Multnomah Falls
Oregon • 620 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
870 ft
About Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls tumbles 620 ft (189 m) down a pair of basalt tiers on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale between the towns of Corbett and Dodson. The falls — the tallest in Oregon — are a short drive from the Historic Columbia River Highway and Interstate 84, and the graceful Multnomah Creek Bridge built in 1914 crosses the stream below the falls; that bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The falls and immediate trails lie within Mt. Hood National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors can enjoy dramatic, close-up views from the lower viewing platform or continue upward for sweeping panoramas of the Gorge. The short paved approach to the viewing deck is maintained as USFS Trail MULTNOMAH FALLS VIEWING DECK (Trail #441A), and longer hiking routes climb toward the top of the falls for a moderately strenuous out-and-back experience. Note that the nearest designated group campground, Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site, is roughly 16.1 km away if you’re planning an overnight stay.
The Setting
Multnomah Falls sits at 121 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 620 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 620 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wahkeena Falls (242 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the west. Also nearby: Horsetail Falls (176 ft, 2.4 mi) and Oneonta Falls (100 ft, 2.1 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Multnomah Falls Viewing Deck (#441A), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over pavement. Expect 870 feet of elevation gain with grades of 0-5%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
MULTNOMAH FALLS VIEWING DECK #441A
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.08 miTrail Description
The most-used approach to the falls is the paved USFS trail MULTNOMAH FALLS VIEWING DECK, Trail #441A: a short (0.08 mi) asphalt spur classified by the Forest Service as Class 3 with a typical grade of 0–5%, leading directly to the lower viewing platform and Benson Bridge area. That lower platform is easily accessible and provides excellent views of the two-tiered basalt drop. For hikers bound for the top, the established route is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles total with roughly 870 ft of elevation gain; it’s generally rated moderate in difficulty. Expect steeper switchbacks and more sustained climbing above the paved viewing spur as you gain the upper viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 620 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Multnomah Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $2.00
Permit required
A timed entry permit is required during peak season (May through September) to manage crowds. Permits can be reserved online in advance.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Multnomah Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the falls are at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a chance to see the falls partially frozen.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail can be slippery, especially during wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Be cautious of falling debris, particularly during windy weather.
Current Water Conditions
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
0.40 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (11 km away).
Today
Low
10 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
3/10Wed
Low
11 cfs
4/10Thu
Low
11 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, peaking in January.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Bonneville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 764 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The listed height of 620 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 122 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 926 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 79 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 122 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 764 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Multnomah Falls is located about 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon, along Interstate 84. Visitors can access the falls via Exit 31, which leads directly to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a dedicated parking lot accessible from Interstate 84, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Overflow parking may be available nearby, but visitors should plan to arrive early.
Elevation
121 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.576097° N, -122.115408° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the morning or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes if hiking to the top, and bring water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can be slippery during rain or snow.
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With 2.4 miles and 870 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Skamania Lodge
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE
10 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, such as Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls, are located nearby. The historic Columbia River Highway offers scenic viewpoints and additional hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife. The area is also home to deer and occasional black bears, though sightings are rare.
Cities near Multnomah Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Multnomah Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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