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 3540 reviews
  • TripAdvisor Rating
    April 20, 2026
    Kayla L

    THEFT!!!

    BEWARE!!!!! Car was broken into in the recreation area parking lot. All luggage and carry on stolen. DO NOT LEAVE any bags visible in your vehicle. We were only gone 15 minutes.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    April 19, 2026
    RagsKP94

    Beautiful falls, easy access

    Often, to see a view like this requires a long hike. Not so here. I drove to the lot at the base of the falls by the restaurant. Due to road construction, it is at a dead end only approachable from the west (Portland side). But there is also a parking area right in the middle of I-84 that is easy on/off from either direction with a tunnel to get to the falls. Just beyond the restaurant is a vista to. See the falls. I went further to the bridge you can see from that vista. It isn't far (<1/4 mile). I went early (8AM) on a Sunday morning, and it wasn't crowded at all.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    April 11, 2026
    Sanbir2014

    Amazing spot

    Nice spot and nice view Amazing spot and amazing waterfall Must visit if you are around Gives you peace of mind

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    January 2, 2026
    fungramma51

    Very nice, easy access from the parking lot off I-84.

    The Falls are very nice. There are two tiers. If you are driving on the Old Columbia Hwy 30 there is a tiny parking area which is almost always full, even weekdays off season. It would be easier to approach off I-84 where there is a very large parking lot with bathrooms even. You walk through an underpass (under the old highway) just a short way. You can see the falls from the parking lot. If you’re adventurous ( and don’t have a problem with stairs) you can climb up to a higher level where there is a foot-bridge going across the front of the falls. It was raining while we were there but there were still lots of people. It is the only falls off the river that doesn’t take a hike to get to.

  • 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.

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