Multnomah Falls

More than 2 million visitors flock to these falls every year.

• Parking Policy
• Cars are now required to have a timed entry permit between late May and early September for Multnomah Falls. Securing a timed entry does not ensure a parking spot. Consider using a shuttle option to access the trail.

On a busy weekend, expect to see hundreds of your fellow hikers, not to mention family outings, tourists, even wedding parties at Multnomah Falls. The historic Benson Bridge across the upper splash pool is a favorite location for photos, despite a handful of incidents in which rocks have come over the edge of the falls and crashed into the pool below. While quite rare, the effects of these exciting incidents range from thorough soakings to significant chunks being taken out of the bridge itself.

The hiking options here vary greatly. If you want an easy day, you can snap a few photos from the base of the falls, check out the informational kiosk at the base of the falls, then toddle to the gift shop/cafe for an ice cream cone.

Or you can head up 0.2 miles and 335 of elevation to Benson Bridge for a closer view of the waterfall. While the trail is quite wide, it is not ADA-compliant because of the grade. Some wheelchair users may be able to navigate to Benson Bridge with some assistance, but note that mud near the top of the trail can also pose a bit of a threat be careful at that overlook!

For a short, but rigorous hike, it's less than a mile to the overlook at the top of the falls, but be warned that the route is often crowded and always steep. There are 11 switchbacks along the way, so you can count down how close you are to your destination.

On the way to the top, you'll hike through lush forest with ferns and moss growing on all sides. Maple and alder trees mix with Douglas-fir and redcedar and add a splash of color in the autumn. Wildflowers like False Solomon's Seal, foamflower, violets, and many others line the trail in spring. Multnomah Falls is spectacular year round, but go in winter or early spring to see the highest water flow.

Many people hike this trail in conjunction with the Wahkeena Trail and the Return trail to do a 5.5 mile loop hike, passing dozens of waterfalls along the way. This is a delightful option if you have the time and the stamina, as the trail is quite steep in sections.