The best waterfalls in Portland

The third stop of our autumn trip around Portland was the main reason for this whole journey — Multnomah Falls. I had seen photos of its stunning fall colors online, and that was what inspired me to plan this trip in the first place.

We set out early in the morning and arrived by public transport a little after 9 am, hoping to spend as much time as possible around the falls. Full of excitement, I planned to challenge myself with a roughly five-mile loop hike from Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. A light rain started shortly after we arrived, and the stone trail became wet and slippery. At the time, I was completely absorbed by the grandeur of the waterfalls and didn’t really think about the risks of hiking in the rain.

In late autumn, Multnomah Falls was decorated with sparse yellow leaves. Surrounded by mist and clouds, it felt like something out of a fairy tale. The falls are divided into upper and lower sections by the iconic stone bridge. Standing on the bridge, you can feel the thunderous roar of the water up close. Nearby, we also noticed another waterfall of similar height, but much more delicate and thin, resembling Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite. One waterfall felt bold and powerful, while the other was quiet and graceful, creating a beautiful contrast.