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon, in the Columbia River Gorge area. It’s a popular hiking area for locals and visitors. The gorge is located inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It’s about a 40-minute drive away from the city of Portland.

The best times of year to visit Oneonta Gorge are summer and fall, when there’s not much chance of snow. Fall can be cooler, but during this time, you also can avoid some of the heavier crowds that make their way to Oneonta Gorge in the summertime.

No, there is no entrance fee for Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge area. The Oneonta Trailhead is where most travelers start their hikes, and it doesn’t cost any money to begin at the trailhead.

You should wear close-toed hiking shoes for stability when hiking the trails at Oneonta Gorge. It’s also a good idea to wear light clothing layers. This is especially helpful in case you accidentally get wet—an extra pair of socks in your backpack is ideal.

Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at Oneonta Gorge, but like most public parks and outdoor spaces, your dog must be on a leash and up to date with its current vaccines. You can no longer swim at the gorge, and dogs are not allowed in the water either.

No, you can no longer swim at Oneonta Gorge, due to damage from a 2017 wildfire in the area. There are hopes that swimming will be allowed again in the future, but there are no current plans to allow swimming for at least a few more years.