Horsetail Falls - Ponytail Falls - Triple Falls - 3.9 Miles Round-Trip

The Horsetail Falls Trail joins the Oneonta Trail on a 3.9 mile out-and-back route that includes Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, Oneonta Falls and Triple Falls. Few trails in the gorge pack as much scenery in to such a short distance.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This moderate hike begins at Horsetail Falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway and climbs to a large tunnel carved behind Ponytail Falls. It continues to a high bridge over Oneonta Falls, then splits left on the Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls.

The following description and distances run to the bridge over Oneonta Creek, just above Triple Falls:

The trail begins at Horsetail Falls, a 214' single tier fall which embodies its horsetail shape. Steep switchbacks sweep across fern-covered basalt walls that level and arc through a large tunnel carved behind Ponytail Falls (.4 miles : 310').

The trail passes right behind this archetypal 'plunge' waterfall, which spills approx 88' over a pronounced alcove. Slip behind the falls and resume travel in a notably lush and diverse forest.

The trail trends down before dropping sharply on switchbacks to a bridge over the top of (middle) Oneonta Falls and Oneonta Gorge (1.05 miles : 253').

The bridge provides an excellent view of the falls, and down the canyon narrows. Switchbacks continue up the west bank to the split for Triple Falls on the Oneonta Trail (1.25 miles : 345'). 

The Oneonta Trail steepens considerably over the gorge to a crest, then rises on rugged, undulating intervals to an outcrop with terrific views of Triple Falls. Here Oneonta Creek is split into three distinct segments and drops approximately 64' over basaltic bedrock.

Travel moderates past the outcrop to a long bridge over Oneonta Creek (1.95 miles : 657'), a fine turnaround point with easy creek access. Be mindful of narrow, potentially unstable drop-offs along the Oneonta Trail, and particularly from the main Triple Falls viewing area.