Multnomah Falls Reviews

4.7

1 of 4 Best Attractions in Bridal Veil


Reviews

Multnoma Falls, OR

By Ambassador141701 |

One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in the US. If you get the chance, just go. Or, just go. You won't regret it

Nightmare parking breathtaking views

By Kyle R |

What an absolute nightmare getting into but once you’re there, it actually becomes a pretty all inspiring adventure. We spent 45 minutes sitting in a line trying to park they did not tell you that there was additional parking off the interstate which would’ve helped until after you’re already stuck in traffic, people are just sitting there waiting for people to leave which causes the traffic to be even longer and blocking everything I do believe something needs to be done about that either traffic control or something so my advice is to be warned or be ready to sit and wait but after getting inside there, the views are absolutely breathtaking

A Must See

By sdurkin24 |

Very easy to find and to get to, however, it is imperative that you buy your ticket for your specific day and time ahead of time, unless you likely won't be able to go see it as they'll most likely be sold out (we went on a Saturday, as of 9 am they were sold out for the day - we had bought our tix beforehand). You can see the waterfall from the parking lot, but I definitely recommend paying to walk up and go see it up close. There's also a little hike which is not difficult to get up to higher elevation to see it better. It is very touristy, there will be alot of other people around you, but I still recommend seeing it as it's one of the easiest and most beautiful waterfalls to see in the area. As an aded bonus, definitely recommend Multnomah Falls Lodge to stop for lunch or brunch - the food was delicious, only to be surpassed by the beautiful ambience!

Beautiful in all Seasons

By Michael Teems Jr |

This waterfall is beautiful year round. I went in winter and there was plenty of snow and ice around the falls. It’s easily accessible year round.

Breathtaking

By Kathy V |

A beautiful waterfall that is so majestic, powerful and loud. Take your time to walk up to to the bridge separating the upper from the lower falls. Feel the mist on your face. It's Mother Nature at her finest.

Some really great waterfalls.

By Paul R |

The falls, and there are several along this road (Historical Columbia River Highway) are really beautiful. Some you can view from the parking lot, better views with a short (< 0.5 mi) walk, longer hikes available. Make sure to get online and get your parking lot pass ($2). It is good for parking off exit 31 of Highway 84. The parking lot on Historical Columbia River Road is private owned and will cost you an extra $20.

Plan Your Visit - Particularly Timing - Carefully

By FiftyFifty5050 |

Much as we would have loved to walk up to the falls, we were unable to find anywhere to park, either at Multnomah itself or at Wahkeena, which is about 1/4 of a mile down the road.

We had read in reviews that parking was a problem but naively thought that mid week in March would be a relatively quiet time, not so.

It would be worth doing your research before a visit to see if you can find out the quietest times to avoid the frustration of having to turn around and come back again.

That said, the falls can be seen from the road as you pass, or as you queue and wait for that precious parking space. All we managed were photos taken from the car windows, but perhaps we shall be luckier on another visit.

Second tallest falls in USA

By Carrie A |

Beautiful falls with easy access walking trail. From looking at the falls and turning around to look at the Columbia river it was a beautiful day.

Great hike, beautiful views

By twinmom8 |

We did some touristy things before dropping my daughter off at school. First time to the falls and its stunning. We did hike all the way to the top of the falls and they have a lookout point there. There are 11 switchbacks to get thru but the views are worth it. Will be back to try the full trail later.

Nice waterfalls.

By S S |

Make sure you read up on passes needed and obtain before leaving. We skipped that and went with the trolley. $21 held time slot, big parking lot, and hopped on. I It was super easy and loved not having the hassle of trying to find nonexistent parking spot, moving car site to site etc. only downfall was having to wait for the next trolley to take us to the next spot that was an hour in between. Not a big deal if you are there to hike.

Touristy

By Lorne B |

Busy. Definitely touristy. We hiked all the way to the top. I would say it was moderately challenging. Was worth it looking down. Although you can get a really good view from the bridge.

Incredible Site

By BusinessTravelr2020 |

The falls was a great stop outside of Portland, complete with some hiking if you are so inclined and some really cool views from the bridge.

didn't meet expectations

By tjnels |

This is a beautiful waterfall. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was honestly prettier in photos. Maybe only nature setting I have felt that way. It is really really busy and we went after Labor Day.

Super gorgeous

By Sharon |

If you're staying in Portland without a car, I cannot recommend getting in and out with the Columbia Gorge Express enough—it's only $15 and includes the entrance to the falls, as well as an all-day hop-on, hop-off service in the scenic Gorge area. The falls are obviously the main attraction but I highly recommend taking the hike all the way up, where you'll see 2 more beautiful waterfalls, until you reach the junction. The hike gets calmer since most people don't go past halfway but you'll definitely see some cool bird sightings and beautiful rock formations along the way.

Morning hike and run in the Columbia Gorge

By WWTraveler27 |

It was a beautiful morning hike. The trail was not crowded, making it a relaxing way to start the day. Although I've hiked it before, this was my first time experiencing it early in the day. It's a must-see if you're spending time in the Columbia Gorge.

Bad end to beautiful day

By waterboyx3 |

Beautiful to see but 4 cars were broken into when we were in our hike, including ours. Seems like an organized effort as rear windows of SUVs broken put. One person had just under $900 charged to their credit card within an hour. Waited on phone for 50 minutes with Sherriff's office only to be told to fill out report online. Locals that we talked to said the car break ins are common throughout area. From us, they got an old backp with sentimental value and 2 pieces of fruit. If you are going to enjoy the beauty of Oregon, be careful

If you enjoy waterfalls this is a can't miss!

By Tripletravel2016 |

Beautiful area full of photo opportunities! Hiked to the top and the views of the Columbia River were amazing!

As always, impressive.

By Steve t |

The falls are always well worth a visit and the walk up to the bridge is pretty easy and worth the effort. Parking was easy and close. There's a small Nat'l Parks office next to the gift shop that's worth a visit; many overlook it.

Doesn't get any better!

By David G |

We were visiting friends in Washington and they have the Columbia River Gorge as their backyard! This is the first place they took us to show off. We hiked up to the very top view point and totally loved it! It was crowded at the bottom, but the crowds thinned out a lot by the time we got to the top! It is a "must see" when visiting the Gorge

Make a reservation in advance so you can control when you visit. Morning works best if the weather is clear.

By Jeremy V |

Very inexpensive ($2 per car), short drive from Portland, easily accessible from the freeway, easy initial hike, beautiful view, good gift shop/restaurant options, but make a reservation in advance so you can go when you want to. We probably went at the worst time (2:00 pm) for pictures, because the sun was almost straight overhead, Unfortunately the visitor information center also closes at 2 pm, though I think we got the gist from seeing it ourselves.

Great View

By Vancity Adventure |

This is a must see when your in the area. Beautiful and breathtaking. We will be back Vancity Adventure

Perfect waterfall

By TravelGodsworld |

It was so cold but so worth it! It was blowing the mist into sleet but the hike kept us warm. The waterfall was full and just picture perfect. We ate at the restaurant, my daughter really enjoyed the Salmon sandwich.

Great view, awful coffee

By Grace K. |

Hike all the way to the top for a spectacular view of the top of the waterfall and the river and mini waterfall leading up to it. However, a short ways away from the parking are two very easy and quick viewpoints of the whole water fall from the ground and a pedestrian bridge; go on a Sunny and clear day for great photos.
The hike is definitely hard at times, especially if you’re asthmatic, since the incline is all at once for a while. If taken slow, most average people could definitely do it. Good news is that after switchback 9 it’s all downhill to the waterfall. Go right at the fork for the viewpoint!
I do have to warn whoever goes here not to get the coffee at the cafe near the entrance. It was offensive, bad, gross, awful… and expensive at $6.50. Pass on the coffee, the flavor of it still haunts me to this day as the worst I’ve ever had; I wouldn’t be surprised if it was actually instant coffee they used for the latte.

Multnomah Falls has been on my bucket list for years!!! so glad we went had a very nice time. Ate lunch at the lodge.

By ALETHA KETCHELL |

don't miss out on this one, its soooo beautiful!!! take the time to climb up the walkway & cross the bridge.

Great and easy hike with nice scenery

By Max G |

A great little hike that wasn't too strenuous. Lots of great picture opportunities. The water fall was a cool sight. Pretty reasonable parking for only $10.

beautiful area

By mtgirl1982 |

lots of beautiful waterfalls and great fall colors. enjoyed walking / hiking around. it was not to busy when we were there and parking was easy to find. worth the stop

Absolutely beautiful

By Kevin R |

Stunningly beautiful. Christmas Eve was busy but not crazy. Food was very good. All of the waterfalls were at full throttle due to the rain. Gift shop had good maps of the area as well as the gorge visitor center. All staff encountered were friendly and courteous. Bathrooms and grounds were clean.
Would return!

Must see

By Gwham3304 |

Amazing waterfall, easy hike, cute gift shop. Can get crowded. Hard to tell if you have to pay for parking or not. We ended up paying 10 bucks to park which was a little expensive, but in the grand scheme of things, small price to pay in order to enjoy the beauty of this landmark.

Amazing

By Jennifer M |

The falls is beautiful. You have to walk under the highway to get there but very well paved. The hike up the falls isn’t bad for a beginner. Plenty of resting spots. Very photogenic. I also had breakfast at the lodge and it was so fresh and delicious. Highly recommend

Awesome inspiring

By Lisa G |

This is a beautiful location that is very accessible for all. You can actually see it from the parking lot, and the bottom part is an easy walk and wheel chair accessible. As you continue walking up the trails to reach the top, the going gets a little tougher and stops being so accessible. It is an awe-inspiring sight and well worth the visit. It's basically free. You just have to purchase a $2 parking pass in advance online.

Very nice, and very touristy.

By TOURtheWORLDMexPal |

To avoid the masses and touristy crowds, I arrived the falls at 8pm mid June. Very few people. You can easily take a photo of the whole falls include the bridge with no one on it. Very picturesque. Yes, a must see. And for those who may think the movie “Lord of the Rings” was filmed there, the answer NO. It was not. I did the research.
Easy walk to the bridge 0.2 miles up paved way. 20-30 minutes stay and photo taking is plenty.
Not the parking (very limited spots during the day, plenty available at 8pm) costs $20 before 6pm and $10 after 6. It is on the historic route.

Just Beautiful!

By debbrandt72 |

This waterfall is a must see! You need a ticket to walk back to the falls, but it’s was minimal, so it was totally worth it. If you can’t walk to the bridge, the view from the lower level is amazing as well. You won’t be disappointed with this experience.

Go Early

By Sandy M |

Falls were beautiful but the parking situation is a nightmare! There is a tiny lot across the street that is probably full by 9:00 am and there is no parking along the road. There's a lot off Exit 31 that you need to get a paid, timed pass to access and then you walk under the interstate to get to the other parking lot/falls area. Crazy thing is buying the timed pass does not guarantee you any available parking either. People come here to hike so once the car is parked, it's there for hours. Just keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Beautiful falls and hike

By Michele E |

The falls are beautiful and the walk up is scenic. Lots of switchbacks and will get your blood pumping. Make sure to follow the signs to the falls or you’ll end up on a longer hike.

Hike to the top, it’s so worth it

By Brit_in_Mex2023 |

The falls are amazing at the bottom and when you take the short walk to the bridge.
But the most amazing part is when you do the 1 mile hike up to the top. It took us nearly an hour with our kids moaning and taking lots of breaks the whole way. But we all agreed with was totally worth it. It is breathtaking up top. We went further up the falls and the place to ourselves. We must have spent an hour there easily. Our children did not want to leave. One of the most rewarding hikes we have done.
The summer months require you to book a time slip, which is easily done online the day before.
Definitely worth a visit and the hike up.

Great view from the top!

By Travl’n Taylors |

What a great view from the top. There are a couple of stopping points along the way, for photos, with the waterfall in the back ground.

MUST SEE STOP – BUT BEWARE

By Jaskel08 |

LOVED IT! Not only is it one of the largest in Oregon, but what makes it special is its accessibility and visibility. It is a short drive on I84 east of Portland. The parking lot is literally right next to the freeway. It’s a very short walk to the base of falls. There is a wide clear view of falls, not just from the base, but also from the Columbia River, I84, and the parking lot.

There are two sections of the falls, the small lower section and the much bigger upper section. From the base, there is a small hike to a lookout bridge that crosses the upper and lower sections of the falls. This is a must. The view looking up and down the waterfall from here is priceless!

For Couples: This is arguably one of the most romantic places you can take your significant other to.

Advice: GET THERE EARLY, the parking lot can fill up pretty fast.
Advice: There is a 2.5 mile hike up to the top of the waterfalls. The view is nice and enjoyable but not breathtaking. The hike is steep – bring lots water if it’s hot. Also, there are no restrooms along the way.

Use the shuttle

By Amy D |

Use Sasquatch Shuttle’s parking lot and hop-on/hop-off service so you can relax and don’t have to fight traffic.
The falls are iconic and worth it, but it’s crowded year round!

Nice adventure: Multnomah to Waukeenah waterfall loop

By A K |

We hiked the Waterfall Loop in early August and it was an incredible experience. We parked at the main lot for $2 (reserve in advance!) and had our vehicle registration checked shortly after parking. The trail begins with a short walk through the tunnel under the freeway, leading directly toward Multnomah Falls.

The base of Multnomah and its iconic bridge were crowded, but the crowds thinned significantly during the 1-mile trek up to the top. The climb is steep and invigorating, with 11 switchbacks that offer glimpses of the Gorge along the way. About a two-minute detour off the path leads to a viewpoint above the falls, which is well worth the extra effort.

From there, the ascent continues for another 1.5 miles, combining dirt trails with more rugged, rocky sections. On the left, a large waterfall invites adventurous hikers to climb down and get up close—a challenging but rewarding experience.

We hiked with our three kids (ages 21, 19, and 14), and they handled it with no issues. I wouldn’t recommend this hike for children under 10 due to the steep sections and rocky terrain. Around the 3-mile mark, the trail flattens, and you meander for about a mile through wildflowers and dense forest. It’s a peaceful section, where the sound of waterfalls and the freeway fade away.

The trees thin out near the top, so there’s little shade and the sun can be intense on a midday hike. As you descend, there is a short detour to a viewpoint with majestic angles of the Columbia Gorge. Around mile 4, you follow streams leading to Waukeenah Falls, another tiered waterfall. You pass several smaller drops before reaching the main viewpoint at mile 4.8.

After descending, there’s a short 0.5-mile walk back to the Multnomah Visitor Center, making the full loop roughly 5.5 miles and taking about 3 hours, including stops to enjoy the waterfalls.

I’d rate this hike as medium to high exertion. Start on the Multnomah side for the best experience—crowds are lighter on the climb, and the scenery is spectacular throughout. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking waterfalls.

Bring water, fruit and trailmix. And make sure you take plenty of photos, the scenery is spectacular.

A MUST see and do!!!

By Wanda H |

Yes, it can be crowded, so try to schedule accordingly... It's FREE people! And absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Hiking trails. A great gift shop. And most importantly, VERY informative volunteers. If you get a chance, go here and check it out!

Beautiful but busy

By Vic C |

These falls are gorgeous but it was insanely busy. We stopped mid week around mid afternoon and the area was full of other tourists as it is literally off the side of the highway. Absolutely gorgeous falls and worth a quick stop but if you prefer off the beaten track this is not the place for you.

Very nice, easy access from the parking lot off I-84.

By fungramma51 |

The Falls are very nice. There are two tiers. If you are driving on the Old Columbia Hwy 30 there is a tiny parking area which is almost always full, even weekdays off season. It would be easier to approach off I-84 where there is a very large parking lot with bathrooms even. You walk through an underpass (under the old highway) just a short way. You can see the falls from the parking lot. If you’re adventurous ( and don’t have a problem with stairs) you can climb up to a higher level where there is a foot-bridge going across the front of the falls.
It was raining while we were there but there were still lots of people. It is the only falls off the river that doesn’t take a hike to get to.

Great views

By Kevin B |

Great views. The hike from the other falls, upper parking lot is only 10 mins. The bridge is amazing to stand on and see the falls. The hike to the top of the falls was longer than expected and not quite the view I was expecting. The falls is so steep that even from the top you can’t really see all the way down just a shelf with water flowing off. Still worth it. Bring plenty of water.

Pretty. Hike from Wakeena if You Can

By Anna L |

These are pretty waterfalls and we enjoyed visiting them. The hike to the top affords nice views.
The place is busy and the parking lot was full. I can see why they implemented permits.
If you’re sturdy on your feet and don’t mind an approximate 10-15 min hike, park at Wakeena Falls and hike over. There was lots of available parking here and the hike to Multonemeh is signposted. The trail is narrow and well traversed but fairly flat with a few minor inclines. We saw lots of fit and not so fit people hike this, but again, you need decent footwear and to be steady on your feet as there are lots of tree roots and uneven ground.

Majestic

By Joseph Robba |

We almost didn't go because of how touristy this place gets, and on top of that if you miss the turn to get in here, you're going to have to drive a really long ways to turn around and come back. Also, if you're a military veteran, parking is free, just FYI.
The falls were grand and majestic, and we spent about 2 hours here just taking it in. There's a bathroom, gift shop and some snacks here. I know the crowd and the minusha to get here might seem like too much, but it was definitely worth it.

Simply beautiful and easy to get to

By BrakiWorldTraveler |

Amazing waterfall 200 met high.
Very easy to access via I-84, but I strongly suggest taking the slower path via Columbia historic highway. Have in mind if coming with historic highway there's only PAYING parking by the falls. If you want free parking you must drive further and descend down to I-84 back to Portland direction - that parking is big and free between the I-84 lanes.
Falls are 5 min walk from there, free to enter and you can climb up to the bridge which is around the half height - terrific experience.

Breathtaking

By Alex F |

Was a rainy day but it was worth the easy climb to the bridge overlooking the fall. This portion of the trail is paved thus irregular. Does have about 20 steps in total.

bad!

By Mike O |

Terrible dangerous road to the site. Very narrow and lots of traffic! Once at site no parking! Very disappointed! We arrived at the area before 10 am.

Pretty falls, tourist hell

By eburgess7 |

Can't imagine this in high season. If you must stop the parking lot in the middle of the interstate is easier than the small lot along the state road. Loop was closed so you could only go to the bridge and turn around. Way too many people in "selfie" mode- not interested in the falls or scenery, just a picture for Facebook and let's go. There are plenty of other hikes for all skill levels to see falls and actually take in the beauty of this area of Washington/Oregon. Pick up a guide book and get into a little (or a lot) of nature without commercialization.

Go During Non-Peak Months

By Bill K |

This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the U.S. This is a must do if you are in the area.

Yes it is crowded and there is a fee if you visit during the busy summer months. I went in October. It wasn't crowded, there was no reservation fee, and the fall colors made it all the more beautiful. I highly recommend going during off-peak times.

i hiked the trail to the top. It is not a trail for the out of shape unless you would be willing to make many stops. It is well worth the trip though as the views are tremendous.

Absolutely packed

By nicolediane |

There was no where to park so we caught a glimpse as we slowly drove by. No social distancing here! It is an amazing waterfall right off the old highway. People wre parked in the lot and up and down the side of the road.

Easiest and most economical way to see Multnomah Falls. No Reservation Required!

By Alan Dayley |

What an amazing experience! I have lived in this area for over 30 years and seeing these waterfalls never gets old! Unfortunately, due to the excessive traffic these sites draw, there is a reservation system now in place during peak season.

The easiest and most economical way to enjoy the Columbia river Gorge Scenic Highway is now via a hop on, hop off shuttle service. Sasquatch Shuttle has a safe and convenient parking lot right off Hwy 84 at exit 28. Best gig in town! You are able to see all the waterfalls in the waterfall corridor and not stress about vehicle break ins, parking, traffic or any of the other stressors associated with this type of attraction. Gotta check them out! Highly recommend!

A must see in the Columbia Gorge area

By Balasubramanya Basuvaraj |

One of the most beautiful Waterfalls that I have been to in recent times. Being one of the most spectacular spots of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, it is also the most visited. Due to this the small parking lot that is next to the falls fills up very fast. If you want to spend the maximum time there, then ensure you reach very early to find a parking spot nearby. If not use Public Transport to get to a common area in the gorge and then take the Waterfall Shuttle that stops at every waterfall and scenic spot in the Gorge highway. The fall itself consists of two parts that you can hike to. A lower part where a bridge crosses through is easily accessible by a short hike. But to reach the top there is a much harder hike which many cannot attempt unless they have the experience and the fitness.

WINDY!

By parisbear |

Never been here before. It was the end of January and the winds were blowing so hard it felt like the car might blow off. It was beautiful, nice visitor center, views of the Columbia River were magnificent! Worth the drive

Multnomah Falls Delivers

By TulsaOkieMom |

This was the first stop on a half day hiking tour! It’s a beautiful spot for great pics. The lodge below the waterfall turns 100 this year and the gift shop is a fun place to browse (or buy a Sasquatch Christmas ornament to take home!) If you can, have most of your group go to the bridge while someone stays below to snap a photo. We did not do the long hike up to the top. Maybe next time!

Breathtaking, Go Early

By jamiecSRQ |

Highly Recommend!
Arrived at 7:30 a.m. on a weekday, and there was plenty of parking and no a lot of people.

The Falls are beautiful, and I enjoyed going up to the bridge. I even went further on the upward trail which provided additional views. (Steep incline)

By the time I left (10 a.m.), the parking lots were full and there were more people on the paths.

Feb is a great time to visit bc there are no crowds

By Melanie T |

Multnomah Falls is about a half hour drive east of Portland. You will definitely need to rent a car to get here. There are Ubers, which wouldn't be a problem getting to the falls from Downtown, but it's getting back to Downtown that would be an issue. Luckily, we rented a car for one day so that we can explore surrounding areas of Portland and Multnomah Falls was one of our stops. One of our previous Uber drivers had mentioned that it could be closed if it's rainy/snowy (we visited on President's Day and it happened to be rainy that day) so she suggested we call the park to see if it was open. We did and no one picked up so we decided to just take the chance and drive there anyway and thankfully, it was open.

We arrived at around 9:30 AM and again, since it was cold and a bit rainy - it wasn't too crowded. The rain actually became a drizzle, so it wasn't too bad. The trail is paved but there are some slopes, so it can be slippery so just be mindful of that.

The falls were very beautiful and worth visiting. I was reading that for spring/summer during peak season, you need to book a time slot and it gets super crowded. I think I prefer the cold/rainy day because there weren't that many people on the trail, and you get plenty of photo ops without randos ending up in your pictures.

Highly recommend!

Beautiful Waterfall!

By co27 |

Multnomah Falls is a must see! Only 30 minutes from Portland airport. If you go between 9-6 pm there is a timed entry starting the end of May. Cost $2 for parking. We got to the parking lot at 7 am on May 28th, there was only one other car there, we could take lots of pictures without the crowds. Several other waterfalls near by.

Gorgeous views

By DaphneW76 |

First time visiting the falls. Easy walk up to the bridge. Decided to do the hike up to the falls. A lot of switchbacks to get to the top. Can be strenuous but the view from the top is spectacular. Several people stopped or were slow going up the paved path. I did not do the 6 mile hike around the fall. There is an intersection at the top to view the falls or continue on the longer hike.

Breathtaking!!!

By Kevin B |

Multnomah Falls sure sounds like it should be a Boston landmark, but it's located 30 minutes outside of Portland and is one of the most amazing landmarks in an absolutely beautiful state. It feels like it's plucked out of Rivendell and it's so surprising when you realize that it's located right off of a highway (parking is easy and you walk under the highway to get to the falls). We climbed up to the middle bridge since we didn't have a long time to visit, but we would love to go on the longer hikes above the waterfalls. It's truly one of the most beautiful places we've ever visited and it's a must-see when you're visiting Oregon!

Don't miss it!

By SLR |

This is the most popular fall in Oregon but it is breathtaking and worth the stop. We went in October so there is not as much water as there is in the spring. Even so, the falls are gorgeous. Bonus is that it's not super busy in the fall and the leaves are beautiful.
There is a lovely picnic area where you can have lunch and look at the falls. The whole stop is picturesque and worth the time. There is no hike to see the falls, it's right there so it's also very easy.

Consider Hiking Partway to the Top

By Karen D |

The falls were amazing! Once at the bridge, we debated the hike to the top. It isn't all or nothing. I climbed partway - to the fifth of 11 numbered switchbacks - and enjoyed further angles on the falls and then great views of the river along the way. At that point, the rest of my family continued to the top while I rested happily on a large rock with a river view on the side of the trail. They returned in a half an hour and said there weren't too many river views past my stopping point. We were all pleased with our experience.

Inspirational place - enjoy the view!

By simivalley1699 |

The weather was cooperating, and we walked up the trail alongside the falls to the Benson Bridge to be able to take photos down. All visitors were cooperating.
It is such an inspirational place!
The restaurant was closed.
The gift shop is open, and so are the restrooms.
Lots of parking available - must enter from the freeway and walk underneath it.

Breathtaking

By Barbara P |

Amazing falls. The walk to the bridge is fairly easy. I didn't go after that. Nice restaurant at the base. Now, for about a year, you need reservations to get up-close and personal.

Beautiful

By TrackMomof3 |

This is a beautiful hike. You can view the falls from the parking lot/gift shop area. You can hike midway up to view from a bridge that crosses the falls. Or, you can hike up about a mile and a half to the top of the falls. The hike is steep. There are areas with no rail and a narrow path. Do not take children up these falls. There are stories of toddlers falling and associated deaths. Read the articles online. Be careful and don't take kids past the bridge. It was a wonderful hike to the top and I am glad we did it. Then we enjoyed a fabulous lunch in the onsite restaurant. It was a wonderful day spent enjoying time as a family (all adults) and the beauty nature offered around us.

Beautiful stop along I-84

By desertduo |

The falls were beautiful. Multiple viewing places. Easy parking off the freeway. Well worth a stop if traveling along I-84, or coming from Portland.

Stunning Multnomah Falls

By phvi2617 |

Multnomah Falls is a stunning waterfall and the tallest in Oregon. I visited in the evening, and even though the lodge was closed, there was plenty of space in the lot on Columbia River Highway. That lot is paid parking, but there is a free lot accessible from Interstate 84 (though reservations are needed between 9 AM-6 PM during the summer). Any way you get there, this is a beautiful site, and worth the drive.

Photo-Op Waterfall

By SMF-Collegeville |

An interesting two part waterfall with a photogenic bridge over it. It's a short, moderate hike to get to the bridge (and gets more challenging but you can hike to the top - we did not). It is beautiful - but also very, very crowded. It was really too crowded for us to enjoy in the same manner as we enjoyed other waterfalls in the area. Personally, we opted for a photo and then to continue to other waterfalls.

CLOSED due to pandemic - as of June 30th

By Montegobay408 |

As of June 30, all of the Columbia River Gorge falls are CLOSED - due to COVID19. Very disappointing but at least we have keep safe.

On the other side of the river, you can visit Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden (free). It's worth paying for the Japanese Garden - be sure to visit everything there.

Breathtakingly Beautiful

By Sharad |

The falls are all they are cracked up to be. Simply breathtaking. Coming from the flatlands of Texas especially, the falls presented a sight to behold.

Many reviews here have complained about parking. If you are approaching the falls from Portland, OR on I-84E, then there is an exit (cannot remember the number but the exit clearly states Multnomah Falls) and if you pull in there you can find ample parking. We visited on a weekday so maybe that played a role in us not having to struggle with parking. It is a little bit of a trek to the visitors area from here but not too long.

We wanted to hike up to the top of the falls but found the switchbacks a little too treacherous (how about putting some railings throughout the trail, Forest Service?) so had to content ourselves with a view from Benson Bridge. There are food options at the start of the trail (nothing too fancy just the usual hot dogs, ice cream, cheese pizza, nachos w/ cheese etc.)

Nice Hike / Climb

By Joe W |

Great views, perfect backdrop for pictures. The trail is "easy" in that it's largely paved, but it's a good steep climb. Gets your heart pumping for sure. Parking is a challenge.

Prettiest Falls

By ChipJr |

One of my favorite places on our trip this fall, everything was so beautifully maintained, nice walkway to the falls. The view was spectacular. Disappointed part of the upper falls walk was closed due to maintenance.

Crowded but worth the stop.

By Robin S |

No Doubt a beautiful waterfall. On our first attempt to the falls the parking lot on old 30 was full and the attendant had closed the lot. Second attempt we found the parking lot right on the interstate which had lots of room. The falls themselves are beautiful, but very crowded. The gift shop had reasonable prices, but then again very crowded. Horsetail Falls and Bridal Falls just minutes away are worth a stop.

Two falls for the price of one

By John D |

Visiting Multnomah Falls demonstrates the power of nature. The one-two punch of two falls is unique. Hiking around the falls also offers a great opportunity to view the falls from different vantage points.

The biggest draw on 84

By inspectorjavert70 |

Can't really say anything that hasn't been said already. It's an amazing place to see and the short hike can be made by pretty much anyone. Doesn't cost anything but it can get crowded. But still, you gotta do it.

Family with young kids

By cebga |

3hrs+ drive from Redmond with a very nice scenic forest views, snowy but not that bad. Family friendly environment, kids enjoy the view.. wear a raincoat if you want to go closer to the falls via bridge. After a stroll.. a hot choco/coffee w/ homemade fudge for a treat.

Not to be Missed

By Dianna430M |

Hard to deny that there is a God when you’re surrounded by all of this incredible beauty!

Fresh, crisp air, stately evergreens and hiking paths.

It’s awe inspiring to witness the magnificence and power of water! The Fall is captivating and I could watch it for hours.

Great venue

By tgrdvrmd |

My wife and I toured the falls as part of an excursion group from a cruise. The falls are just fantastic, beautiful l with well marked trails to see them better. This is a “must do” if in the area.

Truly worth a stop and visit

By BC in SF |

Lovely from almost every angle. Yes, you can see it well from the road, but it's worth stopping if you can find space in the lots. Easy walk to the falls and the lodge from there. Only one of us climbed to the top, which he said was the only disappointing view in a mile of uphill hiking. But it was fabulous just to see from the wheelchair accessible bottom viewing areas.
Lodge was a lovely building with some views and an excellent and surprisingly not expensive menu.
Gift shop was cramped and hokey.

Gorgeous view and amazing experience

By Cathy J |

The falls were amazing and it is so worth to hike up the mountain to the top of the falls. I am so thankful I got to see this beautiful place God's masterpiece!!!!

One of the Great US Waterfalls

By kgilbert78 |

This was an amazing experience. Even on a cool and rainy day in May, before the season really starts, there were a lot of people. There are two ways to get there--off the interstate where there's a large parking lot and from US 30, which is a much smaller lot. We used both, as we visited coming and going. I recommend going during the week, and you may need to take a tour as parking is tough during the season. There are good paths up to the base of the falls if you have more limited mobility and good hiking paths all around for those who are more active. Highly recommended.

Falls are great, reservation system is not

By rwtimmer |

The falls are beautiful and the facilities are very good as well. I understand the need for a reservation system but it needs to be tweaked. We had a reservation but there were no parking spaces available. So you need to drive further up along the narrow two lane road to find a spot to turn around and then try again. This isn’t very safe as people were turning around when there wasn’t much room. Many people were getting upset and i felt bad for the person monitoring the parking lot. Not sure what the solution is but i would say the current system is not working.

Beautiful FALLS

By JaJkH6576 |

Beautiful falls and the surrounding area is very modern. nice souvenir shop, modern restrooms and eats at he falls area. Easy to get around on the paths.

Beautiful views

By thecrazytraveller27 |

Beautiful hike up to the top but make sure to go early as the trail is narrow and later in the day gets very crowded that the trail is hard to navigate.

Visibility was Poor Due to Wildfires but you could still see the Falls

By PandaHouston |

We visited on Saturday 9/12 during Oregon's wildfires. Fortunately we could still see the falls but the air was smoky and hazy. There were still quite a number of people there, more than I would expect.

Parking is free and it is off a left exit on I-84 Highway. If you are using Google Maps, map to the Multnomah Falls Parking. If you just map to the Falls, Google Maps might take you directly in front of the falls where there is only Employee Parking and you will need to detour for 10 minutes just to get back on I-84.

The falls had recently reopened due to COVID and you can also pay to make a reservation for timed entry but because we were visiting when there were hardly any visitors due to wildfires, there was really no need.

From the parking, it is a short walk to the bottom of the falls where you can take a photo of the falls and the iconic bridge. Entry is free.

Must see!

By enzomatric |

We went on a cold day and a little bit of wet day, the hill a bit slippery so you need to be careful. The fall is pretty powerful as you get closer to it. Walk up a bit to get the upper level you'll love it. But we couldn't get futher than the 2nd level coz they closed off the very top level.

Oregon Landmark

By J9453ZKsharonh |

Multnomah Falls never disappoints. My son and I stopped on our way home from a trip up the Columbia River Gorge. It was a great time to visit the falls. The parking lot fills up during the summer months, but we went on March 1 and it was pretty quiet. The falls were roaring, with several small accessory falls, thanks to plenty of rain and snow in the preceding days. Gorgeous views, beautiful nature, and not too many people. I highly recommend going in the winter months.

Beautiful Falls!

By Cee |

The falls are beautiful. We walked up the path to the bridge and enjoyed the view. There are other trails that we didn’t try that looked more challenging. My teen enjoyed taking selfies for Insta. We took the Sasquatch Shuttle which was inexpensive and convenient. We had a great view from the top of the double decker bus along the way. We got there after 4:30 so the little visitor’s center was closed, but we really enjoyed our brief visit.

fun

By Emilee Swanson |

very fun went with my family we didn't hike on top of the falls but we hiked up to them defantly recomend it so go to Oregon USA go to parks and water , shops , restronts beaches and lot of other places

Impressive, but crowded

By Christina M |

The falls are beautiful, but it was so crowded that it definitely detracted from the experience. There is a lodge with a restaurants/bar, a gift shop, a snack shop, and a coffee cart. If you need restrooms or a meal while you’re out exploring the Gorge, this is a good stop.

An iconic waterfall

By Davigeta |

We visited Sunday morning and got there before there were crazy amounts of people. It is free, and there is only a very short walk, as the main trail is closed due to COVID. Still very pretty. The gift shop was nice. The only restrooms available when we visited were the porta-potties, unfortunately.

Wow it is magnificent!

By Lynette51 |

This is right off the highway. Go early as parking is limited. You will walk under the highway using the walkway. And then you see this magnificent amount of water coming down. The power and force is something to behold. There is a nice gift ship and small visitor center with lots of information. Lots of restrooms. There is even a hotel there. But this is something you have to experience.

One of the many beautiful falls in the area

By Lisa |

One of the many beautiful waterfalls and areas in Oregon. The friends we went with also told how beautiful the falls were in the winter with all the fog and mist, the photos were stunning.

Permit required

By hikecycler |

Sadly, if your out of state don’t know this place needed a permit in advance and it’s always booked. I guess is to avoid overwhelmed with people. They do have a shuttle goin on , if you don’t have any reservation. They have a trolley and a shuttle bus (Sasquatch) , we took the Sasquatch down before the falls , it costs $15 per head ..

Great photo stop!

By Patti Minietta |

Excellent hike to see the falls. Only .2 miles to the bridge, clean public bathrooms and a cute gift shop.

Gorgeous falls

By Mktpro99 |

These falls are right off the mason road. Walk up about 100 feet to view the bottom of the falls. There is a bridge that you can walk mid-way to view both sets of falls,

Super Easy to Get to and Beautiful

By amyw2012 |

We reserved a time for a couple of dollars as required during the busy times. We got a time earlier in the day, and our maps app took us to a parking lot right off the interstate. We were able to find a park, and it was a short walk to the entrance. Our reservation time was checked there, and we arrived the last 5 minutes of our scheduled time. The person checking said we could stay as long as we liked. The waterfall was beautiful, and it was a short and scenic walk to the bridge. We didn’t go further. There was also a snack/coffee stand, but we didn’t try it. There was also a largish gift shop and a bathroom. At the bottom of the falls near the entrance is a shallow area to wade in which was nice and cold. We stayed about an hour.

Beautiful waterfall

By john m |

one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the USA. Breath taking. Parking can be a challenge and the now require a time ticket during the pandemic. Well worth the trip and time to visit.
There is NO fee to visit.

Very amazing views

By Stacio |

Me and wife decided to stop by to check this out. They require you get time slot tickets online and they are sold out for that time you won’t be able to get in. The views were amazing and an amazing site to visit. Definitely recommend

This is a must see!

By 888travelert |

This quaint little stopover is a must see! Great views of the falls, and a fun little gift shop. The hike to the falls bridge is not difficult and well worth it,

DESERVES ITS ICONI STATUS

By realbigbear |

This is a must-see sight. The lower viewing area is very easy to get to. The upper viewing area involves a short walk up a steep trail (most of it is paved). It can be crowded, so it is best to go early or late in the day

Very picturesque

By drew d |

It was just a short walk uphill, about .25 mile, to get to the bridge to view the falls. There are places to stop and sit as well as take pictures. Very picturesque. At the bottom there is a gift shop and snack bar.

Multiple Waterfalls

By Tyna W |

Great pit stop along the road trip. The cluster of beautiful waterfalls are a must-see! My suggestion is to take Business Loop 30 to see not just the main waterfall but also Horsetail Falls or go on the hike and see the other waterfalls further in

Beautiful part of the country and A must see!

By Laura R |

There are many falls here. The visitor center is very helpful in guiding you. Some falls are a very short walk and others are a hike. It’s a beautiful area to explore. You could spend a whole day just hiking to various falls.

Everybody’s favorite

By modernlizbennet |

There’s a reason this is everyone’s favorite waterfall. It’s otherworldly pretty, partially because of the bridge. Didn’t walk up to it, but the views from the bottom are still striking.

Very touristy and crowded

By slstretch |

They say that you need to purchase timed passes which we did. This gives you the idea that they limit how many people are here at one time. Nope, no one ever asked for our pass or anyone else's that I could see. It was a free for all experience. Pretty waterfall but the best views are lower levels. We parked in the small lot on Rt 30 which cost 20$ as we wanted to stop at a couple other falls on this route. There are many pretty falls in this area that aren't as touristy

Beautiful water fall

By serraturtle |

We spent the day travelling along the historic Columbia River highway. There is so much more to see than just Mulnomah Falls. If you have your own car, I highly recommend driving along this road and stopping at all of the adjacent water falls and sights. Multnomah Falls was the largest water fall along the route. It was so beautiful.

Beautiful, even in the rain!

By Travelers4ever |

The falls were absolutely gorgeous, even when it was cold and pouring rain! There’s a great little restaurant right next to them to warm up with a hot chocolate afterwards, and there’s hiking trails that lead you up to and past the falls. Definitely worth the drive from Portland! It was only about 45 minutes to get there from the city center

Awesome!

By moodblu |

On a recent tour to the California & Oregon Coast, we went to the beautiful and iconic Multnomah Falls in the Columbia Gorge. We took the relatively easy hike up a very nice path to the bridge where we were able to take lots of pictures and enjoy the beautiful falls. Our only challenge was getting pictures without other tourists in them! There is a longer, steeper and more strenuous hike that proceeds from the bridge up to the top, which we did not go on. I was told by others on our tour that the harder hike was well worth the views from the top. If you aren’t able or have time for the walk up to the bridge, the entire waterfall and bridge can be seen from behind the lodge without having to take the walk to the bridge. Going to the bridge does enhance your enjoyment of the falls. Depending on the time of year, you can get wet at the bridge from the mist from the falls. We were there in September, when the waterflows are lighter, so this was not an issue. From the bridge, overlook & parking, there are scenic views of the Columbia River and gorge.

There is a nice lodge there, including a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms. We arrived at the falls by bus, so went on the freeway; I can’t speak to parking or reservation issues because any arrangements were made by our tour director.

Breathtaking waterfall!

By chicotgal |

Easily accessible. Paved parking at the Falls which is right on US Hwy 84. Restaurant, bar, restrooms, and gift shop right there. Outdoor eating area (tables & chairs) if you wish to picnic as we did. The Falls are viewable from the hwy. There is a paved walkway with a slight incline if you wish to get closer. There is also a paved or well groomed trail if you want to hike to the top of Falls. Just beautiful; something you don't want to miss.

Wonderful Scenic Experience

By jobkwrm |

These falls were gorgeous! When in the Portland area it's a must-see. It's a short, easy walk from the parking area to the bottom of the falls, and another short hike to the bridge above the falls. Well-worth it! There's also a lovely restaurant with delicious food and beverages at the bottom of the falls. Also a place to get snacks. You need a timed entry pass to get to the falls but it's easy and worth the nominal fee.

Ok, but perhaps a bit too dicey for younger kids

By happy4travel |

This is great, but beware of the slippery roads! We saw several people take a bad fall otherwise they were amazing! Several switch backs, too. Definitely for the strong at heart.

Fabulous.

By paws0810 |

Visiting so a quick trip to this place was amazing. Not too crowded. Great weather. Great photos. The photos are self explanatory

Worth the journey

By marcella t |

Traveling the west coast. We are from Florida and have been here before. The day was drizzling rain. We did appreciate out hiking shoes. The path is paved. Switchbacks leading to the bridge are an easy ascent. There are clean bathrooms. There is a restraunt, gift shop, and expresso/snack shack. The falls are beautiful. Good to enjoy the gifts of nature

Breathtaking Falls

By simivalley1699 |

I have seen so many photos of these falls, and now I finally could be there; I was so excited. Yes, restrictions are in place, such as masks, and two ways to and from walking from the falls. Some folks took lots of time to take photos of themselves and blocked it for others, I finally said "Thank you" and they realized that they were not the only ones there.
We were there on a weekday and there were not very many visitors.
You can even take photos of the falls from the parking lot.
The gift shop is nice.

Very popular - no wonder

By BigMerk |

We were on a road trip (going from Portland to Boise that day). We had flagged the falls in advance as a place to stop. It’s a short detour off the main road to park immediately at the falls or you can park off the road and walk thru a cool tunnel under the road to get there. The 600ft falls are very impressive - especially when you have the view with the lodge in the foreground. There is a fairly easy path leading up. We went as far as a bridge which was a great viewpoint for photos.

It was busy even early in the morning and this area is popular with hikers as well as passes-by.

Beautiful Waterfall Minutes from Portland just off I-84

By Grover R |

We ended our Sierra/Cascade National Park trip in Portland. So, the morning before our flight, I had to take our group for one more attraction which is commonly considered one of the top waterfalls in the US, Multnomah Falls.

The falls are minutes from the airport on I-84 with loads of parking between the east and west bound lanes of the interstate. While we did not get to the top, it is a short walk to the base and not much more to the bridge. If you have a midday or later flight this totally a place you can visit before leaving, and it is a great waterfall.

Just east of Portland, the Columbia River cuts a gorge through the Cascade/Mt. Hood plateau so the creek ravines on the plateau simply drop to the river. While the gorge has numerous waterfalls, Multnomah is recognized as the best and prettiest. Part of that is the way the falls are situated in nature with two cascades flanked by vertical walls and in design with the most picturesque arching bridge. All of it makes this a place you have to visit it you are anywhere close to Portland.

Our group visited on a cloudy morning, but it took nothing away from the experience. This visit can be as long as you want. If you have time hike to the top for a great view of the gorge. At least make the short walk to the bridge for views of the upper falls. However, the best pictures are from the base observation. The best part is whole experience, parking and viewing is free. While the falls can be crowded, it is not hard to get to the front for a great view and picture with the falls.

There is a Visitor Center with some good displays about the gorge and the falls. In addition, they have a restroom. All in all, it is a beautiful place to see that can be viewed quickly for an easy and short visit. Likewise, you can stay as long as you want to soak in the experience. Simply make sure you take the time to visit.

True or Falls

By Melaine C |

We were surprised that the falls is really close to the city. Nice uphill walk to get to the bridge for a close up view of the falls. You can feel the mist. You might even catch sight of a rainbow when the sun hits the water just right. But You can also enjoy the falls at the 1st level even if you do not trek up.
There is a souvenir shop too. Restrooms are clean and accessible.
Do not forget to go down the creek by the parking lot. Dip your toes on the cool rush of the water.

Sweet!

By David B |

Great waterfall! Area has a very nice trail to get to the top. Gift shop, restaurant and restrooms on site. Come see this 600+ foot fall.

This place is from a fantasy world.

By Von1287 |

This place is from a fantasy world. Navigating the area is just fine and there are usually plenty of people around. We went early enough to avoid large crowds but still had to do a little waiting to get super close up. We got some awesome shots and just spent time admiring this beauty. Highly recommend a stop here. Parking is across the way with bridges to help get you here

Beautiful Site!

By Kim S. |

This waterfall is defintely worth the trip! You can stay down at the bottom or hike up to the bridge that runs over the middle of the falls. Either way, it's worth going there.

Always fun to stop

By Richard K |

This is one of those places where you have to stop once in a while and at least walk up to the first bridge. Very peaceful, restful place to look around and the falls are beautiful. If you have the time and are in pretty good shape take the paved trail to the top of the falls. Be aware that during the weekends and summer months this place is extremely busy.

Nature’s best

By My Travel |

A must visit in Portland to see one of the most magical waterfalls. Easy to get to in terms of driving, parking and a quick walk to see the falls. Spectacular views and lots of photos ops.
Recommend wearing comfy shoes and not slippers or sandals especially if you would like to walk up to the bridge for another view.

Classic iconic falls

By Lynne A |

What an amazing Falls with a wonderful large and great gift shop. The food was very good.
Lovely spot snd very well maintained

Gorgeous

By drwatson32 |

We paid $10 to park near the visitors center. I can see how this place would be packed during the summer. It's not very big. Two of us hiked to the top of the falls. The trail is narrow in places, so be courteous of others. We got some very nice pictures in December!

The picturesque footbridge is almost as famous as stunning falls!

By Kathy D |

My son (age 29) and I visited Multnomah Falls as part of our day exploring the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls is a very popular tourist destination, so consider pre-arranging your parking fee on-line. Hike to the footbridge which serves as a thrilling viewing platform for both the upper falls and the lower falls.

Beautiful and easy access

By 4Bug-a-Boos |

Beautiful place to stop. This is a great place to stop and take a break. It is an easy exit off I - 84. Please note it does exit off the left side of the freeway. There is a walking underpass that takes you under the Hwy. The falls is beautiful. There is a viewing area at the bottom, and you can walk up to the bridge and beyond if you have the time and would like. There is a visitors center with a gift shop, dining, etc.

Loved the falls!

By FloridaLady |

The hike up the falls was worth every step! The beauty of this area is breathtaking and standing on the walkway looking down gave a great perspective. God’s creation is amazing!

The Star of the Show

By Have Camera, Will Travel |

What a beautiful waterfall! This is the one everyone comes to see for good reason. I don't throw around the word "Iconic" much, but this surely is an iconic waterfall.

It is a people-y place, that's for sure. Even in a steady rain, it was busy. We walked up and over the bridge and then through some switchbacks to an overlook. That was enough for us. We headed back down, assisting a nice older lady that was having the time of her life.

We used the restrooms, checked out the gift shop (I needed another layer), and had lunch at the Lodge (good). We spent about 2 hours total there with lunch included. If you are not hiking up to the top or eating, an hour would be plenty of time.

WOW!!

By Jody G |

I have seen many waterfalls. This is one of the top ten. Beautiful. You can walk up a paved path to the bridge that is in the middle of the waterfall. You can keep going for another mile to the top. You can also walk down and put your feet in the water. Very nice.

Always Worth the Trip

By Dmtraine |

We haven’t been in years, and decided to take my mother in law for her first visit. Bundle up in December with the winds, but still a sight to see. Getting there early is a must. You can get there a couple ways either driving through the Bridal Veil exit or take the Multnomah Falls exit. The latter has more parking. You can take trails, get the endless selfies with the falls, get a bit of education inside the informational center, visit the gift shop, and get food and drink on site in the restaurant. Tours available too, but we have preferred taking our own adventures. It is worth the trip as a part of your Oregon stay.

Nice falls hike, easy drive from downtown Portland, but ticket first

By abmilw |

the parking pass you buy, really isn't a guarantee that you will have a parking spot, (and there is very limited parking). Go early in the morning, especially a weekend in any high season. The pass you buy is more a timed entry to control the crowds, so they don't get 1000 people each entering all at the same time. Paved path (allebit uneven) most of the way up to top of falls. Bathroom, snacks, gift shop at the base. Once get up near top, different path you can take to follow the river further into the hills. Really no swimming or wading, but people do. Nice views on way up. Summer morning was shaded and breezy. 2 hours and up and down, if rest or take photos maybe 2.5 to top and falls and back down. Thought it was worthwhile. Should be somewhat fit as maybe 700 feet climb.

Crowded.

By Tansy2015 |

Very very crowded. The tiny parking lot was full and you had to go 3 miles back to take a shuttle. Even on this rainy very cold day! There is a concession stand, coffee shop, restaurant, and gift shop. Could not get a decent picture for all the people but a very beautiful waterfall not to miss.

Park off I-84

By TravelingAmos |

As others have noted, the parking lot off Route 30 fills up quickly. There is a larger lot off of I-84. We arrived towards the end of the day and had no trouble finding a spot there. You also need to make a free reservation online to visit the Falls. If you dine at the restaurant onsite, you don't need a Falls reservation (though you may need one for the restaurant). At the Falls you should at least go up to the first bridge. Very few go further, but there is a trail (unpaved I believe) that goes all the way up.

Beautiful

By Marina M |

Ample parking. Right off the main highway. Free to enter. Lots of photo opportunities. If the path is open you can go to the top of the falls. Very steep and wet. Restaurant at the bottom.

Don't just see it - hike it

By Aaron G |

Multnomah Falls, Oregon, has the distinction of both being an extremely easy-to-visit right-off-the road site to visit with elderly, disabled, or children who can't make a demanding hike, AND being a scenic, challenging, and rewarding hike for those who have the time (and good weather). Either way, DEFINITELY go in the morning, when the sun casts God-rays down from behind it through the trees, as pictured.

Again, in addition to its obvious spectacular scenery, it truly is versatile - you can get amazing pictures in a short one-hour stop or spend your whole morning and even afternoon there. To be frank, it impressed us far more than anything else in Portland.

Some of the best hikes in Oregon

By Tia D |

Such an experience, breathtaking views! With fresh air and a beautiful 600ft waterfall this place is a hikers dream. You can hike to the top of the falls, it’s steep but definitely worth it! Though this is the biggest fall, there are some others ones that are definitely worth exploring! Pack lunch and water and spend the day here! I usually pack my hammock to places like this to take it!! I loved this hike..

Awesome!!

By jmklocke |

We rented a car and drove to the falls. It was great! I would highly recommend the trip. It was easy to find and a fabulous view!

Will get your attention

By alohatripper |

There are many falls along this stretch of the highway between Portland and The Dalles, but the largest and most famous is this one. Free parking is available on both sides of the highway; however, if parking on the river side, then there is a short tunnel under the highway to get to the entrance.
We didn't need reservations. There were only a handful of visitors at 9:00 am. It was windy and cold, and we didn't have the stamina to attempt going up the path to the level of the bridge. We had the photo op shot in front of the falls without waiting.

Gorgeous trails around the falls

By Hope |

The falls themselves are so packed with people that it’s not a great experience, but if you’re willing to go on a hike, it thins out and it’s an absolutely gorgeous trail. We did the waterfall trail that took us to several falls and was about 5 miles or so. It rained on us most of the time and we still loved it. It doesn’t thin out until after you pass the Multnomah Falls viewpoint. There are some other really beautiful falls along the trail too. Our youngest was seven and she complained toward the end, but was definitely able to hike it. That being said, our kids are no strangers to hiking. A young child who has never hiked before may find the elevation gain a challenge.

One of the famous natural features in Oregon

By G C |

Multnomah Falls is one of the most beautiful and famous natural features in Oregon. It’s located a short distance from Portland and is within the scenic Columbia Gorge recreational area. The falls are quite spectacular and are easily reached by good paved trails a short distance from the parking area. Adventurous folks can continue beyond the bridge spanning the waterway and hike all the way to the top of the cascades as well. There’s a nice interpretive center plus an excellent restaurant too that are both worth visiting. Enjoy :)

2nd tallest in US

By James c |

First stop on columbia river gorge trip and best waterfall obviously. The fall is actually breathtaking. I arrived about 830 before my 9-10 am parking reservation window and I was one of the first ones there. I got to experience it with only another person just sitting and admiring its beauty. A blessing on my part. The hike to the bridge is about 1/8 of a mile and the hike to the top is about a mile up, a little strenuous but worth it . This waterfall is a sight to see, if you only see one thing on the columbia river gorge stretch this is it!!

Bucket list item checked off!

By ShadySpot |

This was a bucket list sight for me. Purchase a ticket from the National Park Service at recreation.gov. This will give you a timed entry for parking near the falls. Be sure to follow the directions on how to get to the parking as it is right off I-84. It is a short walk under the interstate to the falls-which you can see a part of from the interstate. There is a lot right across from the falls, but it is very small and costs $20 compared to the $2 for the timed permit.
There is handicap access to the viewing area at the bottom of the falls. I did not walk up to the bridge, but I heard it is fairly easy to get to. There are videos on You Tube. The area is beautiful and the falls are breathtaking.
If you can drive on Scenic Hwy 30, then take the time to do so. It is the local highway that goes past Multnomah and several other falls. The road is a small 2 lane, that is quite narrow in some places.

Beautiful waterfall

By RandyRoss |

We had booked a cruise on the Columbia Gorge Paddlewheel Steamer but were way early, so decided to stop and see the falls on the way. Because of the time, the falls were not busy and I had no trouble getting a last-minute permit to enter. I didn't have time to do everything (like climb to the top) but I did get to see this great waterfall quite well.

A must-see attraction

By simivalley1699 |

We just had to come back to see the Falls in October to see the fall foliage.
Apparently it hasn't yet made a difference, but we enjoyed walking up to see the falls from the Benson Bridge. Couldn't hike any further because it was blocked as it might be icy soon.
You cannot park close to the Falls, only via I-84 and then walk under the railroad bridge to the Falls.
Last time we were there we enjoyed brunch at the restaurant there, which was excellent!

Get here early morning

By schulze52 |

Wonderful trail and is a bit challenging for young kids but happy we did it. Get here as early as possible as the crowds get has around 10am.

A must see if you're in the Portland area

By Lauri R |

Breathtaking. Our entire family enjoyed this amazingly beautiful nature experience. Walking up the steep paved path was a push for my mom but she did it. My only negative is how busy it is, but I see that they started requiring reservations to remedy that.

Stunning

By Napsterthecat |

We went in September on a Thursday. We got there at about 9am and the parking lot was starting to fill up. Short walk to the falls than you can walk up to the bridge and also go to the top. The view is stunning. A must do when in the Portland area.

Beautiful Falls. Not to Be Missed.

By fiamma11 |

When in the area, one must stop and take a peak at this beautiful waterfall. There is a walking trail up to the bridge, which was as far as we went. However, you can go to the top. Very easy access right off the main road.

Short Hike & Beautiful Falls

By trophywest |

One of the more beautiful falls in the northwest. The government found a way to tax by a $2 reservation fee but if you show up without it, you might find it already full. The trail is paved & a short walk to such beautiful falls. One of the best sights along the Columbia Gorge.

Beautiful waterfall to visit for a quick stop in Portland.

By Jamz |

We landed in Portland, and we’re at Multnomah Falls within an hour. It was slightly drizzling that day, but that was not a concern at all because it made for a true Portland experience. We spent about 45 minutes at the falls. The walk up was fairly easy and super quick. I would highly recommend making this a quick stop if you are in the area. We parked and took the shuttle which made it super convenient. Our guide was really sweet and gave us lots of tips along the way.

DONT GO BY CAR ON WEEKENDS

By @atracks |

This is a full day type experience. But don’t go by car and try to park, very minimal parking and insanely long line by 2pm (65 deep)

Not to be missed!

By stjohnbeachlover |

We were driving from the Oregon coast to Mt. Rainier and had heard about Multnomah Falls. We were able to make reservations ahead of time. They were only $1 per person. We walked along the paved pathways. Most of the people were wearing their masks even though it was outside because there were quite a few people there the day be visited. It took about an hour and half to visit. We could have walked further but turned around at about the halfway point because it was a very steep incline. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Beautiful

By Navigator06742335445 |

A wonderful waterfall & worth the hike to the top! Take it steady as very steep & felt a very long trek especially in the heat, so be prepared!
The views on the way up are glorious but be careful & pay attention to the steep narrow winding track up - no hand rails & a sheer drop!
The last 2 switchbacks are downhill to the top of the falls & felt very rewarding to reach.
After a much easier descent was a well deserved ice cream.
Parking however was so busy, we had to go back down the road to pick up the shuttle bus. They leave every half hour & at only $5 much cheaper than parking outside the visitors centre at $20!! So definitely advise taking the shuttle bus!

Visit with covid restrictions in place

By California_momofsix |

The falls are beautiful and in person seem even taller than in the pictures. Must see if you are in the area.
We visited immediately after the reopening, Multnomah Falls did not require tickets at that time, but I believe that has now changed. We also didn't encounter a wait for parking or for admission. I think many had not yet realized that the falls were open and there was a wildfire close by during our visit. I would definitely recommend checking the USDA forest service website for the latest updates. Prior to our visit, information on this website differed from the Oregon travel websites which was confusing. I emailed to the contact address with the discrepancy, never expecting to hear back and received several return emails stating that after a meeting with state officials, the website had been corrected. Something like that had never happened to me before and I was impressed with the response.
To reach the falls, you need to take the exit off I-84 in either direction. From the parking lot you walk through a tunnel to towards the lodge. You can't miss it. You aren't supposed to approach on Columbia River Highway (the scenic byway) or drop people off, but during our visit, we saw people doing both. Which brings me to my only complaint during our visit. The details and effort of Covid restrictions is ridiculous, especially for an outside attraction. But I understand that it gets crowded. As we approached the falls, we passed a mask checkpoint and an employee told us not to take off our masks while in the viewing area. Walkways are one direction and chained off. We complied, but most visitors removed their masks immediately after passing the checkpoint. We encountered a large family group (more than 20 people) that were particularly loud and boisterous, running and pushing each other and making it hard for others to enjoy the falls. None of them were wearing masks. The employee seemed intimidated by that group. I am not usually the one who complains about mask enforcement. Personally, I would have felt fine not wearing a mask as long as we were outside. But if you publish "walking flow" maps and require masks, then please enforce the rules uniformly. Every visitor should have to follow the same rules, otherwise there really is no point.

$20 parking fee or dangerous free parking option.

By Juidi A |

Be forewarned! If you want to visit Multnomah Falls by car, you must either park in the lot in the middle of the interstate, braving the left lane exit and re-entry, or pay the ridiculous $20 parking fee that is now being churched by the private Sasquatch Shuttle Service which leases the parking lot that’s right across from the Falls Lodge. The Falls, however, are still as lovely as ever.

Beautiful waterfall

By Schalkeholiker |

Great waterfall. Already worth seeing from below and from the bridge, the short but steep path all the way up is definitely worth it. You have a really beautiful view at the top and get a good feeling for the height. The other hiking options are also incredibly beautiful, but should not be underestimated. On the Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Loop you pass countless other waterfalls.

If you just want to take photos, you should definitely come early before it gets busy.

Beautiful Falls

By roxg3 |

First timers in Portland and we had to visit Multnomah Falls. There’s parking available near the falls. We didn’t go all the way to the top because it started to pour hard. But overall it was beautiful and we loved it.

Pretty Cool

By swearengen |

Not far from the lot to get to the bottom viewpoint. Very impressive, and it's unique look with the bridge. Parking gets closed quickly though, so consider a tour or shuttle.

Oregon Girl’s Trip!

By ljolsen12 |

Worth the stop! We drove along the Columbia river and stopped at a few waterfalls. None were as stunning as this one! I could have stood there for hours watching and listening to the water!

Enjoyable and Beautiful

By Cindy A |

I wasn't expecting much after seeing falls in other places around the country/world. It was a very unique and enjoyable experience! It was beautiful! The walk to the Falls bridge is not as far as it appears. As one gets closer, it gets cooler - until it's downright cold! It felt great on a warm afternoon. If you feel like continuing up, it's worth the trip. The pathways felt non-slip, even when wet around the Falls. If we'd taken water, I'm sure we'd have made it to the top! Well worth the trip!

Don't forget your parking pass!

By Sherri R |

Just a beautiful place! Took the trail up to the bridge over the stream from the waterfall. Looking back to the Columbia River was also a wonderful view. Make sure you get your parking pass before going. Summer months are so busy, each car needs to have a parking pass to get in.

Quite a sight!

By harryatkck |

We did not enter the falls area as my wife had hurt her knee & could not walk. We were able to find a parking spot in the interstate parking lot where were were able to get many great photos. There was not much water coming over the falls as the area was in a drought, but it was still impressive.

Make Reservation Ahead of Time...Or Else!

By Mary-Christine V |

Absolutely breathtaking waterfall. We arrived at around 5:30 pm, and noticed that there was a sign that stated that we couldn't enter without having made a prior reservation. However, upon entry, a gentleman told us that we could scan the code shown on the card he gave us to make a reservation. I struggled for about 15 minutes trying to sign up for the reservation on my cell phone, as I didn't have my glasses on, and couldn't figure out how to make the reservation. After awhile, the gentleman told us that if we could prove to him that we were at least 'trying' to make a reservation, he'd let us through. I was so frustrated with this process, I almost broke down in tears. Little did we know that after he let us in (after 6 pm) anyone can go in without a reservation. All that frustration for nothing. However, once we got through, the falls were as beautiful as ever, and we truly enjoyed our visit. I am rating the reservation process/reservation police as a 2 stars, and the Falls at 5 stars.

Breathtaking

By Steve J |

Excellent scenery, hiking, food, gifts and service. The hike is long to the top but worth the time, afterwards you can relax with an ice cream.

Lovely, Chaotic

By tumbleweedchris |

Multnomah Falls is the Disneyland of waterfalls, for better or worse. You can approach this from the scenic road or from the interstate. The scenic road parking lot is much, much smaller and there is not easy access to the interstate parking. You may be waiting for quite some time to find parking if you are approaching from the scenic route. A Tuesday afternoon in March, Westbound had maybe a 30 minute wait, but Eastbound appeared to have an hour plus wait. To view the waterfall, it requires virtually no walk to see it from the base. This is the best view of the waterfall. You can take a short walk up to the bridge to get misted or a longer walk up to the top. It's a very pretty falls, but the chaos of crowds kind of puts a damper on things. My favorite falls on this drive (Latourell) was much less crowded and, in my opinion, more visually impressive. This is well worth visiting, but your main focus should be planning your visit to avoid crowds.

Great Experience

By James B |

This is the crown at the top of the waterfall valley area. It is a beautiful area and you can get to the mid-point bridge for viewing fairly easily. There is a good snack bar and gift shop operated by the National Park Service. Shouldn't miss this if you are in the area.

Amazing!

By LoveBeaches1017 |

Breathtaking waterfall! We did need to make reservations because of COVID, but we had no trouble finding a parking lot. The gift shop is open. There are several waterfalls along this same Columbia River Highway - Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls. It's a wonderful drive.

Mystical

By Schokodil |

Beautiful waterfall and short climb. The other hiking trails are truly unique, but some of them should not be underestimated

Must-See Autumn Experience at Multnomah Falls

By Chris Westwood |

Paid a visit to Multnomah Falls during the "off-season" at the end of October during the week and while there were still quite a few people visting, it was really easy to get a parking space and walk around without bumping into too many people. Out of all the waterfalls my daughter and I visited, this was easily the most breathtaking! So picturesque with all the autumnal colors in full bloom. The walk to the main viewpoint is super easy and accessible for all ages. The upper viewpoint hike is a bit more of a workout, but completely worth it for the views, especially with the fall foliage framing the falls from above.

Full Parking but we still enjoyed Multnomah Falls

By Amy C |

We went on a holiday and parking was full. We were able to drive by and get pictures of the Falls. Gorgeous scenery and Fall color! Routes along the Columbia River are just so incredibly picturesque!

Was able to skip the traffic and parking nightmare by taking the sasquatch shuttle.

By familyman360 |

great place to visit. took the shuttle to avoid the traffic nightmare. Had alot of fun hiking to the top with my wife.

Go early to beat the crowds.

By Nyormirror |

We visited in May on a weekday around 9 a.m. and did not need reserved parking or a timed entry for the lot off the highway. It was a short walk to the base of the waterfall and the bridge. Our innkeeper told us the hike to the top was steep, not paved, and had no guardrails. He also mentioned that you can’t see much of the falls looking down and that the area is full of poison oak, so stay on the paved trails.

There is a reasonable gift shop next to the restaurant. Oregon is proud that there is no sales tax. We spent about one hour at the falls, including the gift shop.

Breathtaking and spectacular Falls

By Joel K |

Absolutely breathtaking to see this Falls and feel the spray as you approach closer and closer. Didn't make it to the bridge above. But beautiful.

Awesome falls, hellacious parking

By BrianMaryAdventures |

This was an amazing waterfall to see. The bridge across it was cool, and the hike up to the top was strenuous but worth every thigh burning step. Our advice would be to head to the parking lot off of I-84 instead of going down route 30. It gets really congested with cars and parking is limited. There is a shuttle service called Sasquatch Shuttle which will drop you where ever you like for 5 dollars a ride or 10 dollars all day. Even with the flood of people here, it is still a cool place to visit

Amazing waterfalls but summer traffic is awful

By FrequentFlier769850 |

Amazing waterfalls but the traffic and parking were horrendous. I would definitely recommend coming early or late in the day to avoid summer crowds.

Best Falls I have seen in months

By Donald K |

Reading the "terrible" reviews I had a little chuckle. One person complained that after driving thousands of miles to see them they were underwhelmed. They saw better falls in Peru. I wonder if they drove to Peru just to see those falls? About 6 months ago I was in Niagara and those falls are more impressive, no doubt. But these falls are great too. I would recommend a drive from Portland just to see them, but probably not from LA just to see them. There were a lot of people and it was middle of winter so maybe it is too crowded in the summer or weekends. But I was very glad we stopped.

The view

By Mattkur |

It is a mile hike to the top. I seen a 5 year old boy up there so it isn’t the most difficult climb but have some decent shoes on.

A Gorgeous, Must-See Waterfall (And Hike, If Possible)

By HeardItBothWays |

My husband and I visited Multnomah Falls on a return trip to Portland as part of a trip down the West Coast. It's a breathtaking waterfall and I definitely consider it a must-see if you're in the area!

The waterfall itself is everything you see in photos and more. It's worth seeing from the bottom, the bridge, and the top, if you're up for the hike. The hike itself is somewhat challenging as it is a mile hike up (800+ feet on a stead incline) and the same hike down, with lots of switchbacks and some slippery mud to navigate as you get close to the falls. The views are absolutely worth it along the trail and seeing the top of the falls from the viewing platform.

It was free to visit, though I have heard there are some timed-tickets to deal with in the age of COVID and possibly some trail closures. Check their website for up-to-date information. When we went, parking had a pretty long wait. We were in a 30-minute+ queue to get a space. After that, it was relatively easy. There are a lot of people on the bridge and at the bottom, but people were respectful and spaced out enough that you could take pictures without being in a crowd. People were also spaced out and respectful of other hikers on the trail.

Definitely make time for this if you are in the area!

Beautiful views

By shnpan |

This is a beautiful stop off of the interstate. There is a restaurant, gift shop and information area at the falls.

Beautiful Falls and Decent Hike

By aschoono |

We were visiting Portland and it was recommended to drive up the Columbia River Gorge. I check things out before going and found Multnomah Falls. We got passes ahead of time due to COVID restrictions. Hope these are gone now. It was busy but most people just checked out the base of the falls. We hiked to the top. Beautiful views from the top but not if the falls. We had the trail pretty much to ourselves. It is not a king hike but up the entire way there with some switchbacks.

Aesthetically Beautiful Waterfall

By Eli K |

The falls is such a nice sight to see. The cascading levels of water is so nice. You can walk up to the bridge (and go even further too). You can also get your feet went downstream of the waterfall by the parking lot. There are other water falls in the area too. You need to make reservations to park by exit 11. But no reservations are needed by the other lot on the old highway road, though there aren’t too many spots. We went on a hot Sunday, and only had to wait 5 minutes for a car to leave.

Beautiful waterfall

By senior travelers |

Only minutes outside Portland along the Columbia river, Multnomah falls is a 2 tier waterfall. Parking was a little hard, but the walk to the falls is short and the scenery beautiful.

Amazing double falls!

By Jerri L |

If you are visiting I suggest you park off the interstate (exit 31 has a lot) where you aren’t fighting parking. It is an easy walk through a tunnel, no charge or hassle parking. The day we visited (a Sunday) reservations were not being required and it was busy. Note that Reservations were being required starting the next day July 20 so check the site.

There is a gift shop, restaurant and snack shops and all had long lines. On this hot day most were waiting for ice cream. There are hikes from this point to the falls upper and lower level view points as well as other hikes to the top and around the falls. We made stops at the lower falls overlook and on the Benton Bridge for the upper falls abs hiked a short distance past the bridge. There were people everywhere but if you waited patiently you could get your turn for photo opportunities and amazing views.

Must see!!!

By GIGI ,2010, |

Now I can check this off my busker list! I had seen a picture of this on Instagram and screenshot the photos and thought this is a beautiful place to visit one day and after 2 years I made a family road trip from California to see the falls and is was absolutely worth it. Very beautiful falls. Took many pictures and even ate at the restaurant. When I got here there was a shuttle service that takes you to all the falls around and it drops you off and come back around every 30 minutes to take you to the next falls. In total we seen was 5 falls total. Take the shuttle it’s definitely worth it cause if you try to hi you ok your own parking is very limited and you’ll have to keep going in circles for awhile. The shuttle was only $35 per vehicle and worth it. Definitely recommend this and all the falls around.

Must see if you are in Portland

By hayagreeva |

Our first stop on the Multnomah Mt Hood loop journey. The spectacle is awesome. Do not skip going over the bridge, or even higher.

Fall for the Falls!

By Karen C |

MUST DO THIS!!! Take the Sasquatch Shuttle (ask for Keenan) and spend the $35 and 2.5 hours getting the history, the anecdotes, and these incredibly beautiful spaces! It truly is the work of God's hands - stunning! The shuttle allows you to park, ride, meet others, and just enjoy the ride, literally!

Beautiful view. Easy access. Beware of crime in area.

By mama_burke |

Stunning waterfall! Easy access to lower level from parking area directly off the interstate via an under-roadway tunnel. Be VERY aware of crime in the area and at least lock your vehicles. We thwarted a group of thieves breaking into our truck because we were able to see them from elevation looking across the highway. Husband was able to activate the alarm and they scattered to their vehicle and took off down the interstate.

Pretty but busy

By aliciaburge |

This was a very pretty waterfall but very busy!! Many people stop at this one as it is the most popular. I suggest going early. We also parked at Wahkeena falls and hiked the loop up and around to see it. This hike can be steep in areas but worth it to avoid the crowds

Worth the trip!

By maryofmassachusetts |

Amazing. Great stop here for videos of the falls. Information area and relatively good parking. Don't forget the soft serve ice cream, seems like everyone treated themselves at the base.

MultYESmah Falls!

By Russell W |

Another Oregon waterfall to dazzle the viewer. Easy access from the highway to the parking lot. You can see the falls from there for free, or pay to get closer. Highway noise can be a distraction, but the view is awesome. Easy to get right back on the highway.

Highlight of my Portland visit

By Katherinee309 |

Please check out the falls when you are in Oregon. It’s literally only like 40 mins from Portland and you can visit several different waterfalls. Oregon is a beautiful state with lots of scenic views, waterfalls and mountains.

Such a Beautiful Area

By BRDman7 |

Well worth stopping and stretching your legs if nearby. The cascading falls are simply beautiful and you can climb farther up for even better views and perspective.

Magnificent, and easy to get the photo you came for.

By SteveK28762 |

Stunning waterfall. I guess that most people visiting the falls will have planned to do so, but this may not be the case given that they are all of 30 seconds from the main road into Portland, and are well signposted. You park, cross the road, and you're there... exactly where you need to be to get the photo including the bridge that makes this place such an attraction. It's then only a short walk to get to that bridge, which is great too, but photos without it just aren't the same. Well worth the stop.

Great Visit!

By Amy K |

Visited in September when a permit was needed to access the falls from the parking lot off of I-84 at exit 31. (Permit needed May thru September 4th). The permit was easy to get on Recreation.gov and cost $2.00. The permit is basically an electronic reservation on your phone. Our permit time was 10am. When we arrived there was plenty of parking available. There are 2 sides to the parking lot so make sure you drive all the way around if you are unable to find a space. From the parking lot, there is a walkway that goes under the highway to reach the falls. There is someone checking permits to enter the walkway. TIP: you can still visit he falls without a permit from historic route 30. The parking lot on 30 is very small and very crowded. We took the short walk up to the bridge and then continued on the path to the top of the falls which was definitely worth it. There is a lookout at the top with a great view. On the path we saw all different ages and abilities. The lodge at the base has restrooms, a water fill station, restaurant, snack bar and a gift shop. Worth the stop!

My Husband’s Favorite Stop!

By Cryptic_Tourist |

My husband absolutely loved this stop despite getting lost at the top of the waterfall for about 30 minutes, lol. All that being said, if you do hike to the top of the falls, make sure you turn RIGHT to view the top of the falls, otherwise you’ll be entering another 6 mile trail!

The hike is what I was could moderately difficult. No scrambling and it’s paved but the elevation gain is significant and the switchbacks can be brutal. It’s definitely the coolest waterfall I’ve ever seen in my entire life! The visitors center had a great selection of merch and honestly the breakfast burritos at the cart outside? Fire. It’s huge though so make sure you split it lol!

National Park turned expensive Tourist Trap

By Susan R |

Oregon Parks should be shamed of themselves. We planned our day around our timed tickets . The lot off the highway was closed , We were forced to take the next exit and spend 45 minutes in traffic only to find that the only way to see the falls was to spend $30 a person for a non existent trolley . Ruined our day and soured us on Oregon. National Park turned tourist trap .
Oh and the lot was closed, exit blocked , but plenty of spaces Aune if you have the timed space
You can go around the barrier ???

Short Hike with a View

By Nicole B. |

A beautiful place with a gift shop, restaurant and snack bar. The walk/hike up to the bridge is not too bad, but it’s pretty narrow and I’d say half were wearing masks; therefore, if you’re wanting a socially distanced outing, this is not it. The trail up to the bridge is also not stroller/wagon friendly.
You can see the top of the falls from the highway, so I’d definitely recommend stopping by!

Read before you go

By vnishith |

Google and park on I84 instead of the historic highway, where the lot is busy. We went from Portland and used 84, exit 31, where parking was plentiful. As such we saved time by using 84 one way and the scenic highway the other way to see various falls and scenic viewpoints.

Falls are beautiful - experience not so much - time of year is important

By jenLeCreate |

Who doesn't love waterfalls? A way to engage all of your senses, watching the water pour down form high above, the feeling of the spray on your skin and the sound - incredible. This is a good description of Bridal Veil.

As others have noted, if you can try to come outside of the May - September window. This will not only save you the fee at that time but you will have less crowds. On our road trip, we decided to visit Columbia Gorge and had to stop here (some past memories). We were not prepared for the amount of people though. The first time through we passed this by due to the crowd of people (we went to other falls further up) and had an opportunity on the way back to get into the parking lot (they had a person directing traffic to make sure that you did not stick out into the road) and actually get a space!

After you park, you can take a short walk to view the falls or go up farther to see the falls higher up. The path is paved but steep in some areas and often somewhat slippery depending on water. The falls are impressive though. There is also a gift shop and restrooms that you can use.

We were glad we went but would probably not stop here again - there are many other falls that you can hike to and get a better nature experience.

The waterfall was totally gorgeous.

By TennisStar602 |

I went to Multnomah Falls on my own on a Sunday morning. When I got to the parking lot at 9:30 AM, there were still a decent number of open spots. I made a reservation online for two dollars ($2.00), and I had to show my reservation to an authorized individual before I was able to go under a bridge to access this waterfall. There were great views at the bottom of this waterfall, but more adventurous people would go up to the scenic bridge on a paved trail which might be about a quarter (1/4) of a mile upward in one (1)-direction. To go to the very top of this waterfall, it was around a mile of a hike in each direction, and it probably took between thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes per way. The trek upward was extremely strenuous, and the terrain was difficult. The views at the top were excellent, and the views of the Columbia River and the adjacent Washington side were outrageous. This trail was very crowded. I would encourage others to wear shoes with good grips. I did not feel in danger at this site due to natural issues or due to human issues.

Nice stop off

By Blue Heeler |

Traveled here for something to do and it was worth it. Short hiking trails around the falls to get you up higher or just look from below. Nice gift shop and restaurant on location as well.

It’s Gorgeous!

By nowpacking |

We arrived before 8:30am and were able to park and get in before the crowds arrived! It was gorgeous! We hiked up to the bridge and the full height, all 620 feet of the tallest waterfall in Oregon became even more apparent! Absolutely incredible and lots of great views to photograph.

Worth stopping!

By PH2003 |

Waterfalls was one thing I was excited to see in the PNW and this one didn’t disappoint. Even in the off-season, I’d recommend getting there as early as you can because parking is in short supply. We got there around 10am and parked just fine at both Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls, but when we left there were a lot of cars waiting for parking spots to open up.

It also is pretty chilly in February, so don’t forget a jacket and a hat. As you get close to the falls, you get a lot of the mist on your face and that gets cold if you’re not used to the weather.

So pretty & easy to access

By Susan J |

This was a beautiful place to visit. It is close to the highway so it makes it was on / off. There was plenty of parking. There are 3 levels to view the falls so pretty much anyone of any ability can see them. They have a great gift shop and clean rest rooms.

Waterfall

By KeepGoing86 |

Amazing ❣️ Must see . It can get really crowded be advised
It it’s totally worth it
Friendly paths and wheelchair accessible for a lot of it.

Amazing Multnomah Falls

By Reign68 |

It was an amazing experience seeing this huge long waterfalls and free for all entrance. Enjoyed the hike up and parking was great.

Go off season and early morning

By barryswobblyworld |

Pick a nice sunny day in Jan or Feb . Arrive at the parking area by 8 am...should have plenty of spots to park right across from the lodge. Maybe 100 people there at most . (In the summer it is a tourist nightmare ! ) The falls are right across the street ...walk about 5 min to the viewing area. All paved and beautiful . The lodge , restaurant , gift shop , and bathrooms are right there together. Go up the short paved trail to the bridge that you see in front of you . It is not too difficult and is only 10 min at most ...it is worth it . If you want to go to the top of the falls you must be in good shape . Its 1 mile and strenuous . I had breakfast at the wonderful restaurant . It is beautiful and warm inside , with a large all glass atrium eating area. Fire place in the other dining room . Hours of operation are 8 to 8 ! ..but always check first . I had traditional eggs Benedict and it was perfection . Cost was $15.95 ... pricing on all meals were very fair ... not overpriced . They have many breakfast selections , that you can view online , before arriving . They serve lunch and dinner too. My waitress was excellent . I was impressed with my visit overall ...fantastic experience 30 minutes from Downtown Portland . That particular 5 mile stretch of highway 84 and 30, around Multnomah Falls , have much to visit for a great day trip. Other falls very close by , as well as Vista House up on the rocks , and huge Rooster Rock Park to relax or walk along the Columbia . Excellent .

Adventure at its best.🤩🤩

By Ellen1415 |

Very relaxing and awesome place . Great place for picture taking and trekking. My husband and I came all the way from Reno, Nevada just to visit this majestic place, truly unforgettable and amazing experience🤩

Stunning

By Hollen P |

Spectacular, breath taking and truly majestic! I would recommend to anyone. Paved and handicap accessible, snacks, exhibit hall and gift shop. The falls are so great!

Multnomah Falls

By jenlakeliving |

beautiful. long cascading falls. trail (switchback) is paved. owls, great restaurant at base of falls. rainy season is fall.

Beautiful! Worth the trip!

By 2koolkids |

Well worth the trip! This was my first time visiting the Columbia River Gorge and I was blown away by the beauty. Multnomah is amazing to see!

Fun hike

By StevoinMinnesoto |

We stopped here on our way to Oregon from Vancouver, WA. It is a bit of a ways from Vancouver but easy to find. You park in the lot across the highway from the falls area and walk in a tunnel under the traffic. The trail up to the falls is somewhat steep but paved and the views are excellent. We did not have time to make the entire trip to the top of the falls and I had also forgotten my knee brace (hey, I'm OLD!) in the car but we enjoyed the few hours we spent here. Highly Recommended!

Beautiful!

By SeeTheW0rld62 |

This was our first trip to Multnomah Falls. We tried to go 3 years ago but there was a fire and the freeway was closed. I'm glad we came back and tried again. Because of covid 19, you can only go to the first viewing spot but it's still nice to see. I didn't realize that you can see the falls from the parking lot.

Outstanding visit ( minus dogs on long leashes.)

By tgrdvrmd |

Our tour went to Multnomah Falls and it is a beautiful site to behold. It was cool, very moist but we went to the bridge which is an easy walk for 90% of visitors. The only criticism I have is allowing people to take dogs on a 15’ leash thru people on narrow walkways, which is a hazard for falling and would be a liability concern. I mentioned this to two volunteers , and they replied “Thank you”. Oh, well. This is a fantastic park.

An waterfall to remember

By Henry B |

I visited this place a few years ago and I tried early this year but it was closed due to Covid-19. This month a visited this place hoping it was opened and to my surprise, it was opened and not many people visiting.

I took the back road where other waterfalls are on that road. I highly recommend that road which starts at the city of Trautdale.

The pictures do not make justice as being in person. Enjoy nature.

Beautiful

By Sandy O |

We got here about 8:00am on a weekday and had no trouble parking. We took a walk up to the viewing area and several of our group went up on the bridge. We were able to make it back down about the time they opened the bathrooms for use. The views here are amazing and we are glad we stopped.

Over 600 Feet Of Beauty

By Nathan S |

Beautiful waterfall, the drive to get there is also beautiful. Make sure you have a time slot to visit in advance for the parking area because that is required. The crowd at the falls isn’t horrible and the hike to the bridge wasn’t difficult at all. Also features a nice little gift shop.

Outstanding

By Drumraine |

Stunning even in the pouring rain. A very welcome cup of coffee
at the stand at the entrance. Hiking trails seemed inviting for the sturdier among us but much too wet.

Garden Spot

By jautrey21 |

I can only imagine what a waterfall in the Garden of Eden might have looked like, but I'd guess it'd be a lot like Multnomah Falls. This is the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. I had a friend to tell me that "this is the Northwest" and I see what he meant by that, as it is absolutely gorgeous! The other really nice thing is that it is so accessible from the interstate. I was thinking I'd have to hike miles into the woods to see it, yet it's right by the road! If you are in Portland be sure and take the time to ride out to see it.

Gorge-ous

By steven s |

Only downer was the weather at the last stop which is not a waterfall. It was overcast with on and off rain, not good for a scenic overlook. However, that's an advantage at these places because there's no crowd. When I was there, I had that high bridge at Multnoma Falls to myself for 10 minutes . Rain doesnt matter there since its already a wet, damp habitat. Nice guide, Johan, safe driver. Back at my hotel right on time. I'd go again for sure. I want to go again on a clear day and spend more time there.

Spectacular!

By Heather S. |

This was our last Falls after a long day of "falls hopping" We stopped at several before making it here. We also didn't do the full trail as it had started to rain. We only went up to the bridge. But WOW, it really is spectacular. Such a beautiful area of this great nation. I highly recommend checking out all the falls in this region. The Grayline Trolley was great to and super helpful as we didn't have to drive from spot to spot finding parking or getting the permit which is required now. Overall, very much worth the trip!

Beautiful fall in Portland

By mongkut |

Just only half hour drive to this place you have 2 way to go from Portland Highway 84 or Historic Columbia River Highway I recommend the second way better you will be enjoy all the way many waterfalls and best spot views

Handicap accessible

By Aln357 |

Beautiful waterfall and easy to access from the interstate. Large area for parking and not that far of a walk for elders or handicap. Those in an electric wheelchair could still make the journey to the first waterfall because there are paved ramps and no stairs in order to make the first part of this journey.

Absolutely faboulous

By EllenChr |

What an absolutely wonderful place. We came quite early (around 8AM on a sunday) and got a parking space by the lodge. To park here you got to come by the old 33, not the freeway. Not too many people around. Easy to walk up to the bridge - not very steep a climb and about 0,2 miles. The view is breathtaking.
The path is open - the time listed is for the parkingarea by the freeway.

Amazing Multnomah Falls

By Vinz |

Coming here is definitely on my bucket list. Multnomah Falls in Portland is around 2 hours drive from Tukwila, Washington. There was a little drizzle when we left but it cleared as soon as we arrived at our destination. The view from below is majestic and that bridge added a nice touch with the fall in the background. There were a lot of people but you can still manage to take a picture without anyone blocking your view. We didn't bother to climb up because we've taken all the pictures we needed. There's a nice souvenir shop nearby if you want to take home mementos from your trip.

Beautiful waterfall, good restaurant

By Sue B |

Portland gets a lot of rainfall, but even during dry seasons, the waterfall is glorious. Make time for lunch at the lovely restaurant.

Crowded but Beautiful

By julijoyeux |

Easy to park...easy to reach...great photos...pretty place...food and giftshop and restrooms available...what's not to love? I recommend using the old Scenic Columbia River Gorge Hwy from Portland for spectacular views at pullouts for Women's Forum and Vista House.

Excellent Experience

By EaglesFan27 |

If you're only going to stop at one of the falls, this is the one. It's a short walk to get the best views of the falls, but if you could hike, I suggest going farther up. The trail which climbs up the mountain gets some nice views of the gorge and goes to the top of the falls. I continued about another mile to get in 3 more waterfalls. It was one of my favorite hikes in Oregon.

I like it

By Shardul |

This is one of the first few locations when you lookup things to do in Portland. I have been to this place every time I visited Portland. Finding a parking can be tricky.

Go early, less crowded. Worth the hike up!

By travelnut10101 |

We tried going on a Saturday afternoon and it was too crowded, no parking at either lot at all. The very next day, we got to the lot across the lodge at 9am and success, there were spaces left. The day we went had beautiful dry weather so the hike up was good. It is a paved trail but it could get slippery on a rainy day. It took us about 45-60 mins to go up slowly because we took lots of breaks. But it is definitely worth it! Early morning is a great time to see it because it is not crowded at all on the viewing platform at the top. It's a beautiful falls to see even if you just go to the bridge which is only .2 miles from the bottom. Definitely recommend!

Hike worth it- great views

By ZMAN3411 |

With the timed entries- they keep it spread out to where you have nice views of such an amazing waterfall. The hike is worth it to the top as it truly is amazing to see how high it really is from the view stand up there.

A Scenic Beauty

By craig1086 |

These falls were a nice, 45-minute drive from downtown Portland. The drive itself is scenic in spots. Parking was $10-20 in the lot, but good luck finding spaces if you go on the weekend. The falls were absolutely beautiful, and are a centerpiece of the Columbia River Gorge. Expect rain, and be surprised if it's dry. You can walk up to Benson Bridge if you want to be very up close & personal, but you're guaranteed to get wet. Explore the visitor center for a few minutes as well. Don't leave Portland without making a visit.

One of the most beautiful sites in Oregon

By Jim K |

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful1
A must stop if you are in the Mt. Hood area.

This is a very popular place so ahead.
To visit this site you must get a timed entry set up so do that ahead.
It only costs a few dollars to set up your time so what I did was booked two
back to back. This way if we were late arriving, we could still get in.
One thing we found out is that the general parking is not right next to the falls but a short distance right off the main highway.

The falls were gorgeous and the hiking (unless you hike to the top of the falls) was easy to do.

Beautiful but a bit too popular

By Vernman |

It’s absolutely beautiful and should probably be considered a must-do. However it does get really busy and the facilities are just stretched beyond what they were built for. Parking from the falls route is difficult at best. Parking from the interstate works better but does let you see the scenery in and out. In any case GO ONLINE AND REGISTER FOR ENTRY.

Don’t do it. They sell your info!

By Whitney S |

Don’t do it. There are better waterfalls and they ruined it. So, the falls are fine and there is a lively little path. However, it is a total tourist trap. Now, you are require to make an account online and pay $2. You can’t just pay cash, you have to do it online. Why? Because they immediately sell your email address! My inbox is flooded with junk mail so the we could be packed in with 1000 people and look at the falls for 10 minutes. Not worth it. There are other waterfalls in Oregon totally worth seeing near sisters but don’t go to this one unless you want to have your information sold.

BEAUTIFUL ! Read for timed entry explanation.

By mammalovescake |

Beautiful falls! We enjoyed our visit tremendously. LET ME EXPLAIN THE TIMED ENTRY TICKET. This caused me a lot of confusion and stress leading up to my visit so I thought I would explain it now that I have completed my visit. The timed entry ticket has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with parking. Parking is free and first come, first served. We visited on a Saturday at 4:00 and did not have a problem finding a place to park. Once you park and head to the tunnel under the road to go to the falls, there is an attendant there checking timed entry passes. Passes must be purchased online, ahead of time for $2. It is $2 per car group, not per person. You can show the pass on your phone or a printed-out version. If you don't have a pass you will be told to purchase one online and the next available time slot for entry. To my knowledge, you can not buy timed entry passes in person. I read some reviews that said not all people have phone service here, so make sure you purchase before coming to the park. The passes are to control crowds within the park and again, have NOTHING to do with parking. There were people in front of us that were turned away without the passes and told they could purchase tickets for the next time slot with availability which was not for another hour.

Nice waterfall

By Joe R |

The view of the waterfall is nice and a nice walk to get to it to see. You have the option to hike to the top takes about over half an hour with nice hiking and wonderful view on top. There’s also option for more hiking that takes a few more hours both ways. Best to go early too. Definitely take the trip to see these falls.

A waterfall everyone should visit once in their lifetime

By Russell3939 |

I have had the opportunity to travel a lot. This is one of those places I thought to myself everyone should have the opportunity to see this once in their lives. The classic view from the bottom is gorgeous. Get here early. We got here at 8:30 and was able to park in the lot across the street and didn’t have many people to deal with. It is a 1 mile hike to the top with 11 switchbacks. Some of witch were fairly long. This hike up was harder than I thought it would be. It was worth it for the views from the top. This should be a must visit while in Oregon. There was quite a few people staring the hime up when we got down at 10.

The most beautiful waterfall in the state

By Danielle P |

We decided to fly into Portland this past week, and to enjoy the beautiful State of Oregon. So naturally our first designation after our arrival was the world known Multnomah Falls, which is maybe 30 minutes east of Portland. We decided to park off exit 31 of interstate I-84, and then it's an just an easy 5-10 minute walk. This parking lot is good for large RVs, campers of all sizes, long or short vehicles. There isn't any security at this parking location, so I'd recommend that travelers secure their valuables in their trunks.

The waterfall is very beautiful and visitors can hike from the lower to upper falls. There is wide walking paths that can accommodate people of different ages and abilities. Be advised that this is a very popular tourist attraction, so you want to pack accordingly for weather of any kind. There is a few vendors and a restaurant on site, if you want to grab some snacks, drinks and gifts. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy natural beauty of this very tall waterfall!!!

One of the most Beautiful

By Carl S |

Easy to find, but difficult to find parking. Your best bet is the parking lot that has an exit off of I84. But once you get parked and walk to falls, it's worth every bit of effort needed. It is absolutely stunning. Once of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen.

A tall falls worth seeing

By Jim W. |

First, the summary: you usually have to go to Yosemite Valley to see a waterfall like this, so by all means if you are in the area, do check this out.

That said... This was a challenging place to visit. Doing my average trip research, I was lucky to note that they required timed, pre-purchased reservation tickets to visit this site. At the time, they sold them starting 2 weeks before your desired date (at 7 a.m. PST) online. I was able to buy a ticket (for only $2). They stated that having this ticket did not guarantee you a parking place. I was puzzled by this. Here is what I learned from our visit. There is a moderate lot adjacent to the site. There are probably ~ 75 - 100 parking spots there. They have a person stationed at the entrance to coordinate your entry and parking (she was helpful). However, the queue for spaces is only about 6 cars deep in order to keep the road clear. There are NO other places to park along the road you come in on for a ways in either direction. However (and I only learned this after we arrived), there is a much larger overflow parking lot across I-84 (which is about 20 yards away from the main parking lot). I did not visit it so I cannot comment on how full it gets, etc. However, you apparently access it from I-84 and then walk through a short tunnel under the highway to the site. I would recommend you investigate this as part of your own trip planning, though.

Our experience was that we could not turn left to park, so we had to overshoot and come back. Turning around on that road is not a trivial exercise, either. Our timed ticket was for 10 a.m., but they start issuing them for 9 a.m. - I would recommend going as early as you can (the site is well within an hour of Portland). We got to be about 5th in the parking queue around 9:55 a.m. I wasn't sure how quickly this would move, but as it turned out, several cars did leave and we were able to park in about 5 minutes. I would caution the reader that I expect it gets worse later, though.

We then crossed the road and joined the crowd walking up the path to the base of the falls. It is only 150 yards from the road, past the main visitors' building. There is a plaza there affording views up to the bridge and the main falls (there are 2 sections of the falls, totaling around 600 feet, I think). This is a prime photo spot, so expect to wait few minutes for your turn to get your pictures.

You can then ascend a switchback trail about 0.2 miles up to the bridge. From there you can see the main falls and look back down on the plaza. It wasn't a bad hike unless you have some actual disability. The trail continues to the top, but we did not have time to hike up there.

The stone building at the entrance houses a few exhibits about the falls, salmon, geology, etc. Next to that is a large gift shop. There is also a public restroom on this level. Upstairs is a restaurant. I was not aware that they even had a restaurant here when I was planning the trip, and we did not originally plan to eat here. However, my daughter noted a dish of interest on their menu, and it was almost 11 a.m. My wife had checked with them around 10:40 a.m. as to when they served lunch; the hostess was a bit coy, stating only that they began serving lunch "between 11 and 12." We walked up and asked about lunch and she asked if we had a reservation. We said 'no' and she said that she had no tables available for at least 30 minutes (I could see almost all of their tables *were* available at the time, but I'll be charitable and assume others had reserved these for 11 a.m. ...). So, my advice: if you want to eat here, plan accordingly.

Again, in summary - the falls themselves are well worth seeing. There are just other factors involved (parking, meals) that may complicate your visit. I'd advise doing extensive site research about this place before visiting.

Too crowded!

By Janet A |

The falls were pretty, and fairly accessible for everyone, but they were too crowded during a pandemic. We had reserved our tickets online and there were way too many people to walk with - and past - along the trail. Some visitors were also not curbing their dogs appropriately and this took away from our experience.
Beware of the sausage sandwich! My friend ordered one for lunch and felt very ill for most of the afternoon.

Great setting for a waterfall

By 1234texas |

This is a very nice stop on the way to Astoria. The falls are very popular and there are crowds, but there are many viewing points.
There are some historic buildings on the site. Food and restrooms are available.

Parking is Insane.

By Jordan L |

There is almost no parking by the falls and it fills up extremely fast. We circled it 5 times and still couldn't find parking, even in the very pricey parking area. Also roads are very narrow. For this being such a popular place, they really need to figure out the parking. Only got to see it from a distance before we drove away from not being able to find parking.

Breathtaking

By Val636 |

One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited! We took a small hike up to the bridge and took in the incredible view of the falls! Only downside is the parking area is very small and limited. Still, definitely stunning and absolutely worth it.

Fun morning trip!

By zona1515 |

Gorgeous waterfall! Lots of uphill hiking if you want to make it to the top, so be prepared for that. But it’s a very fun uphill hike, surrounded by some truly gorgeous Oregon nature. Saw a lot of people who didn’t buy a permit beforehand and couldn’t get in because they were sold out, so be sure to buy the permit beforehand! Also download or screenshot the QR code they give you, because the service there isn’t great.

Amazing Waterfall

By Michelle008_800 |

My husband and I stopped to see the falls on our way to our hotel. We parked on the other side of the highway and went across through an underground tunnel to the falls and gift shop. The falls are stunning and so high. I didn’t imagine they were that high when I saw pictures of it. The gift shop is full of beautiful souvenirs for anything in Oregon. Absolutely loved it. Would highly recommend stopping here.

Selfie central

By Edmund P |

Took a viator tour to hit all of the many scenic areas along the gorges. About 35 minutes driving from the center of Portland. We arrived quite early and found there to be a fairly large number of visitors. Fairly well maintained concrete paths up the traverse. We would have enjoyed spending a bit more time in this area, but we were on a schedule with the rest of our group. Very picturesque and some great food and amazing gift shops. There is also a welcome/educational center.

Beautiful Sight

By Amy W |

We visited the falls on Labor Day. A ticket needed to be purchased before getting to the falls. We found this out via signs on the highway. Luckily you can purchase it online. Due to COVID the ticket gives you a timeframe you can enter the park. The ticket doesn’t guarantee parking. We were lucky as parking wasn’t an issue. There is a short easy walk to the fall viewing area. Trails that go to the top of the falls are closed. After viewing the falls of course we wanted to visit the gift shop. Here there was a line to get in. The staff ensured safety by only allowing a few in at a time and hand sanitizer was readily available. It was just too bad that not all of the visitors had the same attitude

Lovely falls, interesting past.

By PixmanSA |

This 242 feet high waterfall is worth a visit. It is very scenic and I might add, quite busy with tourists. The parking area is a bit tricky to find but once you are parked (oh, and you need to book before you arrive) you can walk almost right up to the falls. A selfie (family or self) is obligatory. Then back to the souvenir shop for the bottle opener or book or whatever you'd like to buy to remember the visit by.

Nice view, getting tickets was apparently not necessary

By David B |

We stopped her on a Wednesday afternoon and it was moderately busy. We parked in the main lot off I-84 and walked up.

Beautiful view from the base if you are not up to walking further. We did walk up to the bridge and enjoyed the view. Walk from lower observation area to the bridge was about a 10 to 15 minute walk up a steep trail with steps in some places.

Only thing that bothered me was that we went on line the day before to reserve timed tickets (free with small service fee) and when we got there no one was checking this.

Note about Covid precautions. Despite signs that masks were required, very few people were wearing them except in the gift shop.

Beautiful

By BritKansas |

The falls were absolutely beautiful, and there are lots of areas to park, so that you can take photos. However, while there lots of areas to park, while we were there it was very crowded, so there were not many available spaces. Definitely worth the drive.

Must see roadside attraction.

By TravelDoorsOut |

Must see when near Hood River. Gorgeous waterfall and very scenic area. However, SUPER hard to get too. We overshot it on the highway and needed to backtrack over 30min to make a U turn. Very stupidly designed turn off and parking lot, hard to find the exit/place to park.

Awesome View

By Glenn S |

It is back open for drop in visits. This is a wonderful place to take a rest from your trip and enjoy the view.

Worth the stop!

By Erica S |

I definitely recommend the stop to see this. The falls are breathtaking and easy to see. There is a paved walkway to a platform where you can see the full glory of the falls. Easy to get to. If you are adventurous you can take various hikes to go up further. They are also paved by there are some steps and somewhat steep inclines. The short hike to the viewing bridge is well worth it. You can see the upper falls more closely but also see the lower falls more closely too. It’s a great stop to take in beauty. At the bottom there is a shop, coffee place, and restaurant

Highlight of trip

By mommysunshine |

Our family loved this stop. I'm sure parking get tough during tourist season, but we got a spot on a spring break afternoon.
We only planned on hiking to the bridge but went to the top. 1 mile up, felt straight up. Was worth it.
Just go.

BEFORE leaving for the falls, check if the parking lot off the interstate is full!

By James D |

BEFORE leaving for the falls, check if the parking lot off the interstate is full! If it is, go later (like after 4:30) or early the next morning.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PARK IN THE PARKING LOT UP BY THE FALLS ENTRANCE! A lot of people, mostly locals, think that this is a good alternative. It isn't. It's extremely frustrating and dangerous.

While visiting friends (who are PDX locals), we go stuck in an 1.5 hour traffic jam on the Historic Columbia River HWY right by the falls--this is a two lane road that twists and curves through the mountains. What was the cause of the traffic jam? Cars from BOTH directions waiting on the road to turn into the tiny park lot next to the falls entrance. Sometimes, we were waiting for 10 minutes to move one car length. You couldn't pass all these cars to just get through, because the cars in the opposite direction were blocking the way. Several people tried (from both directions) which lead to several near misses (there is no cross walk, so pedestrians just walk across the street anywhere), and one instance where BOTH lanes of the road at one point were blocked because a car was attempting to pass the backlog and came head on with another vehicle heading in the opposite direction (thankfully the one car on the far side was able to reverse back into his original space. My friend, who is a nurse at OHSU called the police because she was very concerned that emergency vehicles wouldn't be able to arrive on the scene should someone be injured.

Here is the kicker: the police response was, "yeah, we know it gets kind of busy up there." To which my friend responded, "then why isn't someone directing traffic to insure the safety of drivers and pedestrians, and to make sure that the road is clear for emergency vehicles?" My other friend called the offices at the falls, "hey, can you get someone out to direct traffic? People are just sitting in the middle of the street to turn for 10 mins?" Their response, "yeah, it does get kind of crazy out there."

And, I'm going to be honest. It's pretty, but not so pretty as to deserve an hour and a half wait for a parking lot.

TLDR: if the parking lot is full off the interstate, it means its a busy day at the falls. Stay clear and come back at another time; or go see one of the other waterfalls! Stay clear of the Columbia River HWY by the falls on busy days.

Checked off one more on the bucket list!

By CRCindy |

Must see! I picked Portland to visit because of these Spectacular waterfalls. I didn’t realize there were several other stunning waterfalls in the same area. I am feeling blessed to have been able to make my dream of seeing so much beauty within a few miles.

Falling in love with the falls

By AJandCin |

The falls we’re breathtaking. Admittance was well organized. We didn’t realize we needed a reservation. This practice started two weeks ago. We were able to get one on line right away. We were happy they were limiting number of people going in. It did get a little crowded at the base of the falls. There many areas to hike in. They did have a restaurant and a gift shop and we’re both open. The ladies room
Could use some housekeeping. Definitely worth a stop.

Beautiful falls

By Mmarymomm |

We took a brief look at Multnomah Falls. It is easily accessible from the highway. We would have explored further but the weather was cold and rainy. It is reminiscent of the falls at Yosemite, a long narrow ribbon of water dropping almost 700 ft. There is a bridge you can walk out to but we did not do that.

Awesome, beautiful, great workout, bring water

By EscapeRoomJunky |

We had an excellent time at the falls. First, we got there early. Parking is limited. Over the summer (May - Sept), you need to have a reservation which you can get online. I got the day before. I think it was $2. When you get there, we walked from the car, to the tunnel, and there someone checked our reservation time. Then walked through the tunnel over the the falls. There is a bathroom and water at the bottom, but once you start walking, there is no garbage can or water, or bathroom. The views on the way up are beautiful, and you can stop at any time and walk back the way you came. It's paved to start, then to the bridge. After the bridge, it's paved a little while longer, then the paved part ends and the long walk up starts. The views on the way are very good, so it's ok to stop, catch your breath and take some pictures. There is a 1.25 mile walk up a steam incline to the get to the top. It has a tracker (e.g. 5 of 11 switch backs) The last 2 or 3 are downhill. The sign for the last switch back is hard to find, and we missed it the first time. There is a nice viewing area at the top of the falls to look down. We then went an another 2/3 of a mile to the next set of falls. There was another 2 more, but we were done. We didn't bring enough water. Even if you don't want to walk all the way up, I would recommend getting to the bridge. It looked like there was an elevator, and it was accessible up to the bridge.

2nd Highest US Waterfall

By MomR |

Really beautiful. Very majestic. Parking was a nightmare but the views were amazing and pathway was very easy to use. We wish we had more time to hike and explore. Take the time to see the other falls in the area on the same frontage road on both sides.

Beautiful place

By Marina Stein |

Very beautiful waterfalls ! Consists from 2 parts - don't forget to go to the nice bridge between these two parts. Easy short hike to it. Problems with parking in summer even during weekdays. We came there during the heat at the end of June - close to waterfall there is nice cafe-restaurant to refresh and nice gift shop - I bought cute T-shirt with waterfalls:)

One of Oregon's most photographed landmarks

By Revathi |

Benson Bridge: Footbridge spanning Multnomah Creek between the two cascades of Multnomah Falls.
Photogenic Spot: One of Oregon's most photographed landmarks.
Popular Destination: A favorite for tourists from around the world.
Must-See: An inviting spot for visitors to enjoy.

Fabulous Falls

By TheLeongOhana |

We beat the crowds and had no trouble finding parking in the morning. Once by the falls, there were a few viewing options depending on how much walking you wanted to do. The best one and most popular option was to walk to the bridge that was located in front of the fall. It took less than ten minutes from the start of the path. Here we were able to see everything as well as experience some of the force of the fall with a nice misting coming off the pool below. For those more adventurous, there were 11 switchbacks to get through in order to take in the views from the top of the fall. We stopped at the second switchback due to time. Along this path we saw some of the burned remnants of a large fire and how the land has started the recovery process.

Well worth the stop to see this fall, the second tallest one in the US that continuously flows.

Amazing

By nijo00 |

Amazing waterfall. Very busy, I believe they will be doing timed visits in the summer. Worth a walk to the top but all uphill along quite a rough path. You can continue on the trail to other falls but we didn’t have time to do.

Beautiful fall

By Eva T |

The car park charge $10 - don't forget to take the ticket and put it on the windscreen. Be careful when crossing the road. Now you can go to the fall - it is beautiful. There is a small bench where you can sit (if you are lucky) and admire the nature. There is a restaurant and ice cream shop and also a few tables with chairs and umbrellas when it's sunny. We brought our own picnic and enjoyed it there after visiting the fall.

Beautiful and free

By Mary Margaret |

A must see and do in Portland. We did not take the trail to the top but our kids did and they said it was good and challenging in spots. Not for those who are not hikers. The falls are beautiful and the gift shop was reasonable and the clerk was friendly and helpful. Bought some almonds at the snack bar. Very good.

Majestic Views!

By RozJF |

Gorgeous, fascinating forest! 3 hour tour to several waterfalls & the Columbia River Gorge. Spectacular scenery. Cool air & majestic vistas. A must do. Very curvy roads so if you have motion sickness, not ideal.

Don't miss it!

By Kurt H |

Super stop, don't pass it by! Convenient, amazingly easy on-off the interstate. Can spend as much time as you want. Arguably the best interstate stop in the US for photos.

A must stop for tourists in Oregon

By Josh C |

This has been a favorite place of mine to visit since the time that I lived in Oregon decades ago. Be sure to plan ahead for a pass into the falls area - although parking may be available, without a time permitted pass, you will not be allowed to the tourist area of the falls. Although the trail to the top is only about one mile, it is steep and those who are not ready for the hike up will definitely feel it for days after. The trail up is mostly paved but due to weather and erosion, it does have some areas that need repair (there is a damaged portion - which is noted at the start of the hike - that only allows one person to pass up or down at a time). The hike up is definitely worth it, though.

CLOSED due to COVID

By Jo J |

As of July 20 the falls are closed - even the exits from the freeway were blocked off. We had driven from Salem to see the falls but at least we had more on our itinary. We were able to catch a glimpse of the falls from the freeway but not the same as being there.

The view 🥰

By Cathy D |

A must see! These falls were so pretty! We walked up to the bride and took some great pictures that we will cherish. They have a restaurant and souvenir shop as well as hot drinks and snacks including candies nuts.

Nice place

By Edster71 |

This was a nice place to visit, very easy to see and just a few hundred yards from the parking lot. It was fairly crowded even on a week day. We took a side trip to Oneonta Gorge and it was awesome but much harder to get to, waist deep water, half mile and climbing over logs . But worth it if you can make it. We had a 7yr old and a 5yr old and we're able to do it.

Glorious Falls, Spectacular Scenery

By TheExplorerFamily |

This is one of Portland’s most visited and photographed Falls. Who has not seen pictures of it everywhere? In our opinion, it was also one of the most scenic areas to visit.

The water in the cascade is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain. Therefore, the flow varies from one season to another – with the maximum amount of water appearing during winter and spring.

The Falls tumble down the cliff for 611 feet in two steps – Upper Falls are 542 feet, and lower falls are 69 feet. There is a plaque showing this halfway up.

The Benson Footbridge spanning the Multnomah Creek is almost as famous as the Falls. It is what the falls unique. The walk up to it was easy. It did have a short steep incline in places, so it will not be good for everyone. Once we were on the bridge, we could see the upper and lower falls, and this made our trek worthwhile.

It is more crowded than the other falls, but a “Must See” if you are in the Portland area.

January hike to the top of the Falls.

By Meander551298 |

We began our self-guided hike from the restaurant/gift shop/restroom area at 10 am. Parking was easy and there are many opportunities for photos along the entire hike, which is approximately 1.25 miles to the platform area at the top of the Falls, with 11 switchbacks. While there were other hikers in both directions, by the time we started down a steady flow of hikers were heading up. The path is paved but some areas have washed out, hiking shoes provided good traction.

🥰 😍 pretty

By kfsvc78 |

One the most prettiest falls I’ve seen. If you are in the area. A must see. We were here around fall, so the colors of the leaves made it eve more prettier.

Amazing falls

By Saadya |

My second time seeing the falls and still loved it! We walked to the bridge which was nice! Although the place is usually crowded, it’s still peaceful. I’m thinking I might even go back one day!

Beautiful waterfall - only 35 min car ride from Portland

By T D |

This beautiful waterfall is easy to find/ walk to from the parking lot. Parking lot is right on I84 with a dedicated exit just for the Multnomah Falls. There is a restaurant and gift shop at the bottom of the Falls. The walk up to the bridge is only 0.2 miles from the bottom. Great place, beautiful waterfall and it’s only 35 min car ride from Portland.

A Sight to Behold!!

By ExpoNationals |

Always a treat to visit Multnomah Falls! Truly a sight to behold! Don't just admire it from afar. Walk up to Benson Bridge for a closer look. Enjoy!

Beautiful waterfalls with gift shop, restaurant, bathrooms, and small visitors center

By 907blaked |

We enjoyed our trip here on a rainy day in November. There are three ways to see the falls: a 30-second walk to the base; a four minute walk to the bridge; or a one hour walk to the top of the falls. Even though the view from the bridge is a cool experience, the view is actually better from the base of the falls. We were told the walk to the bridge would take 15 minutes, but it actually only took four minutes.

Awesome scenery

By Princerman |

Gorgeous scenery with a challenging hike to get there. Make sure you get the timed pass before going. The wireless is awful there.

This is a must see stop - do not skip it (use a shuttle service in the summer)

By CraftBeers |

The falls are five stars. It's a double fall with the upper level showcasing a walking bridge over the top of the second fall. It is beautiful to see.

This is probably the most popular falls along the Columbia Gorge. They have added a gift shop, restaurant and snack stand to support the volumes of people that come here every day.

We visited on a Wednesday in October, and were able to park in the tiny lot right at the entrance. There were not a lot of people, so we got great shots of the falls. The hike up to the bridge is an easy path less than a half mile long.

The only reason to not give this place five stars is the number of people that can be present during the peak season. A parking lot has been added off I-84 and is a short walk to the bottom of the falls; however, there is a logistical problem. The access for your vehicle is on I-84. You do not exit onto the state road which runs right in front of the site. Most people will want to drive along the scenic route of the state road, but you are forced to stay on the highway to find parking.

My recommendation is to see this outside of the peak summer season. Your chances of finding parking increase. If going in the summer is your only option, consider a shuttle service out of Portland. They only run during peak season. You pick up the shuttle at the beginning of the Columbia Gorge. It's a hop-on/hop-off system that allows you to visit as many falls as you like and stay as long as you like.

Beautiful….Just Know You Must Purchase a Pass During Certain Months

By MarcMis96 |

Absolutely breathtaking. Be prepared though, you have to purchase a pass to get in. It’s only $2, but I guess it helps control how many people are trying to park and walk around the falls. There’s a gift shop that has a lot of nice items. We really enjoyed our visit.

Big and wobbly

By Cherry_Wonderdog |

Multnomah Falls is amazing, really amazing. It's like the biggest waterfall ever, trust me. It's so big, it's like whoa! It's like a giant wall of water just coming down, you know? Huge!

The best thing about Multnomah Falls is that you can go up, up, up to the top. And when you're up there, you can see everything. I mean everything! The trees, the rocks, the people below. It's like being on top of the world, folks.

But you know what? Multnomah Falls is also kind of cool because it's like a little adventure. You have to walk on this bridge thing, and it's like wobbly. It's like, "Whoa, watch your step!" But don't worry, it's safe. They wouldn't let us fall, right?

And the water, oh boy, the water is so powerful. It's like a million water guns shooting out all at once. It's like, "Pew! Pew! Pew!" So cool! And you can feel the mist on your face, like a little shower. It's refreshing, trust me.

So, if you ever get a chance to go to Multnomah Falls, do it. You'll have so much fun, I promise. It's like an adventure, a big, cool adventure. And it's like the best waterfall ever. The best, folks. You'll love it, believe me!

Multnomah Falls is amazing, really amazing. It's like the biggest waterfall ever, trust me. It's so big, it's like whoa! It's like a giant wall of water just coming down, you know? Huge!

The best thing about Multnomah Falls is that you can go up, up, up to the top. And when you're up there, you can see everything. I mean everything! The trees, the rocks, the people below. It's like being on top of the world, folks.

But you know what? Multnomah Falls is also kind of cool because it's like a little adventure. You have to walk on this bridge thing, and it's like wobbly. It's like, "Whoa, watch your step!" But don't worry, it's safe. They wouldn't let us fall, right?

And the water, oh boy, the water is so powerful. It's like a million water guns shooting out all at once. It's like, "Pew! Pew! Pew!" So cool! And you can feel the mist on your face, like a little shower. It's refreshing, trust me.

So, if you ever get a chance to go to Multnomah Falls, do it. You'll have so much fun, I promise. It's like an adventure, a big, cool adventure. And it's like the best waterfall ever. The best, folks. You'll love it, believe me!

Awesome Treasure of Nature

By Sandi |

A don’t miss if you are in the Portland/Columbia River Region. It is beautiful. Just a heads up. Go to recreation.gov and purchase the pass. It says parking pass, but really it is to get closer to the falls. Get it before you go. There were many folks standing at the entry trying to download the app to purchase the pass. So worth the time to stop!

Beautiful Waterfall but Go Early

By gregzi |

Because the falls are close to Portland and easily accessible, expect crowds. Go early and if possible in the midweek. The parking lot is small and fills up quickly. The views from the base are great but if you have the ability and the inclination, do the hike. It's paved to the top of the falls. The trail continues beyond the falls to two other waterfalls and is the trail less traveled.

Absolutely Amazing!

By Alicia D |

If you’re a nature lover, you will truly enjoy Multnomah Falls. The waterfall is easy to get to and the parking is convenient as well. The hike up to the bridge is not bad at all. Lots of good photo ops too! There is also a restaurant which was very good and a souvenir shop. Absolutely loved this experience, Highly recommend!

Beautiful scenery – well worth a stop

By Matthew G |

On a recent trip to Portland, my wife and I had a limited amount of time one afternoon to see some natural scenery outside of the city, so we decided to take a drive out to the Columbia River Gorge and stop at Multnomah Falls. We’re very glad we made the drive out there, since the area is very picturesque and not far from the city at all (just about 30-40 minutes away). It’s also very easy to find - you really can’t miss Multnomah Falls, since it is right off of I-84 with a very clearly marked exit.

I saw that reservations were previously required as part of the Multnomah Falls Covid protocols, but when we visited in mid-November, reservations were not required. On that particular Friday afternoon, which was pretty chilly and rainy, the parking lot had plenty of spots available. It wasn’t very crowded overall, so everyone had plenty of space to walk and take in the view.

You can see Multnomah Falls right from the parking lot, and then it’s just a quick walk through a tunnel under the highway to get to the short pathway to the overlook at the bottom of the falls. The view of the falls up close was spectacular. The trail to the upper bridge overlooking the falls is currently closed, and I imagine that’s an even better view, but the view from the bottom is still worth a visit, and it doesn’t take very long to see (we were there for no more than 10-15 minutes total). There is also a building near the falls with a gift shop and restrooms, which was a convenient stop on our way out.

Multnomah Falls is a very beautiful piece of the natural landscape in the Portland area, and definitely worth a stop. It’s a free attraction and it’s just a quick stop that can be added to your itinerary with other attractions in the area very easily.

Crowded But Worth It!

By Lea |

As the title implies, this place gets CROWDED, so I can only imagine how wild shoulder season gets!

My boyfriend and I came to Portland in August 2022, and we knew we needed to chase some waterfalls. This place is quintessential, so we knew we definitely were not gonna miss it; however, I will say because of the amount of people there, we decided to just quickly visit it, snap a couple of photos, then move on.

I don't believe this applies anymore, but please definitely check on Oregon.gov. We had to get a permit to drive through the Waterfall Corridor, which covers these areas:
-Angel's Rest
-Bridal Veil Falls
-Wahkeena Falls
-Multnomah Falls
-Oneonta Trail
-Horsetail Falls
-Ainsworth State Park
It was just a $2 transaction fee, but we were lucky enough that there was enough space for us to enter immediately.

Traffic was controlled fairly well by the officers at the site, and we grabbed a parking spot at a decent wait time. There is also a lodge with a gift shop and restrooms available, so it was equipped as a nice rest stop too.

The Falls with hundreds of People

By cassies1982 |

This is a beautiful waterfall, let me say it again it is very beautiful. Now, things that were not so great it was kinda costly to even be able to get near the falls (even if that is all you wanted to do). The amount of people were unreal, we found more peaceful areas back in Portland during our visit than we did there. WOW. So before you make the 30 plus minute drive from the city I wanted to share this information with you.

A place that remind you how small you are

By Cheyeanne M |

If you are able to get there in the morning we had the entire park to ourselves at 7 a.m. the magic of this place is beyond compare. The gift shop opens at 9 if you would like to stay. However if you only stay for a half an hour you really feel the strength and beauty in the stop I feel everyone should see it once in their life

Classic Beauty

By Dracoschnauzer Dad |

Amazingly stunning falls. Easy to get to from Portland. Touristy but not annoyingly so. Great picture spot. Drive to falls from Portland is also stunning.

Twilight connection

By deborahtragasz |

I visited Multnomah Falls with a friend who is as passionate about the Twilight movies as I am. In case you didn't know, this waterfall can be seen in the background of the first film's iconic baseball scene, and from the bridge, you can see the field where that part of the movie was filmed. Seeing it in person was an experience after seeing it onscreen time and time again.

But even if Twilight isn't your thing it is an absolutely gorgeous site (though it was a bit crowded)

Worth a stop for falls lovers and likers

By Cheyb29 |

Very pretty and easy to get to. After reading reviews I was afraid we would have to wait in a long line to get in. We went on a Sunday just before noon and there were a lot of people but not excessively so. We were able to walk in, get our pictures and mostly maintain social distancing. We got delicious marionberry and hazelnut shakes which were all served as contactless as possible. The gift shop was also set up for social distancing. Bathrooms are closed but there are port-o-potties.

Leave the driving to them

By apickard69 |

We took the hop on hop off trolley ride. We left the driving to them, it was nice! Traveled with our dog and were no issues with him getting on trolley. Trolley ride took about 2 to 3 hours depending on how long g you stayed at each location. Tour guide/driver was very helpful.

Paid reservation is useless

By tonypusa |

We paid for our reservation online and arrived on time. We were not allowed into the parking lot because it was "too full." It was very unfortunate because we had driven from another state and couldn't stay...

Beautiful

By Trav_LN_now |

The falls are gorgeous! We had breakfast at the restaurant there, and it was fantastic! Some of the tables in the restaurant have a view of the falls, which is really nice. There's also a nice gift shop. Parking is tricky though; there is a small lot across from the falls, and an overflow lot on the other side of the highway.

Parking and Permits

By David W |

Ok, here is how it works for the parking and permits for Multnomah Falls. Multnomah is the most popular falls in the gorge. It is a beautiful area and cannot be missed if you are visiting the gorge. However, it can get crowded.

There are two parking lots that can be used to access Multnomah Falls. There is a small parking lot off of the historic Columbia River scenic highway. There is also a larger parking lot off of exit 31 on I-84. The two parking lots are separated and NOT connected by car. If you park at the I-84 lot, you walk under the interstate via a pedestrian walkway to the falls. So, you have a decision to make. Do you travel the waterfall corridor on the scenic highway and take your chances to try to find parking in the small highway parking lot? Or, do you get on I-84, bypass the waterfall corridor, and drive straight to the larger parking lot off of I-84 to see Multnomah Falls? Whatever decision you make, you have to have a permit to get there.

Oregon has instigated a permit system where you have to purchase (for $2) a permit to enter the I-84 parking lot. You need a separate, different permit to enter a section of the waterfall corridor on the scenic highway that includes the smaller parking lot for Multnomah Falls. The permit you buy is for a 1 hour window to enter the area. Once you have entered the permit area of choice, you can stay as long as you want in the area. You can purchase up to two permits for each area for different entry times.

We traveled the scenic highway to see other falls in the area. We were unsure of the time of our visit, so we decided to purchase two consecutive time permits to get us into the waterfall corridor. We also purchased two entry permits for the I-84 parking lot. The thought was that if we could not park off of the scenic highway, we would drive to the end of the corridor, get on I-84, and back-track 5 minutes to get to exit 31 to the larger parking lot. These permits do not guarantee you a parking space. The parking lots may still be full when you get there. For the smaller parking lot off of the scenic highway, if it is busy, they will not let you turn left into the parking lot if heading east on the highway.

The whole permit thing is a major pain. I get that they are trying to control the congestion of the area. But, it makes visiting the falls stressful as you have to plan it out pretty carefully. Here is another option: if you are traveling east on the scenic highway, you will come to Wahkeena Falls right before Multnomah Falls. Wahkeena is also a great little waterfall to visit. If you are able to get a parking space at Wahkeena, you can stay parked in Wahkeena and walk the 1/2 mile trail from Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls. That way, you don’t even have to mess with the parking lot craziness at Multnomah. It will take you about 15 minutes to walk that 1/2 trail and it is pretty much a flat trail and views of the river. So that is another option. Good luck! Multnomah is beautiful, though, and worth the work of navigating through all of the parking madness.