A Multnomah Falls day trip was one of the very first things I did when we moved to Portland, and honestly, it still gives me chills every single time. There’s something about rounding that last bend on the Historic Columbia River Highway, catching your first glimpse of the falls through the trees, and realizing you live close enough to do this on a random Tuesday morning. I’ve taken every out-of-town visitor here. I’ve gone in pouring rain, in snow, at sunrise, and on those impossibly crowded July Saturdays. And I still think it’s one of the most spectacular things you can see in Oregon.
But here’s the thing: Multnomah Falls gets over two million visitors a year now. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll spend more time sitting in traffic and hunting for parking than actually enjoying the falls. So after years of visiting, I’ve figured out exactly how to make the most of this trip without the headaches.
The Basics: What Makes Multnomah Falls So Special
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the tallest year-round falls in the entire country. It drops a total of 620 feet in two distinct tiers. The upper falls plunges 542 feet, with the lower falls and cascade over Benson Bridge making up the remaining 78 feet. Between them sits the iconic Benson Bridge, built in 1914, which gives you that jaw-dropping perspective you’ve probably seen in a thousand photos.
The falls sit right along the Columbia River Gorge, just about 30 minutes east of downtown Portland on I-84. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it. The paved path from the parking area to the Benson Bridge viewpoint is short (about a quarter mile) and accessible. If you want more of a workout, you can hike the steep 1.2-mile trail to the top of the falls for views that’ll make your legs and your heart feel like they’re both about to burst.
The historic Multnomah Falls Lodge sits at the base and has a restaurant, gift shop, and visitor information desk run by the Forest Service. It’s a beautiful stone building that somehow makes even a quick bathroom stop feel classy.
2026 Timed Entry Permits: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning a summer visit, the biggest thing to know is the timed entry permit system. From May 22 through September 7, 2026, you’ll need a permit to drive to the falls and park at the Multnomah Falls parking lot.
Here’s how it works:
- Cost: $2 per vehicle (it’s basically just a booking fee)
- Where to book: Recreation.gov
- When permits drop: They release permits on a rolling basis, typically 14 days in advance. Set a reminder because popular time slots sell out fast, especially weekends.
- Time slots: You’ll pick a specific arrival window (usually in two-hour blocks). You need to arrive within your window, but you can stay as long as you like.
Don’t want to deal with permits? You’ve got options:
- Take the Columbia Gorge Express bus from Gateway Transit Center in Portland. No permit needed, and you skip the parking headache entirely. It runs on weekends and holidays during permit season.
- Stop by the Troutdale visitor center (at the outlet mall) to check for same-day permit availability.
- Visit outside of permit season. Before May 22 or after September 7, you can just show up and park for free. Honestly, the falls are gorgeous in every season.
How to Beat the Crowds at Multnomah Falls
I won’t sugarcoat it: Multnomah Falls can feel like a theme park on summer weekends. I’ve seen the Benson Bridge so packed that people could barely move. But with a little strategy, you can have a completely different experience.
Go early. I mean really early. The first permit window of the day (or before permit season, just arriving by 8 AM) makes a world of difference. The light is better for photos, the parking lot isn’t full, and you can actually hear the falls instead of just hearing other people. Some of my favorite mornings in Oregon have started with a 7 AM coffee and an early drive out to the Gorge.
Visit on a weekday. If your schedule allows it, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit during permit season is night and day compared to a Saturday. You’ll feel like you have the place almost to yourself.
Consider October or November. Fall at Multnomah Falls is genuinely magical. The maples along the trail turn gold and orange, and the water flow picks up with autumn rains. It’s my favorite time to bring visitors. Plus, no permit required.
Winter visits are underrated. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, it might be raining. But the falls occasionally freeze in dramatic ice formations, and you’ll have the place to yourself. Bundle up and bring a thermos.
Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway. Most people take I-84 and exit directly at the falls. Instead, take Exit 22 at Corbett and drive the Historic Highway (US 30) east. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Oregon, you’ll pass other waterfalls along the way, and the experience feels completely different than pulling off the interstate. This is genuinely one of my top day trips from Portland.
Nearby Waterfalls Worth Adding to Your Trip
One of the best parts of visiting Multnomah Falls is that it’s surrounded by other incredible waterfalls near Portland. If you’re already out there, don’t just see one. Here are my favorites along the same stretch:
Wahkeena Falls: Just a half mile west of Multnomah Falls, and you can actually hike between the two on a gorgeous loop trail. Wahkeena is 242 feet of misty beauty, and the trail through the forest feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It’s one of the best waterfall hikes near Multnomah Falls.
Latourell Falls: About 10 minutes west on the Historic Highway. This one’s a stunner with its perfectly columnar basalt backdrop and a 249-foot plunge. The short walk to the viewpoint takes about five minutes, and there’s a longer loop trail if you want more.
Bridal Veil Falls: A quick detour off the Historic Highway with a short, easy trail. It’s a two-tiered falls and one of the less-visited stops, which means you can often enjoy it in relative peace.
Horsetail Falls: Just east of Multnomah Falls, this 176-foot falls is visible right from the road. But walk behind it on the trail to Upper Horsetail Falls (Ponytail Falls) and you’ll get one of the coolest waterfall experiences in the Gorge.
A note on closures: As of 2026, the Eagle Creek Trail (including Punch Bowl Falls) and the Wahclella Falls Trail remain closed due to storm damage from December 2025. Check the Forest Service website for the latest updates before you plan your route.
Making a Full Day of It: Waterfalls + Hood River
Here’s my ideal Gorge day trip itinerary, and it’s what I tell every friend who visits:
Morning: Waterfalls. Start early at Multnomah Falls, then hit Wahkeena, Latourell, or Horsetail on your way east or west. By late morning, you’ll have seen some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.
Lunch: Hood River. Continue east on I-84 to Hood River, one of my favorite small towns in Oregon. Grab lunch at a spot downtown. The food scene here punches way above its weight for a town this size. And the breweries in Hood River are worth a stop if you’ve got a designated driver.
Afternoon: The Fruit Loop. If you’re visiting between June and October, spend the afternoon driving the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive through orchards, lavender farms, and u-pick fruit stands. We’ve done this probably a dozen times and it never gets old. Pick up some fresh peaches or apples depending on the season, grab a cider at one of the farm stands, and enjoy the views of Mount Hood.
You’ll be back in Portland by dinner, tired in the best possible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Multnomah Falls free to visit?
Yes, there’s no entrance fee to visit the falls themselves. During the timed entry permit season (May 22 through September 7), you’ll pay a $2 vehicle reservation fee through Recreation.gov, but that’s it. You don’t need a Northwest Forest Pass or a national park pass for the main falls area. If you hike further into the trail system, a day-use pass may be required at certain trailheads.
How long does it take to visit Multnomah Falls?
If you just want to walk to the Benson Bridge viewpoint and snap some photos, you can do it in about 30 to 45 minutes. If you hike to the top of the falls, plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. And if you’re combining it with nearby waterfalls and a stop at the lodge, budget a full morning.
Can you swim at Multnomah Falls?
No, swimming isn’t allowed at Multnomah Falls. The currents are dangerous, the water is extremely cold, and there are frequent rockfalls. It’s strictly a look-but-don’t-touch situation. If you want to swim in the Gorge, there are other spots along the Columbia River that are safer and more suitable.
What’s the best time of year to visit Multnomah Falls?
It depends on what you’re after. For water flow, late winter and spring (February through May) bring the heaviest flow. For fall colors and fewer crowds, October is unbeatable. Summer is the most popular but requires permits and patience. Winter offers solitude and the chance to see ice formations, but trails to the top may be closed due to ice. Personally, I think mid-October is the sweet spot.
Start Planning Your Trip
Multnomah Falls is one of those places that lives up to the hype, and then some. Whether you’re visiting Portland for the first time or you’ve lived here for years like I have, it never gets old. Just plan ahead during summer, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons, and don’t forget to explore the other waterfalls nearby.
Have you visited Multnomah Falls? What time of year did you go, and what was your experience like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And if you’re planning your first trip, drop your questions below and I’ll do my best to help out!
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