Height is the headline. At 541 ft, Multnomah Falls ranks #3 of the 30 falls whose height has passed our source check, and you feel that scale long before you see the whole drop.
Being part of Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area helps. Trails to Multnomah Falls are generally maintained and signed, and the park is the first place to check for closures before you go.
Part of the appeal of Multnomah Falls is that it rewards a little effort: the closer you get, the cooler the air and the louder the water, and the photos rarely do it justice.
Geology and background
Listed at 541 feet on the source state page (the upper drop; the full two-tier fall is taller). A roadside fall on the Historic Columbia River Highway, with a bridge trail to the lower viewing area.
What makes it special
A two-tier fall fed by springs on Larch Mountain, listed at 541 feet for the upper drop (some guides cite 620 feet for the full two tiers), and the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, with more than two million visitors a year. The lower viewpoint and Benson Bridge sit a short walk from the road, while a steep trail climbs to the top.
Plan your visit
Getting there and parking
Parking: Large free parking area off I-84 Exit 31; the Historic Highway 30 lot by the Lodge is privately operated and a fee is required.
Prices and passes
Timed-use permit: Required late May to early September, 9am-6pm; in 2026, 22 May-7 September, with a $2 transaction fee via Recreation.gov.
Facilities
Accessibility: Accessible parking and a paved path with slight inclines to the Visitor Center and viewing area.
Visitor Center: 10am-2pm; snack bar, gift shop and restaurant on site; restrooms closed for renovation through November 2026, portable toilets only.
Best time and crowds
Flow: Usually highest in winter and spring; year-round day use.
How long to spend
Allow 30 minutes for the lower viewpoint and bridge, or 2 to 3 hours if you hike to the top.
Trail to the top: 2.4 miles round trip, about 600 ft climb, steep and uneven, rigorous.
Where to stay nearby
Stay in Troutdale, Cascade Locks, or Portland — all within an hour’s drive — for an early start, when the parking lot is quietest.
Safety
Safety: Stay on the trail, no drones, no bikes/e-bikes/scooters.
Dogs: Leashed and in control at all times; keep on leash in parking areas, plaza and paved portions.
Waterfalls mark a change in the ground beneath a stream: a fault, a glacier-cut valley wall, or a band of hard rock the water cannot wear down as quickly as what lies below it.
Water flow and seasons
No stream gauge is linked to Multnomah Falls yet, so recent rain is your best guide. The weather panel on this page adds up the last three days of rain at the fall.
Expect the most water in spring and after heavy rain. In a dry spell, especially late summer and early fall, the same fall can look half the size.
The trail and the viewpoint
The listed hike to Multnomah Falls is about 2.4 miles. It is rated strenuous. Trail lengths in our data can mean one way or round trip depending on the source, so confirm on the trailhead sign.
Swimming is not listed. Treat the plunge pool as off-limits unless signs say otherwise: the water at the base is colder and stronger than it looks.
Facilities and amenities
Facilities depend on Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: larger parks usually have a signed trailhead, restrooms and a parking area, while smaller reserves may have none of these.
Plan as if there is no drinking water and no phone signal at the falls themselves. Use the restroom and fill your bottles before you start walking.
Fees, permits, and opening hours
No entry fee is listed. Parks may still charge for parking or day use, and federal lands often accept an annual pass instead.
Most falls are reachable from dawn to dusk. Gates, seasonal road closures and timed-entry permits are the usual surprises, so check the managing agency on the day.
How to get to Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon. For the last stretch, navigate by coordinates (45.57595, -122.11536) rather than by name. Map apps often send waterfall searches to the wrong parking lot or the far side of the stream.
The final approach is usually the hardest part: narrow roads, small trailhead lots that fill early, and a walk that can be ten minutes or several hours. Download an offline map before you lose signal.
Our Oregon waterfalls page maps every fall in the state, which helps when you are planning a route.
For the fullest flow, visit Multnomah Falls in spring or within a couple of days of heavy rain. For easier footing and warmer air, early summer is the compromise.
Light matters for photos: the base of a fall is often in shade by midday, and an overcast day evens out the bright water against dark rock.
Crowds and timing
Arrive early or late. The middle of a summer weekend is peak time almost everywhere, and small trailheads can be full by 10 a.m.
Holiday weekends and the first warm days of spring are the busiest of all. If the lot is full, do not park on the road shoulder: it is the most common reason for tickets and towing at trailheads.
How long to spend there
For a 2.4 mile hike, allow roughly 1.7 to 2.6 hours, including time at the falls. Add more if the trail is steep, muddy or busy.
If there are other falls nearby, they are often on the same road or trail system. Two or three in a day is very doable.
Where to stay near Multnomah Falls
We do not recommend specific places to stay. The links below search for hotels and campgrounds around Multnomah Falls on Google Maps, so you can compare drive times from the trailhead.
Stay on marked trails and behind railings. Wet, mossy rock near the brink is the most common cause of serious injury.
Never climb the cascade or stand at the top edge, even when the flow looks gentle.
Plunge pools hide cold water, strong currents and submerged logs. Only swim where it is allowed.
In canyons, rain upstream can raise the water in minutes. Leave if the water turns muddy or starts to rise.
Leave no trace: pack out trash, stay off fragile moss and plants, and keep drones grounded where they are banned.
What to bring
Shoes with real grip
A rain shell for the spray
Water and a snack
An offline map or screenshot
A dry bag for your phone
Cash for parking
A bag to pack out trash
Practical visitor tips
Screenshot the directions and these coordinates before you leave town.
Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet: spray reaches further than you expect.
Keep your phone in a zip bag near the base.
Pack out everything, including food scraps.
Tell someone where you are going if the trail is long or remote.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Multnomah Falls, Oregon located?
Multnomah Falls is in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon. Its GPS coordinates are 45.57595, -122.11536.
What kind of waterfall is Multnomah Falls, Oregon?
Its form (plunge, cascade, horsetail and so on) is not listed yet.
How tall is Multnomah Falls?
It is 541 ft tall, a height that passed our source check.
How much does it cost, and when is it open?
No fee is listed, though parking or day-use fees may apply. Most falls are open dawn to dusk; check the managing agency for seasonal closures.
Is Multnomah Falls good for families?
It depends on the trail, which we have not confirmed. Check the length and terrain first, and keep children well back from wet rock and the edge.
How do I know if it is flowing?
No gauge is linked, so use the last three days of rain in the weather panel: more rain usually means more water.
The bottom line
Multnomah Falls is a 541 ft waterfall worth building a day around. Check the flow before you go, start early to beat the crowds, and stay well back from the edge.
Waterfalls nearby
One fall rarely fills a day. These are within about 40 miles.
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