Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s postcard: a two-tier cascade plunging 620 feet down basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge. In deep winter cold snaps, mist turns to rime and the falls can glaze into a crystalline scene—perfect for a dramatic panoramic shot (and a goosebump moment).
Brief history
For thousands of years this was the homeland of Chinookan peoples; the name “Multnomah” reflects those roots. In the early 1900s, builders carved the Historic Columbia River Highway along the gorge to showcase its waterfalls. Philanthropist Simon Benson funded the graceful Benson Bridge (completed 1914) spanning the lower falls’ mist zone, and the stone Multnomah Falls Lodge followed in 1925. The lodge, trails, and lookouts made the site a year-round destination long before Instagram put it on every PNW itinerary.
Why you should travel there
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It’s effortless wow. A paved path brings you to the base pool in minutes; a short, steady walk (about 0.2 mi) reaches Benson Bridge—center-stage for your panorama.
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Four seasons—four moods. Spring roar, summer greenery, autumn color, and winter’s rare frozen-falls spectacle when temperatures plunge.
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Gateway to the Gorge. Combine it with Vista House at Crown Point, Latourell and Wahkeena Falls, and scenic pullouts along the Historic Highway.
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Close to Portland. Roughly 30 miles east—easy half-day or sunrise run before coffee in the city.
Best time:
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Frozen scenes: during sustained cold snaps (usually mid-winter). Check forecasts and road conditions.
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Overall visit: April–June for peak flow; Sept–Oct for foliage and softer light.
Fun facts
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At 620 feet (189 m), Multnomah is among the tallest year-round waterfalls in the U.S. and Oregon’s best-known cascade.
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The falls drops in two tiers: 542 ft upper, 69 ft lower, with Benson Bridge between.
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The lodge (1925) is a classic Cascadian-style stone building—step inside for exhibits, a café, and warming fireplace.
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On frigid days, falling ice can boom like thunder—magical to see, but give cliffs and overhangs space.
Local tips (especially for winter/frozen visits)
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Safety first: Ice forms on paths and the bridge; sections may close for rock/ice fall—obey closures. Microspikes help on slick days.
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Arrive early: Parking at Exit 31/I-84 fills quickly. Consider the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle on busy days.
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Respect the landscape: Stay on trail and off delicate slopes; never climb barrier walls for a photo.
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Photo idea: For a sweeping panorama, shoot from the plaza then stitch vertical frames; try a second pano from Benson Bridge to frame the upper tier icicles.
Getting there & around
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Drive: I-84 to Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls) or approach via the Historic Columbia River Highway (seasonal restrictions possible).
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Transit/shuttle: Columbia Gorge Express (seasonal schedules).
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Accessibility: Paved access to viewing plaza; short grade to the bridge. The trail to the top is steeper with 11 switchbacks (~1.2 mi one way).
24-hour sample plan
Morning: Sunrise at Multnomah; warm up with cocoa at the lodge.
Late morning: Hop to Latourell Falls and Wahkeena Falls.
Afternoon: Vista House at Crown Point for panoramas of the Columbia.
Evening: Back to Portland for dinner; if temps plunge, return for a blue-hour frozen-falls shot.
