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A 620-foot waterfall on the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls trail offers Oregon’s tallest and most spectacular cascade and stunning views over the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Information:
– Distance: 2.4 miles out and back.
– Difficulty: Difficult
– Time: 1:10 hours
– Elevation gain: 870 feet
Embarking on a hike along the Multnomah Falls trail provides an opportunity to explore three distinct segments of the waterfall: the upper falls (542 feet), the main falls (9 feet), and the lower falls (69 feet). Each segment offers its unique beauty and charm.
The trail starts next to Multnomah Falls Lodge. Engage on the paved path for ¼ mile to reach Benson Bridge. This concrete bridge replaced the original log poles bridge built in the 1880s.
From there, you have a point of view of the upper and lower waterfalls.
Cross the bridge to start the steep climb.
As you ascend, the environment becomes tranquil and relaxing, with fewer hikers on the trail. The shaded slope is steep but agreeable. There are multiple photo opportunities to capture the scenic area and the Columbia River.
At the crest, engage on the first right junction. From there, the path follows the riverbed until the top of the fall. There is a viewpoint balcony to admire the waterfall from above and recognize the Benson Bridge.
In less than two miles, you reach the waterfall.
Multnomah Falls is steeped in Native American legends. One of the most poignant and loving stories is associated with the daughter of the Multnomah tribe’s chief. She sacrificed herself by jumping from the cliff to cure her people and husband of a deadly disease.
For the final legs of the hike, backtrack to the trail.
This article is based on my hike in July 2023.
Address: Multnomah Falls, 97014, Oregon, U.S.A.
Ready to hike Multnomah Falls?
Plan your visit:
– I recommend hiking early morning to avoid heat
– Park open from 7 AM to dusk
– Parking: A timed use permit is required from May through September.
– Grab water, hiking shoes, and suncream
– More information at https://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/
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