Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous and most photographed waterfalls in the entire world. In addition to dropping more than 600 feet, the view of the falls is enhanced by the iconic footbridge that spans just above its lower tier.

Approximately 2.5 million people visit Multnomah Falls each year, making it the most visited natural attraction in Oregon. Reaching the waterfall is quite convenient. A short easy walk from the parking area off Exit 31 on I-84 (near Portland) leads to the viewing area.

Visitors can get a much closer view of the falls by taking the trail up to the historic Benson Bridge, or even up to the Multnomah Falls Overlook where you’ll have a birds-eye view from the top of the falls. The trail begins from the viewing area next to the Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was built in 1925 to serve early automobile travelers along the Columbia River Gorge. Today the historic structure houses the Multnomah Falls Lodge Restaurant, gift shop, snack bar, espresso bar, and the interpretive center.

As a result of its popularity visitors should expect extreme crowds at the viewing area. Even if you venture up to the Benson Bridge you’re still likely to run into heavy crowds, as it’s only a quarter-of-a-mile from the trailhead. The historic cement bridge over the lower falls was built in 1914 for Simon Benson, the owner of a 400-acre tract of land that included both Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls. Before his death in 1942, Benson deeded the tract to the City of Portland, which later transferred ownership to the U.S. Forest Service.

Multnomah Falls plummets more than 600 feet in two major tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in Oregon. The upper waterfall plunges 542 feet, while the lower fall drops 69 feet. From the parking area it may appear that the two tiers are in relatively close proximity to each other. However, once you reach the Benson Bridge you’ll see they’re actually at least 100 feet apart.

From time to time Mother Nature likes to remind everyone that she’s still in charge. In 1995 a 400-ton boulder broke loose from the face of Multnomah Falls and plunged into the pool at its base. The resulting wave of water and small rocks inundated a wedding party that was taking photos on the Benson Bridge. Of the 20 people in the party, 16 were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

From the bridge the trail crosses over to the eastern side of the falls, and shortly thereafter begins a steep climb up to the overlook.

Built in 1915, the trail is the oldest maintained trail in Oregon. The paved path travels through a lush green forest as it climbs roughly 600 feet over the course of the next seven-tenths of a mile. Despite its steepness, the trail was still fairly crowded. We saw people walking with dogs, and even women in high heels! Because of this, as well as the noise from I-84 and occasional passing trains in the valley below, you really shouldn’t expect much of a wilderness experience on this hike.

The trail counts 11 switchbacks up to the overlook. When you reach switchback 9 the trail finally tops out and begins a short descent. Soon you’ll reach an unmarked side trail that spurs off to the right. After taking this short side trail you’ll reach another unmarked junction. Here you’ll take another right and soon will reach the wooden platform overlooking the top of Multnomah Falls. From this vantage point you’ll have a pretty good view of the falls plunging over the ledge, as well as the Benson Bridge and the parking area in the valley far below. You’ll also have a pretty good birds-eye view of the Columbia River Gorge as well.

Multnomah Creek, which feeds the waterfall, originates from a natural underground spring a few miles to the south, near the summit of Larch Mountain. You can extend your hike by continuing up the trail to the top of the 4062-foot mountain. You can also use the trail to create a loop hike that connects with Wahkeena Falls towards the west, or Horsetail Falls to the east.


Trail: Multnomah Falls Overlook
RT Distance: 2.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Max Elevation: 900 feet
TH Location: Multnomah Falls
Map: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Trails Illustrated Map

Moon Spotlight Columbia River Gorge is a compact 60-page guide covering the best of this spectacular geological wonder. Award-winning travel writer Ericka Chickowski offers firsthand advice on must-see attractions. This lightweight guide is packed with recommendations on entertainment, shopping, recreation, accommodations, food, and transportation, making navigating this region of incredible wilderness and artistic attractions uncomplicated and enjoyable.

The Columbia River Gorge

Our odyssey down the Columbia River Gorge began from Hood River. During our first night in this small tourist town we “sampled” a couple of the award-winning beers at the Full Sail Brewery, so I was feeling my absolute best as we ventured onto the Fruit Loop the next day. Fittingly, there was a bit of fog and rain in the area as we started out that morning.

The Fruit Loop is a 35-mile scenic drive through the orchards and farmlands of the Hood River valley. Many of the farms sell their own produce, or products made from their own produce. We purchased a few of the items that were in season at that time, including some apples, peaches and pears.

Many of the farms also offer free tastings of their jams, jellies, salsas, and other locally made products. We tried some very interesting and tasty flavors along the way. Rasmussen Farms had an especially good peach and mango salsa that we took home with us. At the Apple Valley Country Store and Bakery the four of us got huckleberry shakes, and shared a scrumptious blueberry pie for brunch.

With our bellies full, we drove the 24 miles down I-84 to visit the historic Bonneville Lock and Dam. At the gate we were greeted by an armed guard who asked if we had any guns or weapons, and then proceeded to check our trunk for bombs or any other contraband before allowing us onto the Federal property.

The first powerhouse, spillway and lock at Bonneville were completed in 1938 in order to improve navigation on the Columbia River, and to provide hydropower to the Pacific Northwest. At that time, Bonneville’s first lock was the largest single-lift lock in the world. In 1986 the entire lock and dam district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. My brother-in-law, an engineer for a power company in Ohio, was in heaven as we toured the power room.

I thought the fish ladders, and actually getting to see Steelhead and Chinook Salmon swim upstream, to be extremely cool. The fish ladders extend from the river downstream of the dam to Lake Bonneville upstream, and allow passageway for adult fish to migrate upstream.

Windows set-up next to the ladders in the visitor center allow for people to view the fish during this process.

Our next destination along the Columbia River took us to a series of waterfalls just west of Troutdale. Here we visited Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and of course, the world famous Multnomah Falls. In all, there are 53 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge: 40 on the Oregon side, and 13 on the Washington side.

Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet into a pool next to the Historic Columbia River Highway:

Latourell Falls, a 249-foot waterfall, sits a little further back off the road:

Multnomah Falls plummets more than 600 feet in two major tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in Oregon. We also hiked to the top of falls.

The Columbia River Gorge is roughly 85 miles long. To help protect this national treasure, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area was established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan. Within this 292,500-acre area are 13 state parks and 218 miles of trails, including two national trails, the Pacific Crest Trail National Scenic Trail, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

There are also more than 1000 historic buildings and archaeological sites within the CRGNSA, including the Vista House at Crown Point, our next stop.

The Vista House was built in 1916 to provide a lookout point and rest stop for motorists. It was also built as a memorial to Oregon pioneers. The octagonal stone structure towers 733 feet above the Columbia River, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Crown Point, a National Natural Landmark, also offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Moon Spotlight Columbia River Gorge is a compact 60-page guide covering the best of this spectacular geological wonder. Award-winning travel writer Ericka Chickowski offers firsthand advice on must-see attractions. This lightweight guide is packed with recommendations on entertainment, shopping, recreation, accommodations, food, and transportation, making navigating this region of incredible wilderness and artistic attractions uncomplicated and enjoyable.