Location: Near Tiller, Oregon, in the Umpqua National Forest. 

Hike Description: A short, 0.6-mile roundtrip hike through a lush forest leads you to Grotto Falls. The trail is relatively flat and accessible although some parts are a bit uphill, making it a great option for all skill levels. 

Photography Tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to capture soft light filtering through the trees. Bring a tripod for long exposures to create that silky water effect.  Experiment with framing the waterfall through the natural “grotto” of moss-covered rocks and ferns.

Location: On the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway in the Willamette National Forest. 

Hike Description: This 1.5-mile loop trail takes you through lava fields and dense forest before revealing one of the most stunning waterfalls in Oregon. The trail splits to offer views of both the Upper and Lower Proxy Falls. 

Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire cascade, as the falls spread out beautifully over a large area. Rainy or misty days amplify the lush greenery and add atmosphere.  Include foreground elements like mossy rocks or fallen logs for depth. 

Location: Willamette National Forest, accessible along the McKenzie River Trail. 

Hike Description: Just a few steps from the parking area, Sahalie Falls is incredibly accessible. For a longer adventure, explore the McKenzie River Trail for more scenic viewpoints. 

Photography Tips: Shoot from the viewing platform for a direct, powerful composition of the waterfall’s thunderous energy.  Capture the contrast between the white water and the vibrant green moss surrounding the falls.  Experiment with faster shutter speeds to freeze the motion of the water.  This photo was taken to the left of the platform, I walked off the trail to capture this.

Location: A short hike downstream from Sahalie Falls, also along the McKenzie River. 

Hike Description: The trail connecting Sahalie and Koosah Falls is approximately 2.6 miles roundtrip. Koosah Falls offers a more secluded feel compared to Sahalie. 

Photography Tips: Use a neutral density filter to extend your shutter speed, emphasizing the smooth flow of the water.  Look for reflections in the river below the falls for creative compositions.  Include the surrounding forest in your frame to highlight the falls’ tranquil setting. 

Location: Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon. 

Hike Description: The Trail of Ten Falls Oregon is a 7.2-mile loop that takes you behind and around multiple waterfalls, including South Falls and North Falls, with Silver Falls as a highlight. 

Photography Tips: Capture the falls from behind the curtain of water for a dramatic and unique perspective. Visit in spring when the falls are at their fullest and the vegetation is lush. Overcast days provide soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows. 

Location: Along the Columbia River Gorge, just a 30-minute drive from Portland. 

Hike Description: A paved, 2.6-mile trail climbs to the top of the falls, though many visitors are satisfied with the iconic view from the bridge at the base. 

Photography Tips: Arrive early or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you want a clear shot of the bridge (I arrived at 6am and there was no one!).  Use leading lines like the path or the bridge to draw the viewer’s eye toward the waterfall. Photograph at dusk or dawn to capture the falls with soft, warm lighting. 

Location: Umpqua National Forest, Oregon.

Hike Description: Clearwater Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to access in Oregon, located just a short walk from the parking area along Highway 138. This is more of a scenic stop than a hike, making it an excellent option for those who want a quick but stunning view of cascading water over mossy rocks.

Photography Tips: Shoot from a low angle to emphasize the moss-covered rocks and ferns surrounding the falls. Try for early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid light on the falls and blowing out your highlights. Visiting in the fall adds a dynamic feel to this waterfall.

I need to revisit these falls: I’m not happy with this image to be honest.

Location: Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

Hike Description: Whitehorse Falls is another easily accessible waterfall along the famous Highway 138, also known as the “Highway of Waterfalls.” Located just a few steps from the parking area, it’s an excellent spot for photographers who don’t want to hike far.

Photography Tips: Capture the falls from down low like in my image, or try it from up higher. This is a great place to have a model standing on the logs; it provides context and depth to the image.

Location: Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

Hike Description: Toketee Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon, featuring a dramatic two-tiered drop surrounded by stunning basalt columns. The hike to the falls is about 0.8 miles round-trip with some stairs, but it’s fairly easy and well worth the effort.

Photography Tips: There are 2 ways to capture this waterfall; here is the view from the platform with a wide angle. This way I captured the basalt columns. You can also climb down a steep embankment and get to the bottom of the falls (not for the faint of heart or out of shape.) Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh lighting conditions. Winter would create some magical misty scenes here.