How to Get to Oneonta Gorge Hike

Okay, so Oneonta Gorge isn’t really a “hike.”  It’s more of a “wade & scramble.”  Wading waist-deep through freezing water, that is!  Which is why Oneonta Gorge is perfect for hot summer days, when temperatures in Portland become unbearable.  I wouldn’t attempt this “hike” on a winter’s day unless you want to absolutely freeze your nuts off; it would be insanely cold.  So let’s figure out not only how to get to Oneonta Gorge hike ~ but check out some photos of it to see what you’re really getting yourself into…

Making your way through narrow passages like this is the name of the game at Oneonta. Only with a lot more people than this.

**Author’s Note: Article updated as of December 2022.

Map of Oneonta Gorge Hike

Oneonta Gorge Info & Photos

Now that we’ve figured out how to get to Oneonta Gorge, here’s what the “hike” is like: first off, it’s flat the whole way, so no worries about incline.  What you will need to do though, is scramble over a massive pile of logs.  This is where my dog, Dylan, gave me a look like, “NO WAY, Mom!!!”  You’ll also need to wait in line, while the people ahead of you scramble over the logs.  If your dog is very adventurous, & has no problem leaping, swimming, & balancing on crazy logs high up in the air: then by all means, bring them.  Otherwise, leave them at home.  Same goes for young children. 

My dog Dylan went back to the car, much to his relief.

Scrambling over logs…she looks happy. He looks worried.

Blurry pic ~ but it shows you the massive log jam you need to scramble over. This is where my dog turned around..in sheer terror.

Once you get past the log jam, you’ve got a few more scrambles ~ but the first is by far the worst.  Mainly, you’ll be wading through massive amounts of water.

If you’ve got kids, you’ll probably need to help them over a few spots.

But most of the “hike,” you’ll be wading waist-high thru water….like this.

And at the end, of course, is the payoff: a gorgeous waterfall & large pool for swimming.  If you’ve had enough of water by now, though….feel free to skip it & just enjoy the view.  

The payoff at the end: the falls.

The falls.

Oneonta Gorge.

Where to Stay & Drink

If you’re in the area: you HAVE to visit Edgefield. It’s not just a bar….it’s not just a hotel: it’s an EXPERIENCE.

What’s better after a long hike than a cold beer?  

For all Gorge hikes on the Oregon side, a great place to stop & get food is at the incredible McMenamins Edgefield, located in Troutdale.  It’s right off I-84, & this sprawling property is vintage Oregon at its best: there’s a hotel, the Ruby Spa, a golf course, several restaurants, brewery, big porch, concert venue, & lots of Oregon quirkiness.  You have to see this place for yourself: it cannot fully be explained with words.  Trust me.

Great Hikes Nearby

Since Oneonta Gorge isn’t much of a hike ~ you may be itching to get in some elevation before the day is over.  And you’re in the perfect spot, because you’re literally surrounded by great hikes.  For an extensive list of Columbia Gorge hikes, including a large map of the area, click here.  But the two closest to Oneonta are Horsetail Falls & Triple Falls.  Both are relatively short, & Horsetail Falls is extremely photogenic ~ & right off the main road.  You can literally walk from Oneonta Gorge to Horsetail Falls, right through the Oneonta Tunnel.

If you’re headed back towards Portland, you’ll pass numerous hikes such as Angel’s Rest, Multnomah Falls, & Wahkeena Falls.  None of these are too long, & all will help you dry off after the wet Oneonta walk.  

Get Prepared

You’re GOING to get wet on this hike ~ there’s zero doubt about that.  So, in addition to trail runners with good tread (or some good wet/dry shoes), bring a cute bathing suit.  Especially if you want to swim & get photos underneath the waterfall. 

Tie-Dye Print Bikini

How to Get to Oneonta Gorge Hike

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on Oneonta.  My goal is to help people get outside more & enjoy life’s adventures ~ & Oregon & the Columbia River Gorge are outstanding places for this.  If you’ve got any questions about hiking here, feel free to ask me in the comments….  

Happy Adventuring! 

xoxo Noelia 

Read Next: Great Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

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