Horsetail Falls (or Horse Tail Falls) is a waterfall located on Horsetail Creek along the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.[1] The falls drop over a cut over the columnar basalt cliff within the Oneonta Gorge.[2] It is one of the waterfalls along the Columbia River Highway's waterfall corridor.[3]
Access
The waterfall is easily accessed, in contrast to its near neighbor Oneonta Falls, as it is right next to the Historic Columbia River Highway. The shape of the falls and the rounded rockface over which it flows cause it to resemble a horse's tail.
There are actually two waterfalls along the creek. The upper falls, called Upper Horsetail Falls or Ponytail Falls, can be accessed from a footpath. The path has steep cliffs and the U.S. Forest Service urges hikers to use caution when accessing the trails.[4]
Incidents
In May 2016, 37 year old Stephanie Cohen died after trying to rescue her son who had fallen when the footing on the trailhead gave way. She fell dozens of feet and was fatally injured. Her son recovered with minor injuries.[5]
In May 2024, 22 year old Elisha Angelic Macias was killed when she became separated from her hiking party and accidentally went off trail near the Oneonta Trail. She fell 50-60 feet and was fatally injured.[6]
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