Multnomah Falls ◆ Oregon
Multnomah Falls, 611 feet down.
The tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most-photographed waterfalls in America — 611 vertical feet in two tiers with a footbridge across the lower pool.
Field guide ◆ Multnomah Falls
Plan the trip.
Multnomah Falls drops 611 feet in two tiers down a basalt cliff in the Columbia River Gorge — the tallest year-round waterfall in Oregon and one of the most-photographed waterfalls in America. The Benson Bridge, an early-1900s footbridge, crosses the lower pool and offers the iconic shot.
For a half-day visit: drive the Historic Columbia River Highway from Portland (40 minutes) and stop at the falls. Walk to the bridge (paved, 0.2 miles uphill). For more, hike to the top (2.4 miles round-trip, switchbacks, paved). Combine with Latourell Falls and Wahkeena Falls (each just minutes apart along the same scenic highway).
Timed-entry permits required mid-May to early September during peak season — book on recreation.gov. Year-round destination but spring (April-June) has the highest water flow.
On the map ◆
Where you're going.
Pack the kit ◆ For Multnomah Falls
What to bring.
Trip-tested picks for this destination — gear that's earned its place across multiple visits.
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