Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is Oregon's most-visited natural attraction, dropping 620 feet in two tiers over basalt cliffs formed by ancient lava flows. The upper tier plunges 542 feet, making it the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, while a lower cascade adds a further 69 feet. The Benson Bridge — a historic stone arch spanning the gorge between the two tiers at about 105 feet above the lower falls — provides one of the most-photographed viewpoints in Oregon. The falls are fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain and maintain strong flow year-round, peaking in May and June when snowmelt augments the stream. From the lower viewing platform the full height of both tiers is visible; the 11-mile round-trip Larch Mountain Trail climbs through old-growth Douglas fir forest above the falls to Sherrard Point at 4,055 feet. The easier Multnomah Falls Trail ascends steeply 1.1 miles from the lodge to the Benson Bridge, with an additional 0.4-mile switchback climb to a platform at the crest of the upper falls. The historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, houses a restaurant, gift shop, and the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center exhibit area. During the timed-entry permit season from May through September, visitors arriving by car must book a recreation.gov permit in advance for $2 per person; the Columbia Gorge Express bus from Gateway Transit Center in Portland bypasses this requirement entirely. Parking at the Historic Columbia River Highway turnout is extremely limited and fills before 8 AM on summer weekends.