Historic Multnomah Falls is located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Standing 620 feet high, it is Oregon’s tallest waterfall, cascading in two tiers over mossy basalt cliffs. Fed by underground springs and snowmelt, it runs year-round, and sometimes fills the air with rainbows in its mist. The falls are also a four-season attraction, as it is only a short drive east from Portland (30 miles) and has paved trails and historic viewpoints, including the famous Benson Footbridge. It’s the greatest in elevation, rich in forest surroundings, and easy to see, which all make Multnomah Falls one of a kind and iconic.
Multnomah Falls is distinctive because of its size and setting. It falls a combined total of 620 feet (189 meters) in two steps – a longer upper fall and a shorter lower fall – over basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Plateau. The falls are in a designated scenic area with ferns, maples and firs lining the trail. Visitors can view the falls from below and from a mid-level footbridge that crosses the cascade. The water is from springs and winter rain; the stream is robust even in late summer. All these conditions (height, year-round flow, lush vegetation, and easy trails) make the 620-foot cascade one of a kind.
Where does Multnomah Falls stand in comparison with U.S. waterfalls in terms of height?
With a drop of 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s highest waterfall and one of the highest year-round waterfalls in the nation. For comparison, most well-known waterfalls are significantly shorter: Snoqualmie Falls in Washington is 268ft tall, while the American part of Niagara Falls clocks in at around 167ft. See how Multnomah Falls measures up to other major U.S. waterfalls by height in the table below:
| Waterfall | Height (ft/m) | Location |
| Olo‘upena Falls | 2,953ft (900m) | Molokaʻi, Hawaii |
| Pu‘uka‘oku Falls | 2,756ft (840m) | Molokaʻi, Hawaii |
| Colonial Creek Falls | 2,657ft (810m) | North Cascades, Washington |
| Yosemite Falls | 2,425ft (739m) | Yosemite NP, California |
| Multnomah Falls | 620ft (189m) | Oregon |
| Niagara Falls (Horseshoe) | 167ft (51m) | New York |
While nowhere near the very tallest (Hawaiian and Sierra falls), it completely dwarfs the Columbia Gorge. In Oregon, there is no other waterfall higher. The “620-foot cascade” is frequently headlined on travel brochures and interstate signs due to the record height for the state.
What are some interesting physical features of Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls is double-tiered and features a popular stone footbridge. The upper drop is approximately 542ft and the lower drop is about 69ft system (total ≈611ft, frequently rounded off at 620ft). Between the drops is a historic arched footbridge (1914, Benson Bridge). A footbridge above the falls lets visitors get up close and personal with the thundering water. A paved trail runs to the bridge, and steeper trails take hikers to the top. The water courses over hard Columbia River basalt, which creates the high, sheer cliffs around the falls. Despite being a great height, the walls of the gorge narrow it, concentrating the water into a punchy, vertical force.
Though the falls is tall, it is very accessible. The approach trail from the parking area is paved and less than 0.2 miles to the bridge. There are observatories at the bottom and mid-way (the bridge) that offer complementary views. Since the falls drops in two steps, you can see the plunging water at eye level from the bridge or down from above. The rich green of the foliage around the falls — ferns and moss growing on the damp rocks — also contributes to the visual effect. On the trail, signs tell hikers that the pool at the bottom is deep (hot springs used to empty here), so tourists stay away from the edge.
What is so special about Multnomah Falls geologically?
Multnomah Falls is situated in a breathtaking geological area. The waterfall flows over layers of Columbia River basalt that are millions of years old. Six different flows of lava are visible in the cliffs of the falls. These layers contain a record of over 400,000 years of local volcanic activity. 15,000 years ago, during the Ice Age, cataclysmic floods known as the Missoula Floods scoured the canyon and cut the deep channel that the falls now plummet down. The boulder-strewn creek was afforded a high ledge by the resistant basalt layers, which created the two-tiered falls.
There is water flowing over Multnomah Falls year-round, because the water which feeds the falls is sourced from rainfall and snow that it moves through rocks. It peaks in winter and spring (from snow melts), and is lowest in late summer. In the winter, the falls can freeze into a series of spectacular ice formations along the cliffs. Geologists and visitors both behold Multnomah Falls “as a ‘geology classroom,’ where the horizontal feeding bands of basalt in the cliff face and the gorge’s form speak of the region’s volcanic and flood history.”
How crowded and scenic is Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls is among the most visited natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest. More than two million people visit annually. TeriN BnW reports: “Thanks to easy road access from Portland and a short walk from the highway, people of all ages can now take in the view. Add to this the stunning landscape of the falls – especially when the sunbeams create rainbows in the spray -and it’s very atmospheric. Rainbows can frequently be seen a s the mist sprays across the base of the falls on sunny days. In the autumn, the trees and bushes surrounding it take on a golden hue that contrasts with the dark basalts and white water. During the winter months they are thought to be unique, with the partially frozen falls and snow on the ground. The old Multnomah Falls Lodge (constructed in 1925) at the base adds the value of rusticity as well as the convenience of a visitor center, restrooms, and a café.
The most iconic view is from the Benson Footbridge, the upper cascade looming behind your back. By the lodge a few steps lead from a little bridge to the viewpoint. Trails and viewing areas are well-kept, and some are wheelchair-user friendly (to the bridge level), so it’s amazing how many people say afterwards: Multnomah Falls was beautiful … and easy. But its iconic image and its status as Oregon’s grandest waterfall ensure it remains atop many a travel list.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall are best in terms of weather and flow. During April-May, waters remain high and wildflower bloom on the trail. The September-October period is pleasant and colored with autumn leaves. Summer days are when the water is flowing slowest (the creek source comes almost entirely from early-year snowmelt) but the days are the longest; it’s also when the biggest crowds come. Visits in winter offer icy’s sights and there could be snow, but some trails or roads could be icy and closed, so use your safety.
- How was it formed? Formed most of its distance by cutting through volcanic rock, basalt in this case, Multnomah Falls tumbles from a stream. For millions of years, lava flows continually added to these walls of basalt which line the Columbia River. Later huge floods of ice water sculpted the Columbia Gorge. The waterfall consists of a hard basalt formation in the stream bed serving as an erosion-resistant crust, and a softer layer of basalt underneath which is more easily eroded. Today the falls are derived from rain and snow-melt fed sources, cascading over that stubborn rock ledge.
- Safety tips: Stay on marked trails and viewing platforms, or you might find yourself catching your balance on the well-polished rocks, slick with mist. Please do not climb on the railings of the footbridge or on the rocks near the falls. The deep, cold body of water at the bottom is not for swimming. Note Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for wet, slippery conditions (especially in winter, carry ice traction or hiking poles). Parking can fill up quickly on crowded days, and you need to make a reservation or secure a permit for the shuttle bus in the summer, if at all possible. Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds, and keep a lookout for all posted signs and any instructions issued by rangers.
What is the best time of year to visit Multnomah Falls?
Spring and fall are ideal for both weather and flow. April–May brings high water flow and wildflowers along the trail. September–October has comfortable temperatures and autumn leaf colors. Summer days have the lowest water flow (the creek source is mostly from early-year snowmelt) but long daylight; these months also bring the largest crowds. Winter visits show icy scenery and potential snow, but some trails or roads may be icy or closed, so use caution.
How was Multnomah Falls formed?
Multnomah Falls flows from a creek that cuts through layers of hardened lava (basalt). Over millions of years, repeated lava flows built up the Columbia River basalt cliffs. Later, enormous glacial floods carved the Columbia Gorge. The waterfall itself formed where a hard basalt layer resists erosion. Today the falls come from rain and spring-fed sources, cascading over that resistant rock ledge.
What safety precautions should I take when visiting?
Always stay on the marked trails and viewing platforms – the rocks are slippery from mist. Do not climb on the footbridge railings or rocks near the falls. The pool at the bottom is deep and frigid, so swimming is prohibited. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for wet, slippery conditions (especially in winter, bring ice traction or use hiking poles). Parking fills up fast on busy days; check ahead for shuttle buses or parking permits during summer if possible. Plan to arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds, and follow all posted signs and ranger instructions.
