Multnomah Falls
Multnomah County, Oregon
Details
Distance
2.61 miles
Elevation Gain
1214 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Michael Matti
See the beautiful Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge with just a few hundred foot walk. If you can, come early or late to avoid the crowds.
Anytime you're visiting the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon it is worth making a quick stop at Multnomah Falls. This waterfall is the tallest in the Oregon at 620 feet and the third largest in the Pacific Northwest behind Bridal Veil Falls (1,289 feet) and Green Lake Falls (979 feet) and has an average flow rate of 150 cu ft/s over two drops. The falls are only about 30 miles from Portland and 30 miles from Hood River. The parking lot is right by the road and the waterfall is right by the parking lot. Its is only a few hundred feet walk on an even paved surface to reach the main viewpoint. If you're looking for something a bit longer, there are other options if you wish to hike near the falls. There is a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike to a viewpoint above the falls as seen in the GPX track below. There is also the beautiful Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop trail (approx. 5 miles) that goes to other waterfalls in the area.
Regardless of if you plan to hike further, this is a definite must see in the Columbia River Gorge. It can be seen in any season and changes drastically from the vibrant greens of spring to the colors of fall to the snow of winter. Each season provides a new photographic opportunity.
Be sure to go early or come late as this is a very popular stop and can become quite crowded. At the base of the Falls is Multnomah Falls Lodge and visitors center, which offers a coffee bar, gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms.
NOTES:
- Be sure to check rec.gov to see if reservations are required especially if visiting during the busier summer months
- Check the U.S. Forest Service website for any closures in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- Location coordinates: 45.57758 -122.117
- Trailhead address: 53000 Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR 97019
Driving directions from either Portland or Hood River, take I-84 to exit 31 and park in the Multnomah Falls Parking Lot. If the lot is full, check the Sasquatch Shuttle parking lot at Exit 28 behind the post office.
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Reviews
If it weren't for a good friend's advice to check out this waterfall, I would have had the great misfortune of knowing I was so close but missed out on its greatness. That being said, I believe I should have take the time to explore the area further. I miss the Pacific Northwest.
3.0
The falls were beautiful, and definitely worth a quick stop. But as everyone has mentioned, the crowds make it difficult to stick around for too long.
4.0
Multnomah Falls is a classic destination for Oregonian Adventures, but with paved trails and handrails and crowds of people taking selfies, it's a bit too touristy to be a favorite hike for me. The views of the Falls are incredible, though, and I look forward to going back and exploring other less busy trails in the Columbia River Gorge.
4.0
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Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop
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Triple Falls
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