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 3528 reviews

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  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 1, 2025
    Jim K

    One of the most beautiful sites in Oregon

    Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful1 A must stop if you are in the Mt. Hood area. This is a very popular place so ahead. To visit this site you must get a timed entry set up so do that ahead. It only costs a few dollars to set up your time so what I did was booked two back to back. This way if we were late arriving, we could still get in. One thing we found out is that the general parking is not right next to the falls but a short distance right off the main highway. The falls were gorgeous and the hiking (unless you hike to the top of the falls) was easy to do.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 30, 2025
    abmilw

    Nice falls hike, easy drive from downtown Portland, but ticket first

    the parking pass you buy, really isn't a guarantee that you will have a parking spot, (and there is very limited parking). Go early in the morning, especially a weekend in any high season. The pass you buy is more a timed entry to control the crowds, so they don't get 1000 people each entering all at the same time. Paved path (allebit uneven) most of the way up to top of falls. Bathroom, snacks, gift shop at the base. Once get up near top, different path you can take to follow the river further into the hills. Really no swimming or wading, but people do. Nice views on way up. Summer morning was shaded and breezy. 2 hours and up and down, if rest or take photos maybe 2.5 to top and falls and back down. Thought it was worthwhile. Should be somewhat fit as maybe 700 feet climb.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 18, 2025
    ShadySpot

    Bucket list item checked off!

    This was a bucket list sight for me. Purchase a ticket from the National Park Service at recreation.gov. This will give you a timed entry for parking near the falls. Be sure to follow the directions on how to get to the parking as it is right off I-84. It is a short walk under the interstate to the falls-which you can see a part of from the interstate. There is a lot right across from the falls, but it is very small and costs $20 compared to the $2 for the timed permit. There is handicap access to the viewing area at the bottom of the falls. I did not walk up to the bridge, but I heard it is fairly easy to get to. There are videos on You Tube. The area is beautiful and the falls are breathtaking. If you can drive on Scenic Hwy 30, then take the time to do so. It is the local highway that goes past Multnomah and several other falls. The road is a small 2 lane, that is quite narrow in some places.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 6, 2025
    amkmd2020

    Nice adventure: Multnomah to Waukeenah waterfall loop

    We hiked the Waterfall Loop in early August and it was an incredible experience. We parked at the main lot for $2 (reserve in advance!) and had our vehicle registration checked shortly after parking. The trail begins with a short walk through the tunnel under the freeway, leading directly toward Multnomah Falls. The base of Multnomah and its iconic bridge were crowded, but the crowds thinned significantly during the 1-mile trek up to the top. The climb is steep and invigorating, with 11 switchbacks that offer glimpses of the Gorge along the way. About a two-minute detour off the path leads to a viewpoint above the falls, which is well worth the extra effort. From there, the ascent continues for another 1.5 miles, combining dirt trails with more rugged, rocky sections. On the left, a large waterfall invites adventurous hikers to climb down and get up close—a challenging but rewarding experience. We hiked with our three kids (ages 21, 19, and 14), and they handled it with no issues. I wouldn’t recommend this hike for children under 10 due to the steep sections and rocky terrain. Around the 3-mile mark, the trail flattens, and you meander for about a mile through wildflowers and dense forest. It’s a peaceful section, where the sound of waterfalls and the freeway fade away. The trees thin out near the top, so there’s little shade and the sun can be intense on a midday hike. As you descend, there is a short detour to a viewpoint with majestic angles of the Columbia Gorge. Around mile 4, you follow streams leading to Waukeenah Falls, another tiered waterfall. You pass several smaller drops before reaching the main viewpoint at mile 4.8. After descending, there’s a short 0.5-mile walk back to the Multnomah Visitor Center, making the full loop roughly 5.5 miles and taking about 3 hours, including stops to enjoy the waterfalls. I’d rate this hike as medium to high exertion. Start on the Multnomah side for the best experience—crowds are lighter on the climb, and the scenery is spectacular throughout. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking waterfalls. Bring water, fruit and trailmix. And make sure you take plenty of photos, the scenery is spectacular.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 5, 2025
    paulrS1827MB

    Some really great waterfalls.

    The falls, and there are several along this road (Historical Columbia River Highway) are really beautiful. Some you can view from the parking lot, better views with a short (< 0.5 mi) walk, longer hikes available. Make sure to get online and get your parking lot pass ($2). It is good for parking off exit 31 of Highway 84. The parking lot on Historical Columbia River Road is private owned and will cost you an extra $20.

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