Oregon gets all kinds of weather. The reason there are so many waterfalls here is because of the amount of rain the state gets. Consequently, you need to bring things not only to make yourself more comfortable, but also to protect yourself from the elements. This post is primarily for people who haven’t done much hiking or haven’t done much hiking in Oregon. We will let you know how to prepare to hike to Oregon’s majestic waterfalls.
Planning Your Oregon Waterfall Hike
Preparing for your Oregon waterfall hike makes the excursion even better. Consider all aspects. That way, you’ll be ready for anything! Map your route to the trailhead and map the waterfall if you can. Below we have some suggestions on what to bring.
Essential Gear for Waterfall Hiking
Essential gear for waterfall hiking in Oregon includes:
- Hiking boots. Good traction is a must. I love the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking boots that I got at REI. I got them last year to replace my Keens, which started great, but my last pair seemed not as great. Proper footwear is important on slippery trails. Choose waterproof boots.
- Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing weather. I usually wear my triclimate jacket by The North Face because it has an inner layer I can remove. But the current versions of these jackets are not as great as the one I got, which was called the Osito Triclimate Jacket. I got it at BackCountry in the summer of 2019. If you can, definitely buy a big jacket like that in the summer. I got a whopper of a deal. Sadly, my triclimate was burn-scarred by a spark from a fire pit we had during one of our infamous court parties. And, with it, went all the nice features I loved: velcro wrist closures, vents in the sides, and large inside pockets in the zipped-in fuzzy inner layer.
So this year for our Iceland trip, I got a waterproof outer layer and a thicker inner layer separately, both from ThredUp. I love this site! But you really have to pay close attention to the descriptions and sizes, and you must scrutinize the pictures. You can find great deals, and I like the idea of recycling clothes to avoid perfectly good things ending up in the landfill. - Gloves, preferably waterproof, and if your hands get cold easily, get the battery-heated versions. I recently developed Raynaud’s Disease, so I need something that will keep my body, and especially my feet and hands, from getting too cold.
- A warm hat. I have one like this.
- Rain gear – for you and your photography gear. Oregon weather is unpredictable. For a trip to Scotland, we got these rain covers for our backpacks, and Rick got me this cover for my camera.
- Hiking poles – some of the hikes require hiking poles to stabilize yourself.
- If you’re going to the Mount Hood area, consider bringing snowshoes or crampons for your hiking boots. We have these crampons but haven’t used them yet.
- Water – for you, your kids, and your dog(s). Stay hydrated.
- Snacks for you and your family. Food for your dog(s). Keep your energy levels up. Some good snacks are trail mix, granola, protein bars, and fruit. For longer hikes, it’s a good idea to take something more sustaining, like jerky and nuts. If you’re planning to do something like the Eagle Creek hike, you’ll want to pack sandwiches or something heartier in addition to snacks.
- If you’re going to the beach and you have a dog, it’s a good idea to bring a ski rope or a long lead so you can let them run without being totally off-leash.
- In many areas, cell service is spotty, if available at all. We always take pictures of any maps available at the trailhead for reference during the hike. Rick also downloads trails ahead of time using AllTrails.
- Lastly, always let someone know where you’re going, and let them know when you plan to be back.
Safety Considerations on Waterfall Trails
Stay on marked trails. Be aware of slippery rocks. Avoid swimming in waterfall pools. Some pools can have strong currents. Falling rocks are a risk in some areas.
Leave No Trace: Protecting Oregon’s Natural Beauty
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, including pet waste. Stay on trails. Minimize your impact on the environment. Respect wildlife. Leave what you find, unless it’s trash. That you can take out if you have an extra hand or two. Take only pictures.
Keep Oregon’s natural beauty. This ensures future generations enjoy it.
Conclusion
Oregon’s waterfalls are beautiful and accessible. You can discover a new favorite with each hike. Explore the state’s natural wonders. Do so responsibly. Plan your waterfall hiking adventures today!
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