sunset hits the top of the mountain where a large waterfall bursts through the trees and cascades down the hillside, with a small bridge overlook sunset hits the top of the mountain where a large waterfall bursts through the trees and cascades down the hillside, with a small bridge overlook
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Multnomah Falls, 30 miles (48km) east of Portland, is Oregon’s tallest waterfall.
Credit: Travel Oregon (photographer: Katie Falkenberg)

Multnomah Falls

Oregon’s tallest waterfall is a year-round attraction for all ages and abilities.

2 min read

Know Before You Go

Before you head out, check with USFS for the most up-to-date information on alerts, conditions and trail closures.

Oregon is a state where water regularly flows down from on high. Multnomah Falls — all 620 feet (189 m) — stands above the rest as Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

Getting to Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the two-drop cascade attracts visitors of all types and ages with paved trails and wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms. Steep hiking trails lead all the way to the top and the upper falls. Fed by rainwater and snowmelt, the beautiful waterfall’s steady stream runs year-round, making it a year-round attraction. The highest volume of water is in winter and spring. Also, in the height of winter, the waterfall sometimes freezes partially.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice
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Oregon's famous Multnomah Falls is especially gorgeous when it's partially frozen.
Credit: D. Paul Angel via Flickr
green foliage surrounds a large waterfall bursts through the trees and cascades down the hillside, with a small bridge overlook
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In the summer, the turbulent water of Multnomah Falls is surrounded on all sides by lush foliage.
Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.
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Multnomah Falls, 30 miles east of Portland, is Oregon's tallest waterfall.

As Oregon’s most-visited site, it is often crowded, especially on summer weekends, when the Multnomah Falls parking lot frequently fills up. Make a plan days in advance, and remember, a timed use permit is required daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend visiting during less busy times (midweek, early mornings), taking a shuttle or taking a guided tour.

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

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Trails and Viewpoints

The lower-level viewing platform is not only a great place to enjoy the view; it’s perfect for catching your breath before forging ahead to the top. Alternatively, you can return to the Multnomah Falls Lodge below, where an elevator can take visitors to the upper viewing area. The lodge was built in 1925 and provides excellent views. It is home to a restaurant, a gift shop, an espresso and snack bar, and the U.S. Forest Service interpretive center.

Whether you climb to the top for spectacular views or peer up from the bottom, dress warmly and wear shoes with traction. The waterfall’s spray makes the entire area cool and slick. Dressing for the water also means you’re already prepared for rainy weather if storm clouds happen to roll into the Columbia River Gorge during your visit.

Attractions, Outdoors, Region

Gorge Gems

Discover more things to see and do while exploring the scenic Columbia River Gorge.

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the vista house is in the distance, framed by brush and tree branches on three sides in the foreground

Crown Point Vista House

Called the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop and museum. Enjoy a 360-degree of the gorge and a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River.

view from the sky of the vista house and columbia river gorge

Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge

Savor the views and flavor of Hood River and the scenic gorge with this 48-hour itinerary.

peaple sitting on outdoor benches

The Dalles

Sweeping dry grasslands and jagged rocky outcroppings dominate a golden horizon on your way to explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.