The 13 Best Waterfall Canyoning and Abseiling in the USA

1.Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,108 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $73Our pick

Ride from Portland in a small, air-conditioned van to Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Gorge viewpoints. Guides such as Ana, James, Carrie, and Edwin share local history, point out native plants, and adjust the route when construction or weather gets in the way.

“Amazing tour from Edwin! Great guide very friendly, informative, and funny! Would definitely do again!”

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2.Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,278 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $89

Ride from downtown Portland in a 12-person van to Crown Point, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls. Guides such as Mel, Aaron, Patrick, Daniel, and Chuck have led recent departures, adding local stories, Portland tips, and help with photos.

“We had a fantastic day as a family and there was fun to be had for all of us. The views were remarkable and we learned a lot.”

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3.Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour Morning

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 913 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Ride from downtown Portland in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stop at Crown Point, Wahkeena, Latourell, Multnomah, and Horsetail Falls with guides such as John, Jay, and Zach sharing local history and practical tips.

“This was just enough time to get a good look at the waterfalls. The guide was amazing and had a great personality. Loved the hotel pick up and drop off.”

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4.Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 585 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from Portland with a small group of up to 12, stopping at Vista House, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and Timberline Lodge. Guides such as Nico, Dominique, Patrick, and Daniel add local stories, while a premium van handles the long, scenic day.

“The starting location in downtown Portland was terrible. It was extremely difficult and time consuming to get to and away from after the tour. It would be far more logical to have a meeting place on the east side of Portland since that is the direction the tour goes. The tour itself and the tour director/driver were great, but that starting location is one that we will look at closely before we take any further Viator tours. If the tour was of downtown Portland then that may be an appropriate starting point.”

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5.Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 473 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Leave Portland at 2 p.m. for a 3.5-hour waterfall tour with guides such as John, Garrett, Rob, or Phoebe. Visit Vista House, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and possibly Horsetail Falls. Hotel pickup, bottled water, and a small group of up to 12 make this an easy Gorge outing.

“Amazing breathtaking tour. The weather didn’t want to cooperate but breathtaking views of the falls nonetheless. Thanks Jay for making this experience memorable.”

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6.Rappel Maui Waterfalls and Rainforest Cliffs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 459 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $240

Meet guides such as Shauna, Alba, Naomi, or Deacon near Haiku, then hike through the Garden of Eden area to rappel cliffs and waterfalls up to 30 feet. Expect three rappels, swimming, safety coaching, and alternate routes when rain makes waterfalls too strong.

“Super fun & friendly guides. They were encouraging and engaging and gave us plenty of time to enjoy our experience. The waterfalls were fresh and the pools of water at the end were fun to play around in.”

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7.Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 423 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $165

Spend about 8.5 hours with a local guide such as Phil, Adam, Keira, or Gunnar, touring Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. Ride in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, visit Multnomah and Latourell Falls, stop at Vista House, and explore city sights, gardens, markets, and museums.

“Never had the experience because you sent the wrong pickup location and I was not picked up. I’m sure no one will ever see this”

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8.Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour – Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $129

Spend 8 to 9 hours with a small-group guide such as Adam, Jim, Riley, or Cameron, visiting four waterfalls, Hood River, the Fruit Loop, and Timberline Lodge. Expect scenic drives, local stories, snacks, and a comfortable van. Lunch is on your own.

“Yesterday was a wonderful day spent chasing waterfalls! Riley was fantastic — his knowledge and fun personality were the perfect match for the trip. We highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a fun and memorable day trip from Portland.”

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9.From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 260 reviews · 4 hours · from $89

Ride from downtown Portland in a high-roof van with up to 12 people, following the Historic Columbia River Highway to Crown Point, Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Multnomah Falls. Guides such as Aaron, Dominique, Mel, and Jake add local history, geology, plant knowledge, and practical Portland tips.

“Chuck was a really nice, friendly, and informative guide. Definitely recommend this tour! It has been a wholesome experience!”

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10.Portland: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Morning Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85

Leave Portland in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway to Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Vista House, and scenic overlooks. English-speaking guides such as Phoebe, Gunnar, Phil, and Angela provide local history, geology, and practical help on short walks.

“Phil our tour guide is knowledgeable and amazing. He’s easy on the ice and made us feel very comfortable. I really enjoyed all the trails and the many waterfalls he took us to. I highly recommend this tour.”

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11.Waterfall Rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls: 120 Foot Drop, 15 Minutes from Hilo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $279

At Kulaniapia Falls, guides such as Eric, Sasha, Jeremy, and Ben teach you to rappel beside a 120-foot cascade. Expect a 2 to 3-hour outing, a small group of up to eight, included equipment, and a moderate physical challenge. The falls access also covers swimming, trails, kayaking, and paddleboarding when river conditions allow.

“We had a great experience. Our guides, Eric and Jeremy, were friendly, patient and knowledgeable about rappelling and about the island. Eric showed a wild growing guava tree and we were treated to a sample. Both of our guides were genuinely happy to be out on the ropes with us today. If you are looking for a new adventure I definitely recommend this place. It was a short ride from the cruise port and we were able to get some extra time in town.”

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12.Portland: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Afternoon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 69 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85

Leave Portland in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for a 3.5-hour afternoon along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stop at Portland Women’s Forum, Crown Point, Latourell Falls, and Multnomah Falls while an English-speaking guide explains the gorge. Pickup and return are available at many downtown hotels.

“I had lots of fun with the group! Our guide phebi was great i loved all the places we have visited, i think we started the tour slightly earlier like 12pm we would have more time in the last destination, but all in all wonderful!”

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13.From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 8 hours · from $149

Travel from downtown Portland in a premium van with an English-speaking guide such as Patrick, Dave, Zeke, or Daniel. See Crown Point, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Hood River, orchard country, and Timberline Lodge. Expect short walks, mountain views, and an hour for lunch.

“Our trip was outstanding as our guide engaged all six travelers, was a font of information and positivity, concerned about our care and experience. Truly the energy and love of what he was doing has few if any equal. He was an amazing ambassador and promoter of all Portland and regional resources and opportunities for enjoyment. Highly recommend our tour guide Zeke! We have had a number of tour guided adventures to form this evaluation. Cindy and Peter”

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