Multnomah Falls

State: Oregon. Type: waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, near Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson. Total height 620 feet across two tiers (upper falls 542 feet, lower falls 69 feet) — the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Formed roughly 15,000 years ago by the Missoula floods. Attracts over two million visitors a year, making it the most-visited natural recreation site in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Benson Bridge, a footbridge over the lower falls, was built in 1914; the falls' lodge/visitor building dates to 1925.

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, dropping a total of 620 feet in two tiers within the Columbia River Gorge. The waterfall formed at the end of a hanging valley carved by the Missoula floods roughly 15,000 years ago, and today it sits just off Interstate 84, making it easy to reach for both regional day-trippers and interstate travelers who stop via a dedicated rest area and tunnel. A paved trail leads from the base up to Benson Bridge, a 1914 footbridge spanning the gorge between the upper and lower falls, financed by Portland businessman Simon Benson; from there the trail continues via eleven switchbacks to an observation platform about 100 feet above the falls with wider gorge views. A historic lodge building, designed by architect A.E. Doyle and completed in 1925, houses a restaurant, gift shop and interpretive center at the base. Because of its location directly beside the interstate and its status as the region's most-visited natural site, drawing more than two million visitors annually, parking and crowd management have become a significant part of the modern visitor experience, including a seasonal timed-use permit system.

Multnomah Falls sits in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Troutdale, Oregon, between the small communities of Corbett and Dodson, and is directly accessible from Interstate 84 (Exit 31) as well as the Historic Columbia River Highway.

As part of the western Columbia River Gorge, the falls area sits in one of the wettest parts of the gorge, with a wet, mild climate supporting the surrounding temperate rainforest; heavy rain and occasional snow/ice can affect the trail in winter.

Spring typically brings the fullest flow from snowmelt and rain. Summer offers the most reliable dry weather for the hike up to the overlook, though it is also the busiest season and requires a timed-use parking permit. Fall and winter see the falls freeze partially in cold snaps, which some visitors seek out, though trail conditions can be icy.

The falls were carved at the end of a hanging valley by the Missoula floods roughly 15,000 years ago, at the close of the last ice age. Benson Bridge, the footbridge spanning 105 feet across the gorge between the upper and lower falls, was built in 1914, financed by Portland timber businessman Simon Benson, whose donation also helped preserve the site. A lodge-style building at the base, designed by architect A.E. Doyle, was completed in 1925 and continues to house dining, retail and interpretive facilities today.

Most visitors walk the paved trail from the parking area to Benson Bridge for close-up views of both tiers of the falls. More ambitious hikers continue up eleven switchbacks to an observation deck roughly 100 feet above the falls, which also offers wider Columbia River Gorge views and connects to further trails. The historic lodge at the base houses a restaurant, gift shop and interpretive exhibits on the falls and gorge.

Benson Bridge, the 1914 footbridge over the lower falls, is the classic photo viewpoint. The historic 1925 lodge building anchors the base of the falls with dining and exhibits. The upper overlook platform, reached via the switchback trail, offers a view down over the falls and out across the gorge.

The falls are directly accessible from Interstate 84 (Exit 31), about 30 minutes east of downtown Portland, via a dedicated interstate rest area and pedestrian tunnel. The Historic Columbia River Highway also passes directly by the falls for those taking the scenic route rather than the interstate.

During peak season, a Timed Use Permit is required to use the I-84 (Exit 31) parking lot daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; as of research this applied from May 22 through September 7 in the relevant season. Outside those hours and dates, the falls and trail remain accessible without a timed permit, though conditions can change, so checking current Forest Service/Recreation.gov information before visiting is recommended.

There is no admission fee to view the falls themselves. During the permit season, a Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit (around $2, as of research) is required to park in the I-84 Exit 31 lot, bookable via recreation.gov; a limited number of free permits are available for pickup in person at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. Confirm current pricing and dates before visiting, since permit programs are updated seasonally.

Seeing the falls and walking to Benson Bridge takes as little as 30-45 minutes; continuing to the upper overlook adds roughly one to two hours round trip depending on pace and crowds.

Troutdale, just west of the falls, offers small-town lodging options as a gateway to the gorge. Hood River, further east, is the region's larger lodging hub for visitors wanting to stay overnight in the gorge area rather than day-tripping from Portland.

The historic lodge at the base of the falls has an on-site restaurant and snack options. Beyond the immediate site, Troutdale and Cascade Locks offer additional casual dining for visitors touring the wider gorge.

The Historic Columbia River Highway links Multnomah Falls to numerous other gorge waterfalls within a short drive. Troutdale, just to the west, serves as a gateway town with additional shopping and dining. Hood River, further east, offers a larger base for exploring the rest of the Columbia River Gorge.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is the nearest airport, roughly 40-45 minutes away by car. There is no rail or subway service directly to the falls; most visitors arrive by personal car, rental car, or organized tour bus via I-84.

The trail to the upper overlook involves switchbacks with steep drop-offs in places, so staying on the paved path and behind railings is important, especially with children. Ice can form on the trail and at overlooks in colder months, creating slip hazards. During peak season, plan for the timed-use parking permit requirement rather than expecting to find a space without one. Dial 911 for emergencies.

Sturdy, grippy footwear is useful for the paved but sometimes wet or icy trail. A light rain layer suits the gorge's damp climate, and a camera is worth having ready given the falls' popularity as a photo subject. In peak season, having your timed parking permit ready (digital or printed) avoids delays at the lot.

Book your Timed Use Permit in advance for peak-season (roughly late May through early September) visits, since the parking lot fills quickly and permits release on a rolling schedule via recreation.gov. Arriving early or later in the day can help avoid the largest crowds even outside permit hours. Combining a stop here with other Historic Columbia River Highway waterfalls makes for an efficient half-day or full-day gorge itinerary.

Dial 911 for emergencies. General information on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which manages the site, is available through the U.S. Forest Service.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area / Multnomah Falls (U.S. Forest Service) - https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/multnomah-falls ; permits via https://www.recreation.gov

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.