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Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States and is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. More than two million visitors stop by each year to view the unique 620-foot falls. Fed by underground springs from nearby Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies and is usually highest during the winter and spring seasons. Multnomah Falls is one of the top places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study the geology exposed by floods. Six volcanic flows of Grande Ronde Basalt are visible in the fall’s cliff face, representing more than 400,000 years of geological history.

Larch Mountain Trail #441 at Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. From the Multnomah Falls visitor center, a steep trail climbs to cross the historic Benson Bridge. Beyond the bridge those seeking a more rigorous experience can continue to the top of the cliff and take a short spur trail to a small viewing area at the very top of the falls. The total distance to the top of the falls and back is 2.4 miles and around 600’ of elevation or the equivalent of 60 flights of stairs on uneven, steep terrain. Please consider whether you have the sturdy footwear and the 10 hiking essentials before continuing onwards after the bridge.

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.

Reservations are required to visit Multnomah Falls from late May through early September daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Get a timed reservation permit online at for a $2.00 transaction fee.

You can pick up a free timed-use permit (supply limited) at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.

Accessibility

There is accessible parking. A paved path leads to the Visitor Center from the main parking lot off I-84. There are some slight inclines along the path from the parking lot to the visitor center and around the falls viewing area. Limited accessible parking is also available in the parking lot in front of the lodge along the Historic Columbia River Highway (privately operated and fee required).

Watch the video below to gain a sense of what the experience of visiting Multnomah Falls Lodge and Recreation Area is like (View on YouTube).

Parking

There are two options for you to park at Multnomah Falls. Please keep in mind that this is an incredibly popular site, and most parking areas fill up early and stay full. Please consider car-free options by taking Columbia Area Transit, www.ridecatbus.org

Multnomah Falls

General Information

Year-round

Day-Use Only

Aircraft/UAS/drone takeoffs and landings are prohibited at this site.
Stay on the trail at all times & respect closures.
Make sure that pets are on a leash and in control at all times.
Pack out all trash and properly dispose of it, including pet waste.
Extinguish and properly dispose of cigarette butts.
Please do not disturb spawning fish in Multnomah Creek.
Do not litter or throw coins into the creek.
No bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards.
Do not stop or obstruct the Historic Highway (30) when parking.
Only buses and Recreational Vehicles are authorized in Bus/RV designated parking spaces.

Keep pets on leash while in parking areas, plaza and paved portions of the trail

Contact Name: Multnomah Falls Visitor Center

Contact Phone: 503-695-2376

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.575893

Longitude: -122.128025

Directions

There is a large free parking area off of Interstate 84, Exit 31. When this lot is full, the entrance will close automatically. Do not enter if barriers are down.

From Portland, OR travel east on I-84 to Exit 31 (off ramp is on the left). Park and walk south, underneath eastbound I-84 and the railroad tracks and carefully cross the Historic Columbia River Highway to get to the Historic Lodge and Visitor Center.

From Cascade Locks, OR travel west on I-84 to Exit 31 (off ramp is on the left).

Parking is also available off of Historic Highway 30 in front of Multnomah Falls Lodge with limited accessible parking (privately operated and fee required).

Car Free options:

The Columbia Gorge Express offers daily bus service between the Gateway Transit Center in Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks and Hood River, Oregon. There are also commercial shuttle and eBike options that can be found with a quick search on the Internet.