The Columbia River Gorge is home to many of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Oregon, which draw nature lovers from all over the state and beyond. Starvation Creek Falls, located just off Interstate 84, is a beautiful hidden gem where you'll find lush greenery, hiking trails, dramatic rock formations, and an enchanting waterfall flowing gracefully over moss-covered rocks.
Starvation Creek Falls is little-known 190-foot waterfall nestled into the Columbia River Gorge at the Starvation Creek State Park.
It's said that Starvation Creek got its name back in 1884 when a passenger train was trapped there by a blizzard for numerous days, before being saved by a rescue party on Christmas day.
You can also take a unique hike on one of the trails in the area, including the 6.4-mile Starvation Ridge Hike and the 3-mile Lower Starvation Loop Hike.
Oregon swimming holes are for everyone who enjoys taking a dip in cool water in a beautiful place at the peak of summer! One excellent spot to do exactly that is at Smith River Falls. This broad group of short, cascading waterfalls creates a bunch of different shallow pools along a rocky area, and it's a fun place to swim for visitors of all ages during the summer months. People who don't want to swim can relax on the shore and have a wonderful time as well. Smith River Falls is about 30 miles east of Reedsport, so you can enjoy swimming in the ocean in the morning and in the river in the afternoon! Read on to learn more about some of the best swimming holes in Oregon!
advertisement
Just look at these beautiful waterfalls! You'll feel more relaxed the second you hear the water pouring over the rocks.
There's plenty of room at this Oregon swimming hole to spread out from other visitors. You can bring your beach chairs and a picnic and spend a whole day here if you'd like.
Keep in mind that sometimes the water here can be a bit more intense than at other times. After heavy rain, this swimming area may not be suitable for very small children.
We think this swimming hole is one of the best ways to spend summer in Oregon!
Smith River swimming holes and other information can be discovered on the Smith River National Recreation Area web page. Two very steep trails lead below the falls. If you are looking for an easier path, enter from the top of the falls instead. No matter how you get there, you will love this place! Have you already cooled off in one of these refreshing pools? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.
Shop for a sweet bathing suit to take along. And while you're in the area, find out why Reedsport is the perfect town for a weekend getaway in Oregon.
Are you a fan of hiking through diverse landscapes that'll take your breath away? If you're looking to be captivated by nature and have insatiable waterfall wanderlust, there’s nowhere better than the Oneonta Gorge in Oregon, When you go, be prepared to be mesmerized by stunning views that'll make you feel as if you're in the midst of a fairy tale.
advertisement
As part of the larger Columbia River Gorge, the Oneonta Gorge Trail is a lesser traveled and accessible trail that leads to the breathtaking Oneonta Falls. Parking at the trailhead is a simple pullout with just 8 spaces and a kiosk. Read on for incredible photos and to learn about one of the best hikes in Oregon and the epic adventure you'll have when you hit this trail.
Columbia River Gorge might be known as the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, but within this wondrous oasis, there's another beguiling spot called Oneonta Gorge that's just as breathtaking.
To reach this slice of paradise, take Interstate 84 East to Bridal Veil, Exit #28 if you're coming from Portland.
The Oneonta Gorge is a brilliant green slot canyon in Oregon, where verdant moss and thick ferns cling to the basalt cliffs, and startling cold waters flow through the narrow ravine. At the end of this mile-long trek, Oneonta Falls appears almost like a mirage, with its turquoise waters cascading off the cliffs in the most marvelous way.
The entire scene is a real-life oasis, with a cobalt blue pool, stark black canyon walls, and emerald green foliage. The forest canopy provides a thick ceiling, but during certain times of the day, sunbeams filter through the Oneonta narrows and give the impression that you're in your magical world.
As one of the best hikes in Oregon, you'll need to walk less than a mile along this Oregon hiking trail that follows Oneonta Creek. You'll want to make sure you wear proper footwear. To start the hike, you'll descend a set of stone stairs leading into the canyon. From there, take the short dirt path that ventures straight into the tall and dramatic Oneonta narrows.
At the beginning of one of the most spectacular Oregon hiking trails, you'll encounter a logjam that's been known to deter some hikers. Rocks, debris, and knee-deep water can provide various challenges, so proceed slowly and with caution and be mindful of your surroundings.
Take note that although this is one of the best hikes in Oregon, his trail is nearly impossible in the winter and early spring due to extremely frigid water temperatures and dangerous rapid flow.
But with the right preparation, what awaits at the end of the trail really is worth the effort. Tucked away in a bowl only fully visible to the most intrepid explorers is Lower Oneonta Falls, which tumbles about 100 feet down the canyon. There's a deep pool at the basin of falls that's one of the best waterfall swimming pools in Oregon!
As you journey into the depths of Oneonta Gorge, you'll feel as though you're living out a scene from a Tolkien fantasy. But as one of the best hikes in Oregon, this experience is 100% real! Therefore, remember to bring your camera to capture the extraordinary landscape you'll see on one of the most stunning Oregon hiking trails.
Have you ever hiked the Oneonta Gorge Trail in Oregon before? What an enchanting and memorable adventure in the Columbia River Gorge! Visit the USDA Forest Service website before you go to view current trail conditions and plan your adventure.
