
Multnomah Falls Attracts Over 2 Million Visitors Annually
Take a short drive east of Portland, Oregon, and you’ll find Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural wonder in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re looking to hike, take photos, learn about local history, or simply enjoy nature, here are eight reasons why you should add Multnomah Falls to your 2025 travel plans.

One of the Tallest Year-Round Waterfalls in America
The falls stand tall and proud as one of America’s highest year-round waterfalls.
At 620 feet high, Multnomah Falls has two main drops. The upper fall reaches 542 feet while the lower fall drops 69 feet.
The water comes from underground springs near Larch Mountain, keeping the falls flowing all year, with the strongest flows in winter and spring.

400,000 Years of Geological History in the Fall’s Cliff Face
The cliff face of Multnomah Falls showcases 400,000 years of geological history.
The powerful Missoula floods shaped these falls about 15,000 years ago, creating layers of Grande Ronde Basalt rock that formed over thousands of years. These layers came from ancient volcanic flows in places like northeast Oregon.
When hot lava met cold water, it created unique rock formations called pillow basalts, which is what you’ll see when you visit the falls.

Hike the Larch Mountain Trail
The Larch Mountain Trail gives hikers a challenging 6.8-mile one-way journey from Multnomah Falls to Larch Mountain’s peak.
This tough trail climbs 4,000 feet but rewards your effort with views of five different volcanoes from Sherrard Point. You’ll walk through old forests full of massive Douglas firs and hemlocks. Along the way, you can stop to admire Wisendanger and Ecola Falls.
The first mile has pavement, then changes to a dirt path with steep zigzags. Even though the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire left its mark, the trail still amazes visitors. Built in 1915 by local business owners, this historic trail adds to the area’s rich story.

Stop by the Multnomah Falls Lodge
After climbing to the top of Multnomah Falls, you can rest at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The City of Portland built this beautiful building in 1925, and architect A.E. Doyle designed it in the “Cascadian” style. The outside walls use local stone, and the building has a high peaked roof with big chimneys that match the rugged gorge landscape.
Inside, you’ll find a restaurant, gift shop, and displays about the area’s history.

Stand at the Benson Bridge
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the falls, the Benson Bridge stands proudly above the rushing water, giving you the best spot to see Multnomah Falls up close.
Built in 1914, this 45-foot concrete bridge rises 105 feet above the lower falls, connecting two beautiful waterfalls. Simon Benson, a Portland lumber businessman, gave the bridge its name. K.P. Biller designed it after Samuel Lancaster suggested building it.
From the bridge, you can see the 542-foot upper falls and feel the mist on your face. Most people can handle the short 0.2-mile walk to the bridge. Remember that parking costs $2, and spots fill up fast during busy times.

Permits Required from May to September
From May to September, you need to plan and get a timed reservation to visit Multnomah Falls. This system runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day to handle the crowds.
Reservations cost $2 and you can get them through Recreation.gov. You’ll have a one-hour window to arrive, and you can book up to 14 days before your visit.

Try to Snag a Timed-Use Permit for Free
If you want to skip booking ahead, you can try getting one of the free timed permits available each day.
These permits are up for grabs at two spots: Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
The Gateway Center, which works well for people coming from Portland, gives out 25 permits daily. Cascade Locks offers another option if you’re coming from the east.

How to Get to Multnomah Falls
You can drive straight to the parking lot by taking Interstate 84 to Exit 31. The Columbia Gorge Express bus runs several times daily from Portland’s Gateway Transit Center to Hood River, stopping at the falls.
Other popular ways to check out Multnomah Falls are by renting an e-bike or joining a guided tour from Portland. Another good choice is taking the shuttle, which stops at six waterfalls without needing permits.
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