5 ways to spend your day at Multnomah Falls
The walk to the Multnomah Falls footbridge is steep but only 0.2 mile from the lower falls' viewing area. There are benches along the way if you need to rest.
You might call Multnomah Falls in Oregon the Disneyland of waterfalls. That’s how popular and overrun with people it is.
Millions visit every year.
Should you go anyway? Yes.
Yes, you absolutely should. Why? For one thing, at 620 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in all of Oregon — a state with at least 238 of the beauties.
The upper falls drop 542 feet into a splash pool, which feeds the lower falls’ 69-foot drop. The dual drops make for an even more dynamic display.
For another, it’s one of the tallest continuously running waterfalls in the United States. That means it doesn’t fully freeze, even as the temperature plunges lower and lower in winter.
Not to mention, it’s absolutely, jaw-droppingly breathtaking and mesmerizing. Full stop.
When you visit, you might just think you’ve somehow left Oregon and wandered into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell. If so, I can say from experience, you’re not the only one.
It’s also a bit like Disneyland in that you can spend the full day there — or most of it, anyway.
And, a much better day than you’re likely to have at Mickey’s House. At least in my opinion, nature’s kingdom is way more magical than the mouse’s.
Multnomah Falls is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, an extinct volcano, as well as rainwater and snowmelt.
While you can visit Multnomah Falls as a quick out-and-back drive from Portland — it’s about 40-minutes — you might want to allow a little more time to soak in the scenery. We have five ideas for your daytrip to this beautiful Pacific Northwest destination.
Take your pick – 5 ways to spend your day at Multnomah Falls, Oregon
1 Enjoy a full day at Multnomah Falls
This famous waterfall can easily be your only stop for the day. The trail to the top of the falls is paved the entire way for better footing, but it can get wet from the waterfall spray and even a bit muddy.
The coffee and snack stand at Multnomah Falls is perfect for a pick-me-up during your visit.
There’s also a restaurant, coffee and snack stand, visitor center, gift shop and picnic area, all at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925. As well as accessible restrooms, of course.
From the parking lot between I-84 East and I-84 West, it’s about a 400-foot walk to the lodge, depending on where you park. This is a wide, paved walkway.
It takes you under I-84 West; along Multnomah Creek where salmon spawn in late summer, fall and winter; under an old railroad bridge; and up to the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway.
Just a short walk from there is the lodge. And, it’s another short walk to the viewing deck at the lower falls. There are both stairs and ramps to get you there.
An old railroad bridge crosses over Multnomah Creek, which runs alongside the walkway from the I-84 parking lot to Multnomah Falls Lodge.
The next bit of the walk is where it starts to get steep, but it’s only another 0.2 mile up to the historic Benson Bridge.
Built in 1914, the photo-worthy footbridge lets you walk directly in front of the upper falls and gaze down at the lower falls, about 100 feet below.
A water-resistant or waterproof layer will come in handy here.
From Benson Bridge, it’s only another mile to the wooden viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls. There, depending on the visibility, you can enjoy an amazing view of the Columbia River — the fourth largest river in the U.S. by volume — and beyond. As well as a dizzying look down the upper falls.
Once you cross Benson Bridge and head uphill on the Multnomah Falls trail, you can enjoy views to the north of the Columbia River and Archer Mountain in Washington. You can also see the parking lot between eastbound and westbound I-84.
All in all, the paved trail is 2.4 miles out and back, with about 600 feet of elevation gain.
The crowds might just be harder to traverse than the trail, even though it is steep. So, bring both your water bottle and your patience.
Once you’re back at the lodge, it’s time to learn about the history and geology of the falls at the visitor center, shop at the gift store and enjoy a bite, either from the restaurant or the coffee and snack stand. Maybe both if you’re there all day.
Dogs are allowed at the viewing points and on the trails at Multnomah Falls, but not in the lodge.
Yes, you can buy a cookie as big as your head at the coffee and snack stand at Multnomah Falls. Tip: Don't order the dirty chai.
Parking at Multnomah Falls
Enter Multnomah Falls Recreation Area or Multnomah Falls Parking on your map app, not Multnomah Falls Lodge. The parking area is the only thing accessible from exit 31 off eastbound or westbound I-84, making it highly convenient.
Labor Day weekend - Memorial Day weekend
(Early September - late May)
Parking is free and first come, first served.
Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend
(Late May - early September)
Parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. requires a $2 timed-use parking permit, available at Recreation.gov. Parking is still first come, first served. There’s no guarantee there will be an open parking spot when you arrive for your timed entry.
2 Visit Multnomah Falls as part of your driving or cycling tour of the Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Corridor
There’s no need to settle for seeing just one waterfall on your daytrip to Multnomah Falls.
There are at least a dozen more, from mini to magnificent, along the Columbia River Highway. This stretch of road, just south of I-84, is aptly known as Waterfall Corridor.
The corridor stretches about 10 miles between Latourell and Ainsworth State Park.
Horsetail Falls is a highlight along the Waterfall Corridor in Oregon.
Some waterfalls are visible from the parking area or with just a short walk. Others are also visible as you drive by.
These include, from east to west along the Columbia River Highway:
Lower Latourell Falls
249 feetVisible as you dive by: Yes
Visible from the parking area: Yes
Park: South side of the Columbia River Highway at the Latourell Falls Trailhead
Walk: 0.15 mile one way — some stairs
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: Yes, accessible
Sheppards Dell Falls
110 feet in two dropsVisible as you dive by: No
Visible from the parking area: Yes
Park: South side of the Columbia River Highway
Walk: 0.1 mile one way — some stairs
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: No
Bridal Veil Falls
160 feet in two dropsVisible as you drive by: Yes
Visible from the parking area: No
Park: North side of the Columbia River Highway at the Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Walk: 0.3 mile one way — some stairs
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: Yes
Wahkeena Falls
242 feet, tieredVisible as you drive by: Yes
Visible from the parking area: Yes
Park: North side of the Columbia River Highway at the Wahkeena Falls Day Use Area
Walk: 0.2 mile one way to the accessible overlook
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: Yes, accessible
Horsetail Falls
176 feetVisible as you drive by: Yes
Visible from the parking area: Yes
Park: North side of the Columbia River Highway at the Horsetail Falls Trailhead
Walk: 0.1 mile one way — some stairs
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Restrooms: No
The Columbia River Highway in Oregon winds through the evergreen trees, past a sign for Horsetail Falls.
Multnomah Falls is visible as you drive by, between Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls.
There is a parking lot for Multnomah Falls on the north side of the Columbia River Highway. However, it’s privately owned and operated, costing $20 at peak times. I recommend avoiding this option. Parking here is extremely limited, and there isn’t room for oversized vehicles or RVs.
3 Drive to the top of Larch Mountain after enjoying Multnomah Falls to see 5 stunning Cascade Mountain peaks — all volcanos
On a clear day — the kind that makes you certain the Pacific Northwest is the most beautiful place on Earth — you can see five different mountain peaks from Sherrard Point on Larch Mountain.
You can drive most of the way to Sherrard Point — about 16 miles up Larch Mountain Road from the town of Corbett — depending on the season.
The road, narrow in places, is typically open from late May or early June until sometime in November. Check the Multnomah County website before you go to ensure it’s open.
From the parking lot at the road’s end, there’s a paved trail with stairs to the viewpoint — about 0.3 mile (0.6 mile total) one way. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Here, markers identify Mount Rainier (14,410 feet), Mount St. Helens (8,364 feet) and Mount Adams (12,276 feet) in Washington. Plus, Mount Hood (11,240 feet) and Mount Jefferson (10,495 feet) in Oregon.
Services at Sherrard Point
The picnic tables and vault toilets at Sherrard Point are accessible. The trail, having stairs, is not. No drinking water is available.
You need a $5 National Forest Recreation Pass, good for one day, to visit.
4 Take in Multnomah Falls then leave the crowds (mostly) behind on a longer hike
Walking to the top of Multnomah Falls will feel relatively easy to the experienced hiker. But, never fear, if you want to keep going, there are a host of other hiking trails in the area. Some on the easier side and some much more challenging.
You can continue up Larch Mountain from the top of Multnomah Falls in Oregon.
Here are just a few:
Larch Mountain Trail #441 - difficult
Distance out and back to Sherrard Point: 14.2 miles
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
Waterfalls: Multnomah Falls, Dutchman Falls (35 feet), Wisendanger Falls (50 feet) and Ecola Falls (59 feet)
Park: Multnomah Falls Recreation Area — exit 31 from eastbound or westbound I-84
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Recreation Pass required: Yes — $5 for a day pass
Oneonta Trail #424 - moderate
Distance out and back to Triple Falls: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,142 feet
Waterfalls: Lower Oneonta Falls (100 feet), Upper Oneonta Falls (64 feet) and Triple Falls (135 feet)
Park: North side of the Columbia River Highway at the Oneonta Trailhead
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Recreation Pass required: Yes — $5 for a day pass
Wahkeena Trail #420 - moderate
Distance out and back to Fairy Falls: 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
Waterfalls: Wahkeena Falls (242 feet) and Fairy Falls (30 feet)
Park: North side of the Columbia River Highway at the Wahkeena Falls Day Use Area
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Recreation Pass required: No
You can learn about other hikes and pick up some tips at the Multnomah Falls Lodge visitor center.
Also of note, many of these trails connect to one another, so you have multiple options for extending your hike and seeing even more stunning nature and waterfalls.
5 Hop on a shuttle and let someone else deal with the crowded roads and parking lots along Waterfall Corridor
Want to keep you eyes on the waterfalls instead of on the road? Let someone else drive you.
Shuttles and tours to Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor range from inexpensive to pricey.
The lower falls of Multnomah Falls drop 69 feet from the upper splash pool.
Here are a few to look into:
Sasquatch Shuttle
Pay $5 (everyday vehicles) or $20 (oversized vehicles) to park at their Bridal Veil parking lot. Then, take the shuttle directly to Multnomah Falls, about 10 minutes away, at no extra cost. Shuttles depart as often as every 30 minutes, starting at 9 a.m. This is the most affordable option we found, and you can even bring your dog.
On Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, you can also catch a shuttle from the Troutdale Visitors Center. This shuttle is $5 a person.
Or, take the 2.5-hour narrated waterfall loop tour. It departs twice a day, with 15-minute stops at five different locations, including Multnomah Falls. Tickets for children 10 and under cost $25. Everyone else is $35.
You can purchase tickets in advance or onsite the day-of, if available.
Waterfall Trolley
This open-air trolley, leaving from Corbett, makes 10 stops along Waterfall Corridor, including at Multnomah Falls. You can hop off anywhere you like and hop back on when the next trolley comes around.
The narrated trolley operates daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Memorial Day weekend and ending Labor Day weekend. Children five and under ride for free. Ages 6 – 12 cost $17, and ages 13 and up are $33. There’s no additional charge for parking.
You can purchase tickets in advance or onsite the day-of, if available.
Waterfall Shuttle
This year-round shuttle offers half-day tours leaving from Portland for $59. Choose the daytime or sunset tour, and see six waterfalls.
Or, choose the all-day Columbia River Gorge adventure tour leaving from Cascade Locks for $189. You’ll see waterfalls, ride an e-bike, have lunch and go kayaking.
Columbia Gorge Express
This bus runs between Portland and Hood River, with multiple daily departures. Stops include Multnomah Falls and Troutdale, where you could catch the Sasquatch Shuttle in summer. A one-way trip costs $10.
You can purchase tickets in advance or onsite the day-of, if available.
As you can see, there are many different ways to enjoy a daytrip to Multnomah Falls. However and whenever you visit, I hope you have a spectacular time. With a setting that stunning, how could you not?
Go forth and explore, my friends. Get dirty. Get wet. Get happy.
