As Oregon’s most famous waterfall, Multnomah Falls is unmissable if you’re in the Portland area. Towering at 620 feet (189 m), it’s the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon (fact) and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States (allegedly – at least, according to the National Park Service). This beautifully tiered waterfall is truly breathtaking and looks like it belongs in a fairytale storybook. Multnomah Falls is well worth the 35-minute drive out to the equally beautiful Columbia River Gorge to experience it in person.

According to the USDA Forest Service, Multnomah Falls is “the most visited natural recreation site in the entire Pacific Northwest”, attracting over 2 million visitors annually, as many travel from Portland and beyond to witness its majestic beauty. Due to its popularity, reservations are required from 9am to 6pm daily, between late May and early September. You can secure a $2 reservation ticket through recreation.gov, or book with a private tour group, as we did, which will handle the reservation process for you. There are two parking options for visiting Multnomah Falls. The first is a large, free parking area off I-84 at Exit 31. When this lot reaches capacity, the entrance automatically closes. The second option is a privately operated parking lot located off Historic Highway 30, right in front of the Multnomah Falls Lodge, though access is limited and fills up quickly.

Located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and fed by Multnomah Creek, Multnomah Falls is easily accessible. It’s located right off the Historic Columbia River Highway, a 75-mile scenic highway built in the early 1900s as the first planned scenic roadway in the United States. One of the most iconic features of the falls is Multnomah Creek Bridge (a.k.a Benson Bridge), a key element that enhances the fairytale-like vibe. Built in 1914, the 67-foot (20 m) bridge is a National Historic Landmark. Reaching the bridge is relatively easy, but it does require a short, uphill walk along a paved switchback trail that starts at the base of the waterfall. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can continue hiking beyond the bridge on Larch Mountain Trail #441. This more strenuous uphill trek leads to a small viewing area at the top of the falls. The trail is 2.4 miles round-trip and involves an elevation gain of around 600 feet (equivalent to climbing about 60 flights of stairs).

When visiting Multnomah Falls, it’s important to be aware of several restrictions. All aircraft, including drones, are prohibited. Bicycles, skates, and skateboards are not allowed, and it’s forbidden to throw coins into the creek or waterfall. Fishing is also not permitted. If you bring pets, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Bus and RV parking spots are reserved exclusively for buses and RVs, and it’s crucial not to stop or obstruct traffic on Historic Highway 30 while parking or viewing the waterfall.

We made Multnomah Falls our first stop on a private Columbia River Gorge tour, which we booked with Around Portland Tours. At $67 per person, it was an excellent experience that I highly recommend. I booked the half-day tour via Viator, which started at 8:30am, with our first stop being the Crown Jewel – Multnomah Falls. We were given about an hour to explore on our own, take pictures, and soak in the beauty of the falls. My 7-year-old daughter and I easily walked up the slight incline via the switchbacks to reach Multnomah Creek Bridge. We visited in mid-June, a great time due to clear weather, but the falls were extra busy, making it difficult to capture unobstructed photos. This is something to keep in mind when planning your visit. Visiting in the fall could help mitigate the crowds and provide stunning fall colors, but since it’s Oregon, be prepared for rain.

While hiking to the top of the falls would’ve been amazing, alas, we did not have the time, and my daughter simply would not have made the trip. However, if you have more time and a capable hiking crew, it’s something I strongly recommend!

At the base of the falls, you’ll find Multnomah Falls Lodge, which houses a restaurant open daily offering breakfast until noon and lunch from 11am until closing. While restaurant reservations are encouraged, they are not required – you can make reservations by calling (503) 695-2376. The lodge also features a public Visitor’s Center with a snack bar, gift shop, and accessible restrooms. Staffed by Friends of Multnomah Falls volunteers and Forest Service personnel, the fully stocked gift shop is the perfect place to find a memorable Multnomah Falls souvenir.

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Overall, Multnomah Falls is a spectacular sight that every visitor to Portland or the surrounding areas should make a point to see. When I told my Oregon-based coworkers about my trip to Portland, every single one insisted that I visit this incredible waterfall. I’m so glad I took their advice – missing out on such a breathtaking natural wonder would have been a huge mistake. While there are few places I feel compelled to visit twice, Multnomah Falls has certainly earned its spot on that short list.