Multnomah Falls (Waterfall in Oregun) | History, Location, FAQs

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Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson, Oregon, United States. It spans two tiers on basalt cliffs, it is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon at 620 feet in height.

Multnomah waterfall formed around 15,000 years ago at the end of a hanging valley, and was created by the Missoula floods.

According to the creation story from the Multnomah tribe (from whom the falls take their name), the Multnomah waterfall was formed after a young woman sacrificed herself to the Great Spirit to save a Multnomah village from a plague by jumping from the cliff, and the Multnomah peoples were saved. After her death, water began to flow from above the cliff, creating the waterfall.

The falls were noted in the journals of explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis during their expedition through the Columbia River Gorge in 1805. In an October 30 journal entry, Lewis notes:

“a butifull cascade falling over a rock of about 100 feet.”

The origin of the falls’ naming is unclear; scholar Lewis A. McArthur, in Oregon Geographic Names, suggested that S. G. Reed, a prominent mercantile clerk in Portland and native of Massachusetts, may have been the first to apply the name with the idea of popularizing sites along the Columbia River for steamboat excursions.

Multnomah falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet and a lower falls of 69 feet, with a gradual 9 foot drop in elevation between the two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet. The two drops are due to a zone of more easily eroded basalt at the base of the upper falls.

Underground springs from Larch Mountain are the year-round source of water for the waterfall, augmented by spring runoff from the mountain’s snowpack and rainwater during the other seasons. This spring is the source of Multnomah Creek.

A five-ribbed spandrel bridge, the Multnomah Creek Bridge, was built in 1914 to bring what is now the Historic Columbia River Highway across Multnomah Creek below the falls. It is 67 feet long and is a contributing structure in the highway’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and in its designation as a National Historic Landmark.

The Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, is located at the base of the waterfall and has excellent views. It is home to a restaurant, gift shop, espresso bar, and U.S. Forest Service interpretive center.

The falls attract over two million visitors each year, making it the most-visited natural recreation site in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

The I-84 parking lot is the only way to access the falls; parking or stopping is not allowed on the historic highway. It is recommended to visit at off-times, such as early morning or mid-week. You can also take a guided tour or a shuttle.

FAQs

Is there a fee for Multnomah Falls?

Visiting Multnomah Falls is free. However, from late May through early September, a timed-use permit costing $2 per vehicle is required for parking at the I-84 Exit 31 lot. These permits can be reserved up to two weeks in advance through Recreation.gov.

Alternatively, a limited number of free permits are available for pickup at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.

How long is the hike to Multnomah Falls?

The main viewing platform is a short, paved walk from the parking area, suitable for all visitors. For those interested in hiking to the top of the falls, it’s a 2.4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 600 feet, equivalent to climbing 60 flights of stairs on uneven, steep terrain.

What city is closest to Multnomah Falls?

The nearest city to Multnomah Falls is Troutdale, Oregon, located approximately 15 miles to the west. Portland is about 30 miles west of the falls.

Can you walk on the bridge at Multnomah Falls?

Yes, visitors can walk on Benson Bridge, which spans the lower section of the falls. This vantage point offers a unique perspective of both the upper and lower cascades.

How much time to spend at Multnomah Falls?

A visit can range from a brief 30-minute stop to view the falls from the base, to several hours if you plan to hike to the top or explore nearby trails. The Multnomah Falls Lodge offers dining and a gift shop, which can extend your visit.

How to see Multnomah Falls without a permit?

During the peak season (late May to early September), if you prefer not to obtain a timed-use permit, consider using public transportation or shuttle services. The Columbia Gorge Express operates between Portland and Multnomah Falls, providing convenient access without the need for a parking permit. Additionally, visiting during off-peak hours or seasons can allow access without a permit.

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