A waterfall deep in Oneonta Gorge's famous wading slot canyon; the gorge route to reach it is currently closed by Forest Service order.
Oneonta Falls sits at the back of Oneonta Gorge, a narrow, fern- and moss-draped basalt slot just off the Historic Columbia River Highway between Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls. The gorge's classic approach is less a hike than a wade: visitors who go in from the highway end typically scramble over a log jam and wade or swim through cold, chest-deep pools between sheer rock walls to reach the falls, which has made it one of the most photographed and talked-about spots in the entire Columbia River Gorge.
That approach is currently off-limits. Under U.S. Forest Service closure order #06-22-01-26-04, effective July 17, 2026 through July 17, 2027, "the area within the walls of Oneonta Gorge between the Historic Columbia River Hwy (Hwy 30) and the Horsetail Falls Trail bridge spanning Oneonta Creek" is closed to entry, a hazard-protection measure tied to ongoing instability following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire; the same order also closes Ruckel Creek Trail #405 and part of Tanner Butte Trail #401. The order applies specifically to travel within the gorge walls itself; it does not name the separate Oneonta Trail #424, which approaches the area from above rather than through the slot canyon. Violating the closure carries fines of up to $5,000 for individuals.
At our review, USFS closure order #06-22-01-26-04 (effective July 17, 2026 – July 17, 2027) closed the area within Oneonta Gorge's walls between Hwy 30 and the Horsetail Falls Trail bridge, blocking the classic wade-in approach to the falls. Check current Forest Service alerts before planning a visit. Check the current notice ↗
Know before you go
Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) between Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Normally spring through fall when wading the gorge is tolerable; currently closed regardless of season under an active Forest Service order.
The classic route is a wade/scramble of roughly 0.5 mile each way through the gorge; this section is presently closed to all entry.
No fee for the gorge itself; nearby Historic Highway trailheads may require a Northwest Forest Pass.
Not accessible under normal conditions (wading/scrambling required) and currently closed entirely.
2026-10-13. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Eagle Creek Fire Area Closure – CRGNSA and Mt. Hood (U.S. Forest Service, Order #06-22-01-26-04) ↗
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area current alerts and notices (U.S. Forest Service) ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
