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. As I continued hiking upward, I admired the falls from different angles. Sometimes I could see the entire waterfall, sometimes I could only hear its roar without seeing it, and sometimes the waterfall blended perfectly into the surrounding trees and rocks like a painting. Along the trail, there were beautiful views of the Columbia River and the mountains on the opposite side, layered one after another and partially hidden in the mist. After turning one corner, the first rays of morning light gently lifted the veil covering the mountains across the river, as if another world was slowly waking up before my eyes. Route: Seattle → Multnomah Falls → Portland → Seattle Since the main purpose of this trip was shopping, we didn’t visit that many places. The spots we missed can wait for next time. Multnomah Falls Parking lots P1–P4 are not very large. Parking costs $20. We heard reservations were required, but because we arrived early, there were plenty of spaces available and we didn’t make a reservation. It was incredibly beautiful and definitely worth visiting. After that, we headed to Woodburn Premium Outlets. Tax-free shopping is amazing. Some items were unbelievably cheap, with discounts stacked on top of discounts. After shopping, we drove back to downtown Portland.
Multnomah Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Multnomah Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Multnomah Falls famous?
Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet (189 m) and one of the most visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. The iconic two-tiered cascade with its historic Benson Bridge (built 1914) has been featured in numerous films and is a symbol of the Columbia River Gorge's dramatic beauty.
Can you swim at Multnomah Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Multnomah Falls due to safety and conservation concerns. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Multnomah Falls?
Dogs are allowed on-leash on the trails at Multnomah Falls and throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Multnomah Falls free? Do you need a permit?
No entry fee or permit required to visit Multnomah Falls. Parking is free. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Multnomah Falls?
Parking is available at the Multnomah Falls Lodge with both a lower lot and upper lot. Parking is free but fills quickly, especially on weekends and holidays; arrive early or use the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle from Portland. The falls viewpoint is a very short walk from the parking area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Multnomah Falls?
Roadside view from parking area (no hike required). To Benson Bridge viewpoint: 0.4 km / 0.25 mi return. To the top of the falls: 3.2 km / 2 mi return with 213 m / 700 ft elevation gain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Multnomah Falls hike difficulty
Roadside (no hike) for lower viewpoint; Easy to Benson Bridge (paved, 0.1 mile); Moderate to top of falls (paved switchbacks, 700 ft elevation gain, 11 switchbacks). Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Multnomah Falls?
Year-round access, but spring (March–June) offers peak water flow from snowmelt, and fall (September–November) features beautiful foliage with fewer crowds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Multnomah Falls
From the parking area, the lower viewing platform is immediately accessible with no hiking. For Benson Bridge, take the paved trail 0.1 miles to the bridge spanning between the upper and lower tiers. To reach the top, continue from Benson Bridge on the paved Larch Mountain Trail, climbing 11 switchbacks over 1 mile with 700 feet of elevation gain to a viewpoint at the top of the falls.
Multnomah Falls official website
Attractions near Multnomah Falls
- •Benson Bridge — historic footbridge offering close-up views of Multnomah Falls' lower tier
- •Wahkeena Falls — scenic 242-foot waterfall 0.5 miles west with loop trail connections
- •Horsetail Falls — roadside 176-foot waterfall 2 miles east along the Historic Columbia River Highway
- •Vista House at Crown Point — iconic 1918 observatory with panoramic Columbia Gorge views, 8 miles west
- •Oneonta Gorge — unique slot canyon with waterfall, 2 miles east (permit required, seasonal access)
Watch the falls
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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More to explore nearby
Salt Creek Falls
Oakridge, Oregon
Oregon's second-tallest single-drop waterfall.
Wahkeena Falls
Corbett, Oregon
Trailhead neighbour to Multnomah Falls.
Tumalo Falls
Bend, Oregon
Iconic single drop near Bend.
Toketee Falls
Idleyld Park, Oregon
Columnar basalt fall on the North Umpqua.