If you’re willing to venture about 30 miles east of downtown Portland, you’ll have access to the tallest waterfall in Oregon – Multnomah Falls. Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the falls are the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
At 620 feet tall, the Multnomah Falls are not for the faint of heart. Visitors have the option of climbing a 1/4-mile trail to reach Benson Bridge, which gives them a closer look at the falls and is at the crux of the first tier. Another steep, 1.25-mile hike will take travelers to the top of the falls for incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge. The Multnomah Falls Lodge, located at the base of the falls, houses a gift shop, restrooms and a restaurant for patrons to enjoy before or after their hike.
Recent visitors unanimously agreed that the falls are a must-see attraction. Reviewers also said the difficult hike to the top is well worth the trip. According to travelers, you should be prepared for crowds and try to go as early as possible to avoid the deluge of tourists. Planning a mid-week visit is another way to avoid the largest concentration of crowds.
Getting to the falls
Multnomah Falls is located about 30 miles east of Portland and it’s free to visit year-round. The falls are located off Interstate 84. Parking is at a premium, especially during the summer. Those wishing to visit the falls and avoid the hassle of parking should take the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle. For more information, including road and trail closures near the falls, visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
Tickets
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weeked, a timed-used permit will be required to park in the I-84 parking lot; permits cost $2 and can be purchased at Recreation.gov. (A very limited number of parking spots are available at the historic highway parking lot; to score one, arrive early in the morning or later in the day.)
Hours
You can visit the falls during daytime hours only. The lodge is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.