Multnomah Falls Waterfall

Address: Multnomah Falls - Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29922

Admission: Free to view; parking or shuttle fees may apply

Multnomah Falls is a two-tiered waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, on the Oregon side of the gorge east of Portland. The falls have a combined drop of roughly 620 feet (about 189 meters) and are one of the most visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest.

The cascade is divided into a higher upper fall and a smaller lower fall, with the pedestrian Benson Footbridge spanning between tiers and offering close views. Short paved paths and viewing platforms provide easy access, while longer trails climb above the falls and link to the Larch Mountain trail network.

The modern visitor infrastructure, including parking and trails, was developed in the early 20th century; the Benson Footbridge was funded by businessman Simon Benson to improve public access. The falls sit within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and have long been a regional landmark.

Multnomah Falls is adjacent to Interstate 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway, approximately 30 miles (about 48 kilometers) east of downtown Portland, Oregon. The site is set in steep, forested gorge terrain with immediate roadside access.

• Seasonal flow: Flow is strongest in late winter and spring; summer and early fall are drier but offer more stable access and clearer skies.
• Best viewpoint: The Benson Footbridge is the most popular viewpoint for photographs and for seeing the falls up close; it can be crowded on weekends and holidays.

What to See#

• Benson Footbridge: A footbridge spanning the falls that provides close, mid-height views of the upper tier and photographic vantage points for the entire cascade.
• Viewing platforms and trails: Public viewing platforms and short trails that offer accessible views of the lower and upper tiers and connect to longer hiking routes on the Columbia River Gorge slopes.

Multnomah Falls sits on the Historic Columbia River Highway about 30-35 miles (roughly 45-60 km) east of Portland, Oregon. By car take I‑84 east from Portland and use the Multnomah Falls/Columbia River Gorge exit (follow signs for the Historic Columbia River Highway). Drive time is typically 30-45 minutes from Portland depending on traffic.

There is a parking area and the Multnomah Falls Lodge at the base; the paved viewpoint path from the parking lot to the lower falls is a short 5-10 minute walk. In summer a seasonal shuttle (Columbia Gorge Express) runs from Portland to the Gorge with stops at Multnomah Falls.

• Arrive at Multnomah Falls very early (before regular tour buses) or later in the afternoon to avoid the big daytime crowds and to secure curbside parking near the historic lodge.
• Make the short climb to Benson Bridge and beyond to the upper viewpoint-many visitors only see the base of the falls and miss the dramatic mid-level bridge and elevated perspectives reached with a short hike.
• If visiting on a busy weekend, use Columbia River Gorge shuttles or park at nearby designated lots and walk in to avoid the fast-filling parking area immediately at the falls.