Tucked away in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls stands as a stunning testament to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. At a towering 620 feet, it’s Oregon’s tallest waterfall, drawing in visitors from all over. I had the chance to visit last year and check out all that this place has to offer. I’ve written a comprehensive guide to share what to expect and how to get the most out of your trip!
1. Multnomah Falls Recreation Site
The Multnomah Falls recreation site features multiple viewing points of the falls, a visitor’s center, restaurant, gift shop and snack bar. There are many options to view the falls depending on activity tolerance level. The lower viewpoint is just a short walk from the visitor lodge and has ramp access. Everything past this point is not wheelchair accessible. The next main viewing point is from Benson Bridge. The quarter mile pathway to the bridge is paved, but is quite steep and has a few sets of steps at the beginning. Past Benson bridge you can hike another mile to the top of the falls. The trail consists of 11 switchbacks, but includes multiple great lookout points.
2. How to Get to Multnomah Falls
The trip to Multnomah from Portland, OR takes about 40 minutes to an hour by car depending on traffic. To get there travel east on I-84 to Exit 31. This Exit is a left side off ramp and takes you directly to the parking lot. A walkway leading underneath the interstate and across the Historic Columbia River Highway will take you to the Historic Lodge and Visitor Center. For a more scenic route you can take Exit 28 and drive about 3.5 miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This route will lead you to a smaller parking lot on the left, just in front of the Lodge.
For a car free travel option the Columbia Gorge Express offers daily bus service between the Gateway Transit Center in Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks and Hood River, Oregon.
3. Parking at Multnomah Falls
As mentioned above there are two main parking lots at the Multnomah Falls recreation site. Starting May 26th through September 4th from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. a timed use permit is required to park in the main lot off I-84 Exit 31. You can purchase a permit for $2 here. The smaller parking lot in front of the lodge is operated on a first come first serve basis. There is a shuttle service offered through Sasquatch Shuttle off exit 28 as well. More than 2 million people frequent this destination each year to take in the views. My advice is, expect it to be busy and plan ahead. (Pro-tip: If you can arrive at 8 a.m., before everything opens, you’re more likely to get a good parking spot and a minimally interrupted view of the falls.)
4. When to Visit Multnomah Falls
The time of year to visit Multnomah Falls is really up to you! These falls have something to offer in every season. The rainy climate of the Pacific Northwest guarantees this, but the falls are most powerful during the springs season after the snowmelt. I visited around mid-May which is technically late spring and it was a perfect moody Oregon day. The falls are also stunning in Autumn with the leaves changing colors, and during winter in the snow. You really can’t go wrong any time. Just keep in mind, peak season during the Spring and Summer months will also be the most crowded time to visit.
5. Food & Gift Shop
Multnomah Falls Lodge features a restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as brunch on Sundays. You can visit the website here for operating hours and reservations, which are encouraged but not required. There is also a snack stand that serves espresso and a few food items.
The gift shop is a great place to pick up your proof of visit! T-shirts, jewelry, magnets, mugs. They’ve got all the memorabilia you could ever ask for. And they ship too!
6. Surrounding Hikes
If you have some extra time and energy, the Columbia River Gorge is full of beautiful hikes and waterfalls. Many of them are just an easy stop-off along the highway. Some are more challenging hikes. If you continue past the top of the falls viewpoint onto Larch Mountain trail and then onto Wahkeena trail you’ll come across five different stunning falls; Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, and Ecola Falls. Hiking from Multnomah this trail comes out at the parking lot for the Wahkeena trailhead. It’s an intermittently steep and moderately challenging 5 mile hike that takes around 2-3 hours. But the views are definitely worth it.
If you don’t have the time for a long hike, there are plenty of waterfalls to stop at along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway. Most of which have parking lots and are only a short walk to see the falls. Some of these include Horsetail Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Elowah Falls. This is not a comprehensive list. There are so many waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. You can find all of these and more on Google Maps and All Trails.
There is a breathtaking overlook at The Vista House, also located along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This scenic viewpoint was built in 1917 as a place for travelers to rest and refresh themselves as they made their way down the magnificent Columbia River Gorge.
6. What to Bring
You don’t need much to visit Multnomah Falls. The restaurant, snack stand, and gift shop all accept cash or card and there are public restrooms on site. But I’ve compiled a list of things to take with you for the best experience:
- Rain jacket/watproof clothing- Rain is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest, but even on a clear skies day you’re likely to get a little wet from the spray off the falls.
- Comfortable shoes- If you’re only doing the Multnomah Falls trail you don’t necessarily need hiking boots as the trails are well maintained. But comfortable, closed-toe shoes are good idea.
- Camera- Whether it’s your phone or an actual camera, you’re going to want pictures of this place. A tripod isn’t a bad idea either for some steady shots or taking solo photos.
- Microfiber towel-This will help keep camera lenses, phone screens, and glasses nice and dry from the rain and the falls.
- National Parks Passport Book- If you have one of these bring it! The Visitors Lodge has a stamp for Multnomah Falls. If you don’t know what this is, check it out here.
- Water/Snacks- As mentioned there is a snack stand and restaurant, but its always a good idea to carry along some water and snacks just in case.
- If you’re going to do some hiking in the surrounding area I suggest bringing the ten essentials. Always be prepared!
6. Other things to Know
- Drones are prohibited at Multnomah Falls.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
- No bikes, skates, or skateboards.
- Do not throw coins or litter into the creek.
- And remember the Leave No Trace policy. Stay on the designated trails, respect the wildlife, and leave things how you found them.
I hope this guide helps to make the most of your trip to Multnomah! If you’ve already visited before I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
