Horsetail Falls, Oregon: Easy Columbia River Gorge hike

Horsetail Falls offers a short and fun but steep hike, which lets you enjoy two waterfalls and walking behind one of them, the beautiful Ponytail Falls.

I’ve visited Horsetail Falls several times to take photos; however, I always left them for the end (since they are the last ones in the Columbia River Highway Waterfall corridor), so I never had the time to hike to Ponytail Falls.

However, this time, I also decided to include on my Columbia River Gorge hiking adventure the gorgeous Ponytail Falls. I’m glad I did it since walking behind the waterfalls is always a refreshing experience.

What to see and do

Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge is always breathtaking and full of surprises. And this trail is not the exception.

Horsetail Falls trailhead offers the opportunity to enjoy two beautiful waterfalls and a great place for having a picnic.

Visiting only the Horsetail Falls

If you plan to visit several spots on the same day and don’t have so much time, you have the option of parking and after crossing the highway, enjoy the Horsetail Falls by the picnic area. Up to the viewing area is ADA accessible.

There are also some stairs to access the pool under the waterfall. It’s so peaceful to sit by the water and see all that natural beauty surrounding the waterfalls.

Hiking to the Upper Horsetail Falls or Ponytail Falls

If you decide to visit the Upper Horsetail Falls (Ponytail Falls), you can access the trail on the left side of the picnic area.

The first part of the hike begins climbing some switchbacks with a beautiful and singular rock wall. That section is quite challenging (walking uphill), but good exercise, though!

You will still see signs of the Eagle Creek fire and some warnings about entering a burned area at your risk. Some potential hazards include loose rocks, falling trees, flash flooding, etc. Be extra careful all the time, especially if you are hiking with young children.

Finally, after about 0.4 miles, you will reach a small valley where you will start picking the Ponytails Falls.

This part was an amazing surprise to me; walking behind the waterfall and underneath an overhang was a great experience.

From there, the rest of the trails are closed until further notice, so you have to come back to the parking area using the same path you used to reach this point of the hike.

Find out even more hiking ideas here and waterfalls here!

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Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Two photogenic waterfalls: Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls.
• Viewing area (from where you can see the Horsetail Falls).
• Parking area (you have to park and cross the highway). The parking area provides accessible (ADA) parking spots.
• Picnic areas with tables.

Important information and tips

• Location: Historic Columbia River Hwy, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
• Website.
• Season: Year-Round except during winter storms.
• Fees: No fees. Free parking.
• The trail is open to Ponytail falls only (the original loop accessible after walking behind the Ponytail Falls is closed due to damage after the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire).
• The hike is classified as easy and family-friendly, but it has some challenging uphills sections, and it can be slippery on rainy days and in winter with snow or icy conditions. Be aware that there are steep cliffs in places, plus it is a burned area, so use caution. 
• Dress in layers, especially during Spring, Fall, and Winter. It rains a lot in Columbia River Gorge, so some kind of waterproof jacket is always handy. Additionally, under the tree, canopies can be colder than in other areas. On the same day, you can have all the weather there!
• The parking area fills up quickly. It’s always a good idea to arrive early in the morning or visiting on weekdays.
• Don’t forget your camera!