Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Yes, they exist… if you know where to look.

Waterfalls are typically known as destinations for hikers but in the Pacific Northwest there are a handful of waterfalls you can ride your horse to as well. Some of these might require a small jaunt while your horse is tied up. Peek at the details below.

Kalama Falls

Kalama Falls is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can ride from Kalama Horse Camp almost right up to the falls, in a fern covered trail through the old growth. Tie your horse and hike 1-2 minutes for a view of the falls.

→ GPX Track
→ Explore Kalama Falls Trail

University Falls

This ride leaves from Stagecoach Horse Camp. After a 1.5-mile ride, tie your horses to the hitching rail and walk 500 feet down to the falls.

→ GPX Track
→ Submit info for Stagecoach Horse Camp

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls can be directly accessed by horseback from Rock Creek Horse Camp. Ride the Appaloosa Trail and enjoy the falls from the bridge or viewpoint on the other side.

→ GPX Tracks
→ Explore Appaloosa Trail
→ Submit info for Rock Creek Horse Camp

Unnamed Falls

This unnamed waterfall sits just BELOW the trail along one of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail that can be ridden from Keenes Horse Camp. Take the existing user trails down below the bridge and enjoy an up close and personal view of this small unnamed waterfall.

→ GPX Track
→ Explore Killen Creek / PCT / Muddy Meadows Trail

Ramona Falls

This waterfall is famous for its dramatic cascades and should be on everyones bucket list. Leave from Riley Horse Camp, ride to the old hitching post and hike 3-5 minutes to one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest falls.

→ GPX Track
→ Explore Ramona Falls Trail

Dry Creek Falls

Shared with Columbia Gorge hikers, this trail may have a lot of multi user traffic. Follow the Pacific Crest Trail until you reach the turn off for Dry Creek Falls. Ride your horse right up to the falls!

→ GPX Track
→ Explore the Pacific Crest Trail

Riding to Waterfalls Without Ruining Them

Waterfalls are some of the most fragile and heavily scrutinized trail destinations — and they’re often the first places equestrians lose access when damage occurs. Riding to them is a privilege that depends entirely on how responsibly we show up.

A few simple practices go a long way:

• Tie back from the falls.
  Use hitching rails, sturdy trees, or tie well away from spray zones and soft ground. Wet soil and hooves don’t mix.
• Walk the last stretch when needed.
  Many of these destinations are best enjoyed with a short hike-in. Letting your horse rest back from the viewpoint protects roots, banks, and riparian areas.
• Stay on existing tread and user paths.
  Do not shortcut, bushwhack, or create new routes to the water. Social trails multiply fast near waterfalls.
• Avoid muddy or saturated conditions.
  If the trail is too soft to hold a boot print, it’s too soft for a hoof. Come back later.
• Yield early and clearly.
  Waterfalls attract distracted hikers. Slow down, speak up, and give space- good interactions matter more here than anywhere else.

Waterfall trails stay open to horses only when land managers see that equestrians are low-impact, self-aware, and respectful users. Every ride helps prove that point… or undermines it.