About Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls

Plummeting 620 feet, in two different sections, Multnomah Falls is the most-visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million visitors each year. 

Fed by underground springs, the flow over the falls varies and is usually highest during the winter and spring months. Multnomah Falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods. Six flows of Grande Ronde Basalt are visible in the fall’s cliff face, representing more than 400,000 years of geological history.

On the lower level of Multnomah Falls Lodge there is a public Visitor Center, snack bar, gift shop and adjacent accessible restrooms. The fully accessible restaurant is located on the upper level and can be accessed by stairs or elevator. The Visitor Center is jointly staffed by Friends of Multnomah Falls volunteers and the Forest Service. Offerings include a simple trail map and brochures about Multnomah Falls in multiple languages.

Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.7/5 TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 3536 reviews

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  • TripAdvisor Rating
    November 26, 2025
    Grover R

    Beautiful Waterfall Minutes from Portland just off I-84

    We ended our Sierra/Cascade National Park trip in Portland. So, the morning before our flight, I had to take our group for one more attraction which is commonly considered one of the top waterfalls in the US, Multnomah Falls. The falls are minutes from the airport on I-84 with loads of parking between the east and west bound lanes of the interstate. While we did not get to the top, it is a short walk to the base and not much more to the bridge. If you have a midday or later flight this totally a place you can visit before leaving, and it is a great waterfall. Just east of Portland, the Columbia River cuts a gorge through the Cascade/Mt. Hood plateau so the creek ravines on the plateau simply drop to the river. While the gorge has numerous waterfalls, Multnomah is recognized as the best and prettiest. Part of that is the way the falls are situated in nature with two cascades flanked by vertical walls and in design with the most picturesque arching bridge. All of it makes this a place you have to visit it you are anywhere close to Portland. Our group visited on a cloudy morning, but it took nothing away from the experience. This visit can be as long as you want. If you have time hike to the top for a great view of the gorge. At least make the short walk to the bridge for views of the upper falls. However, the best pictures are from the base observation. The best part is whole experience, parking and viewing is free. While the falls can be crowded, it is not hard to get to the front for a great view and picture with the falls. There is a Visitor Center with some good displays about the gorge and the falls. In addition, they have a restroom. All in all, it is a beautiful place to see that can be viewed quickly for an easy and short visit. Likewise, you can stay as long as you want to soak in the experience. Simply make sure you take the time to visit.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    November 24, 2025
    Napsterthecat

    Stunning

    We went in September on a Thursday. We got there at about 9am and the parking lot was starting to fill up. Short walk to the falls than you can walk up to the bridge and also go to the top. The view is stunning. A must do when in the Portland area.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    November 23, 2025
    Chris W

    Must-See Autumn Experience at Multnomah Falls

    Paid a visit to Multnomah Falls during the "off-season" at the end of October during the week and while there were still quite a few people visting, it was really easy to get a parking space and walk around without bumping into too many people. Out of all the waterfalls my daughter and I visited, this was easily the most breathtaking! So picturesque with all the autumnal colors in full bloom. The walk to the main viewpoint is super easy and accessible for all ages. The upper viewpoint hike is a bit more of a workout, but completely worth it for the views, especially with the fall foliage framing the falls from above.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    November 7, 2025
    AlexF939

    Breathtaking

    Was a rainy day but it was worth the easy climb to the bridge overlooking the fall. This portion of the trail is paved thus irregular. Does have about 20 steps in total.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    October 26, 2025
    aconner1474

    Full Parking but we still enjoyed Multnomah Falls

    We went on a holiday and parking was full. We were able to drive by and get pictures of the Falls. Gorgeous scenery and Fall color! Routes along the Columbia River are just so incredibly picturesque!

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