Things to Do at Multnomah Falls
Complete Guide to Multnomah Falls in Portland
About Multnomah Falls
What to See & Do
The Main Falls Viewpoint
The classic view from the base where you can see both tiers of the waterfall. It's genuinely impressive and requires zero hiking - perfect for a quick stop or if mobility is a concern.
Benson Bridge
A short but steep 0.2-mile hike takes you to this stone bridge that spans between the upper and lower falls. The mist can be intense here, but the perspective is worth getting a bit damp.
Top of the Falls Trail
A more challenging 1.2-mile hike to the top of Multnomah Falls. It's steep and can be crowded, but you'll get views of the Columbia River Gorge and can peer down at where you started.
Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge
Built in 1925, this rustic stone lodge houses a restaurant, gift shop, and visitor center. It's a decent spot to grab a bite and learn about the area's history, though the food is more about convenience than culinary excellence.
Wahkeena Falls Trail Connection
If you're up for a longer adventure, you can connect to the Wahkeena Falls trail system for a loop hike that takes you past multiple waterfalls. It's about 5 miles total and gives you a sense of the broader gorge ecosystem.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
The falls are accessible 24/7, but the parking area and lodge typically operate from dawn to dusk. The visitor center usually opens around 9 AM and closes by 5 PM, though hours can vary seasonally.
Tickets & Pricing
No entrance fee required - it's completely free to visit. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is your best bet for snagging a spot.
Best Time to Visit
Late fall through early spring offers the most dramatic water flow, though winter can mean icy trails. Summer tends to be crowded but offers the most reliable weather. Early morning visits help you avoid the worst crowds regardless of season.
Suggested Duration
Plan on 30 minutes for just the viewpoint, 1-2 hours if you're hiking to Benson Bridge, or 3-4 hours for the full hike to the top. Traffic and parking can add extra time, especially on busy days.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
About 10 minutes west, this 249-foot waterfall is less crowded than Multnomah and offers a nice contrast with its distinctive columnar basalt backdrop.
Just a mile west of Multnomah, this series of cascading falls offers good hiking trails and tends to be quieter despite being equally beautiful.
About 15 minutes east, you can watch salmon migrations through fish ladders and learn about the Columbia River's hydroelectric system. More educational than scenic, but surprisingly interesting.
This 1918 observatory sits 733 feet above the Columbia River and offers panoramic views of the gorge. It's about 10 minutes away and gives you great perspective on the whole area.
Another roadside waterfall about 5 minutes east that you can actually walk behind - it's called Ponytail Falls once you get to the back side. Less dramatic than Multnomah but uniquely interactive.