Pacific Northwest Waterfall Road Trip: April 2026 Guide
Why April is Peak Waterfall Season in the PNW
As winter's snowpack melts from the Cascade Mountains, a magical transformation occurs across the Pacific Northwest. Rivers swell and cascades that were once gentle trickles become thunderous torrents of raw power. April is the absolute best time to witness this natural spectacle, with vibrant green moss and burgeoning wildflowers framing the awe-inspiring scenes.
This road trip itinerary is designed to take you to three of the most stunning and unique waterfalls in Oregon and Northern California, each offering a different but equally breathtaking experience. Prepare for misty trails, the roar of falling water, and scenery that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
An Unforgettable Waterfall Itinerary
Our route travels north to south, starting in the iconic Columbia River Gorge before heading into the lush forests of Central Oregon and finishing at a Northern California marvel. This journey covers roughly 400 miles of scenic driving, perfect for a long weekend adventure.
Stop 1: The Majestic Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a 620-foot, two-tiered waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Portland, Oregon. As the tallest waterfall in the state, it's a major attraction accessible via the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Multnomah Falls
Experience the majestic Multnomah Falls at its peak grandeur in April, fed by abundant snowmelt and spring rains, making its 620-foot drop truly awe-inspiring. Hike to the historic Benson Bridge for an iconic view.
In April, the flow is so powerful you can feel the mist from the main viewing platform. For a closer look, take the short, paved trail up to the Benson Bridge, which spans the gap between the two cascades. You'll be standing in the heart of the waterfall's spray, a truly invigorating experience.
Plan Ahead! Multnomah Falls is incredibly popular. Check the official website for information on timed-use permits, which are often required during peak season. Arriving early on a weekday is your best bet for a less crowded visit.
Stop 2: The Ethereal Proxy Falls
Proxy Falls is a unique cascade in the Willamette National Forest where water plunges 226 feet over porous lava rock, seemingly vanishing before collecting in a pool below. It is reached via a short loop trail through a stunning old-growth forest.
Proxy Falls
Venture to Proxy Falls, a unique 'veil' waterfall where water emerges from underground lava tubes, offering a misty, ethereal experience at peak spring flow. The short loop trail winds through a lush, moss-covered old-growth forest.
Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights
The drive from Multnomah Falls is approximately 3 hours (150 miles) south. The 1.6-mile loop trail to the falls is an attraction in itself, taking you across lava fields and through a forest that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The Road Trip app can help you find nearby campgrounds or services, as this area is more remote than the Gorge.
The McKenzie Highway (OR-242) leading to the trailhead is a seasonal road. It typically opens in mid-spring, but always check the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck website for current road status before you go.
Stop 3: The Eighth Wonder, Burney Falls
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, located in Shasta County, California, is home to the 129-foot Burney Falls. The waterfall is notable for its consistent year-round flow, fed by underground springs, which creates a wide, misty curtain of water.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Marvel at what Theodore Roosevelt called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' Burney Falls is especially vibrant in April with additional runoff complementing the millions of gallons of water that emerge from the rock face itself.
After a roughly 4.5-hour (250-mile) drive south from Proxy Falls, you'll arrive at this geological wonder. What makes Burney Falls so unique is that its primary source isn't the creek tumbling over the top, but the countless springs that gush from the middle of the cliff face. A 1.3-mile loop trail takes you down to the misty base and offers several stunning viewpoints along the way.
