Overview
Multnomah Falls is a two-tier waterfall on Multnomah Creek, located in the Columbia River Gorge about 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It is consistently cited as one of the most-visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest, drawing millions of visitors each year. The falls drop a total of approximately 620 feet, with the upper tier accounting for the majority of that height.
The site sits within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a federally protected landscape managed jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies. A historic lodge — Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925 — sits at the base and houses a visitor center and restaurant. The Benson Bridge, a small stone footbridge, spans the mist zone between the two tiers and is one of the most photographed spots in Oregon.
Despite being a single landmark rather than a city or town, Multnomah Falls functions as a significant destination node. The surrounding Historic Columbia River Highway corridor offers additional waterfalls, viewpoints, and hiking opportunities, making the area worth planning around rather than treating as a quick stop.
Before You Go
Timed Entry Permits
During peak season (typically late spring through early fall), the U.S. Forest Service has in recent years required timed entry permits for vehicles accessing the Multnomah Falls parking area directly. Permit availability and exact dates change from year to year. Verify current permit requirements at recreation.gov or the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area official site before your visit.
Trail Conditions
The trail to the Benson Bridge is paved and accessible. The trail continuing up to the top of the falls is steeper and unpaved in sections, and may be closed seasonally due to ice, rockfall, or fire damage. Check current trail conditions with the U.S. Forest Service before planning a hike to the upper viewpoint.
Weather and Clothing
The gorge corridor is known for rapidly changing weather. Even on warm days, the mist at the base of the falls can make it feel significantly cooler. Bring a waterproof layer and wear shoes with grip. In winter, ice on the paved walkway near the falls is common.
- Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends and holidays; weekday morning visits are quieter.
- The falls are visible year-round; winter and early spring often produce dramatic, high-flow conditions.
- Cell service can be intermittent in parts of the gorge.
Getting There
From Portland
Multnomah Falls is approximately 30 miles east of downtown Portland via I-84. Take Exit 31 directly to the Historic Columbia River Highway and the falls parking area. Traffic on I-84 through the gorge can be heavy on weekends.
By Transit
TriMet and the Columbia Gorge Express operate seasonal bus service from the Gateway/Northeast 99th Ave Transit Center in Portland to Multnomah Falls. This service runs on a schedule that typically operates spring through fall; confirm current schedules and fares at trimet.org or columbiagorgeexpress.com, as they are subject to seasonal changes. Using the bus is often the most practical option during permit-restricted periods when parking at the falls is limited.
By Train
Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at the Cascade Locks/Bonneville station and at the Bingen-White Salmon station across the river, but neither is particularly close to the falls. Amtrak is not a practical primary option unless you are combining it with other travel.
Parking
The falls-side parking lot is small and fills extremely quickly on busy days. Overflow parking is available at the Vista House/Crown Point area and other points along the Historic Columbia River Highway, with shuttle access. Verify current parking and shuttle arrangements before arrival.
Getting Around
The immediate Multnomah Falls area is walkable from the parking lot or bus drop-off. The paved trail to the Benson Bridge is short and manageable for most visitors. The steeper trail to the top of the falls is roughly 1.1 miles one-way with significant elevation gain — allow extra time and effort.
If you want to explore the broader Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall corridor (which includes Latourell, Shepperds Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, and Horsetail falls, among others), a car is the most practical option. The highway is a two-lane scenic road; driving it requires patience, especially on weekends when cyclists also use the route.
A dedicated Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail exists for non-motorized users along portions of the corridor — useful for cyclists and hikers who want to connect viewpoints without driving.
Things to See & Do
At the Falls
- Benson Bridge viewpoint: The short walk to the bridge between the two tiers is the most accessible and iconic viewpoint. It is the primary goal for the majority of visitors.
- Upper viewpoint hike: The trail switchbacks up through forest to a platform directly above the upper falls. The views looking down the gorge are expansive on clear days.
- Multnomah Falls Lodge Visitor Center: The ground floor of the lodge houses exhibits about the gorge's natural and cultural history, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Free to enter.
Columbia River Gorge Corridor
- Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall corridor: A series of additional waterfalls is accessible by car or bike along the highway within a few miles of Multnomah Falls, including Wahkeena Falls (connected to Multnomah Falls by trail), Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls.
- Vista House at Crown Point: A historic octagonal stone building perched on a promontory with panoramic views of the gorge. Free to enter; verify current hours locally.
- Oneonta Gorge: A narrow slot-canyon gorge a short distance east, known for its mossy walls and a wading route to a hidden waterfall. Note that access and conditions change; verify current status before attempting.
- Hiking: The Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and surrounding Forest Service land offer more extensive backcountry trails for those seeking solitude beyond the main falls.
Food & Drink
At the Site
Multnomah Falls Lodge contains a full-service restaurant offering American cuisine in a historic dining room setting. There is also a snack bar near the base of the falls for lighter options. Both are operated by a concessionaire; verify current hours and whether reservations are accepted, as they can book up on weekends.
Nearby Communities
The small town of Corbett is a few miles west along the Historic Columbia River Highway and has limited dining options. Troutdale, near the western end of the gorge, has a broader range of restaurants and services and is roughly 20 miles from the falls.
For a full range of dining options, most visitors incorporate Multnomah Falls into a Portland day trip and eat before or after in the city. The gorge corridor itself is not a restaurant destination beyond the lodge.
Practical Information
Admission
There is no fee to view the falls from the base or to walk to the Benson Bridge. A parking fee or timed entry permit fee may apply depending on the season and current Forest Service policy — verify at recreation.gov before your trip. America the Beautiful annual passes (National Parks passes) are generally accepted for applicable fees; confirm this locally.
Accessibility
The paved path from the parking area to the base of the falls and to the Benson Bridge is relatively accessible for most mobility levels, though some grade is involved. The upper trail is not wheelchair accessible. Multnomah Falls Lodge has accessible restrooms.
Facilities
- Restrooms are available near the lodge and at the base of the falls.
- The visitor center inside the lodge can answer questions about trails and conditions.
- There is no overnight camping at the falls site itself.
Emergency and Safety Contacts
- In any emergency, call 911.
- For non-emergency trail or conditions questions, contact the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area ranger station; contact details are available on the U.S. Forest Service official website (verify locally).
Safety
The primary safety concern at Multnomah Falls is staying on designated trails and behind railings. Rocks near the falls and along the creek can be extremely slippery; several serious injuries and fatalities have occurred over the years from people leaving the trail to approach the water's edge or climb on rocks.
Rockfall is an occasional hazard in the gorge; trail closures are sometimes enacted for this reason. Always check current conditions with the U.S. Forest Service before hiking beyond the Benson Bridge. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire caused significant damage to the gorge and resulted in extended closures; while much of the area has reopened, conditions in the backcountry can still reflect ongoing recovery.
In winter, ice on the paved path near the falls is a genuine slip hazard. Traction devices for footwear are advisable if visiting after freezing temperatures. The gorge is also subject to high winds and rapidly changing weather; dress in layers and check the forecast.
