Multnomah Falls
Multnomah County, Oregon
Details
Distance
2.61 miles
Elevation Gain
1214 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Michael Matti
See the beautiful Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge with just a few hundred foot walk. If you can, come early or late to avoid the crowds.
Multnomah Falls is worth a quick stop anytime you're visiting the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. This waterfall is the tallest in the Oregon at 620 feet and the third largest in the Pacific Northwest behind Bridal Veil Falls (1,289 feet) and Green Lake Falls (979 feet) and has an average flow rate of 150 cu ft/s over two drops. The falls are only about 30 miles from Portland and 30 miles from Hood River. The parking lot is right by the road and the waterfall is right by the parking lot. Its is only a few hundred feet walk on an even paved surface to reach the main viewpoint. If you're looking for something a bit longer, there are other options if you wish to hike near the falls. There is a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike to a viewpoint above the falls as seen in the GPX track below. There is also the beautiful Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop trail (approx. 5 miles) that goes to other waterfalls in the area.
Regardless of if you plan to hike further, this is a definite must see in the Columbia River Gorge. It can be seen in any season and changes drastically from the vibrant greens of spring to the colors of fall to the snow of winter. Each season provides a new photographic opportunity.
PERMITS:
Be sure to check rec.gov to see if reservations are required especially if visiting during the busier summer months
TIPS:
- Be sure to go early or come late as this is a very popular stop and can become quite crowded. At the base of the Falls isMultnomah Falls Lodge and visitors center, which offers a coffee bar, gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms.
- Check the U.S. Forest Service website for any closures in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From either Portland or Hood River, take I-84 to exit 31 and park in the Multnomah Falls Parking Lot. If the lot is full, check the Sasquatch Shuttle parking lot at Exit 28 behind the post office.
- Trailhead address: 53000 Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR 97019
- Location coordinates: 45.57758 -122.117
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Reviews
I have been here multiple times and is always breathtaking! It gets crowded so be patient. Definitely worth the drive out there.
5.0
Been wanting to come here forever from everybody’s photo. Parking is quite easy but get there early. It is a pretty crowded place so if you are not a crowd person don’t come. There is a little coffee shop at the bottom and snacks too. If I am in this area again I will pile come here to see what it is like earlier in the day. The hike isn’t that long but just be up for it . :)
5.0
Iconic waterfall in Oregon. Pretty much everyone comes here when they visit Oregon. It took me a while, but I eventually made the trek over.
5.0
I've been here many times, and I love it every time I come. The best is when it's not super crowded. There is a trail that goes up over the bridge and beyond—go up there to get a great view of the falls without the crowds. Be careful, though. The misty weather and the soft dirt make it easy to slide of the trail if you're not paying attention!
4.0
If you visit Oregon, this is probably one of the first stops on your list, and it's the first on everyone else's list. Beautiful waterfall but does get crowded, so get there early
5.0
A staple for PNW. Whenever someone new comes to town I take them here! It’s a perfect introduction to what PNW views are like. It’s in perfect driving distance to the Vista House where you can also get a great view of the gorge. Stop by Eastwind Drive-In for a great burger afterwards
5.0
The view from the lower viewpoint is decent, but the higher you go, the thinner the crowds get. Benson Bridge is a good spot, and there are several spots along the series of 11 switchbacks after BB.
4.0
I came here in the early November, and it was absolutely beautiful. The weather is cold and dry. The leaves is turning different colors which adds more effect to your photos. Very short hike. This main road is connect to many hikes, since it’s connect it can get very busy in the later hours. We can around 8 AM and it was empty! Definitely recommend coming early.
5.0
The hike is good for your heart but i feel like it was intermediate not beginner. Straight upwards the whole time and the view wasn't that great to me. The river is amazing for first dates to have picnics at and that was beautiful. But multnomah Falls view is better with a selfie stick or at the bottom.
3.0
Annoying crowds can ruin an experience at any place, even a waterfall as awesome as this. Go for blue hour/as the sun rises.
4.0
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Nearby
Hike to Wiesendanger Falls
Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop
Larch Mountain's Summit
Wahkeena Falls
Hike to Fairy Falls
Triple Falls
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