Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Multnomah Falls Travel Guide
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Multnomah Falls Visitor Guide
As Oregon’s most celebrated waterfall, Multnomah Falls These 6 waterfalls parks are connected by the Historic Columbia River Scenic Bi-Way which was built to highlight these and more waterfalls. With bridges crossing chasms and dramatic views. An extensive hiking trail system in the area provides excellent recreational opportunities and a chance to find solitude in hidden fern-covered canyons away from the noise of Interstate 84.
2.5 MILLION
VISITORS PER YEAR
620' TALL
HEIGHT OF THE FALLS
5.4 MILES
DIFFICULT HIKE - 1600 ELEVATION
HOW TO HAVE AN AMAZING
Multnomah Falls Experience
- Hike 4.8 miles up 1500 vertical feet and see 5 stunning backcountry waterfalls!
- Visit all 6 major waterfalls located within a 5 mile radius of Multnomah Falls on the scenic biway.
- Explore waterfall alley, America’s highest concentration of waterfalls, on an Ebike tour to 7 waterfalls including: Multnomah, Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, Bridal Veil & Pony Tail.
- Join a guided hiking tour to Multnomah Falls and the 5 other major waterfalls
- Must See Waterfalls: Multnomah, Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, Bridal Veil, Pony Tail
Columbia River Gorge
Must See Waterfalls
Multnomah Falls
Latourell Falls
5 miles east on the historic highway and 1/4 mile easy hike
Bridal Veil Falls
3 miles east on the historic highway and a 2/3 mile moderate hike
Pony Tail Falls
2 miles west on then historic highway and a .8 mile tough hike
Falls Creek Falls?
Falls Creek Falls?
Not in the corridor, 53 minutes away is my favorite falls in the area. A remarkably easy 3.5 mile hike to the most beautiful waterfall around. I recommend hiking Falls Creek and riding electric bikes on the scenic highway through the waterfall corridor near Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls
Visitor Guide
Should you get a permit?
A permit is required from May 24, 2024 through October, and is available two weeks ahead of your date on rec.gov. This permit is only good for Multnomah Falls. To see all six major waterfalls and state parks we recommend renting an ebike and cruising through the forest to each falls or hopping on the waterfall shuttle which takes you to each park in the early afternoon and our favorite time to visit, sunset.
E-bike to Multnomah Falls
How to visit without a permit?
An E-Bike is a fun and easy way to chase waterfalls. Get a hassle free front row spot at Multnomah Falls and the 5 other major waterfalls allowing you plenty of time to explore each of the parks, take a dip and enjoy the views. E-bikes are just 3 miles from Multnomah Falls in Bridal Veil and start at $60. Make a reservation on their website.
Book a guided waterfall tour
Book a guided waterfall tour:
The Multnomah Falls Tour from Waterfall Shuttle visits the 6 major falls on a 3.5 hour hiking tour with pickup in Portland. Six short hikes (1/4 mile) take you to the waterfalls and the Crown Point Vista House. We highly recommend their Sunset Tour if it’s not sold out.
Use a shuttle.
Purchase a $5 parking pass from Sasquatch Shuttle and use their free shuttle. For just $5/car you and everyone in the car gets a free shuttle to Multnomah Falls.
The Multnomah Falls Tour from Waterfall Shuttle visits the 6 major falls on a 3.5 hour hiking tour with pickup in Portland. Six short hikes (1/4 mile) take you to the waterfalls and the Crown Point Vista House. We highly recommend their Sunset Tour if it’s not sold out.
Use a shuttle.
Purchase a $5 parking pass from Sasquatch Shuttle and use their free shuttle. For just $5/car you and everyone in the car gets a free shuttle to Multnomah Falls.
Ways to visit totally FREE
There’s no permit requirement before 9am or after 6pm 365 days/year. Just show up at 8:59 am or 6:01 pm and enjoy lower crowds and free entry!
Use your own bike and do the ebike tour route. Ample free parking at Guy W Talbot park in Latourell.
Park at Wahkeena Falls and hike 1/4 mile to Multnomah Falls from there. (you may have to wait for parking)
Park at Wahkeena Falls and hike 1/4 mile to Multnomah Falls from there. (you may have to wait for parking)
Things to know
While you’re here you have to check out Latourell, Bridal Veil, Horsetail and Wahkeena Falls. They’re only a couple miles away and many prefer these falls as they’re also huge but have way less people and feel more natural.
This Historic Highway is a slow going tourist route not an actual highway. There’s next to no parking either so use I84 if you’re just visiting Multnomah Falls
This Historic Highway is a slow going tourist route not an actual highway. There’s next to no parking either so use I84 if you’re just visiting Multnomah Falls
Explore the Falls without the Hassle
E-bike rental multhomah falls
Visit us just down the road, rent an e-bike, and skip ALL the lines!
Plus, see dozens more waterfalls on your way that most people miss.
Plus, see dozens more waterfalls on your way that most people miss.
E-Bike Tours
Waterfall Shuttles
Drive Yourself
No permits required
Front row parking
recommended by travel oregon
digital guide to hikes and secret spots
immersive open air experience
tour all 6 waterfalls + state parks
passionate local guide
141 reviews from
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Why is E-Biking to Multnomah Falls so popular?
The Best Gear
E-bikes upgraded with powerful batteries, cushy seats and giant water bottle holders. We earn our 4.9 star rating by listening to customer feedback and delivering beyond what's expected.
The Gorge Views
The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Three State Parks and countless waterfalls are all accessed from the comfort of America's first scenic biway.
Without a Permit
Skip the stressful permit and parking situation and park for free at our convenient location three miles West of Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Falls FAQ
01.
What’s the Parking situation at Multnomah Falls?
There is very limited parking and it's hard to come by on a nice day or on the weekend. Alternatives are renting an ebike or taking a tour.
02.
How long does it take?
We recommend spending 3-4 hours exploring the Waterfall Corridor rather than just visiting Multnomah Falls.
03.
Can you see Multnomah Falls without hiking?
Yes, the best view is from the bottom right by the road.
04.
How long is the hike?
You can see the falls without hiking. The hike to the top is tough and takes a few hours.
05.
Are the Multnomah Falls trails open?
Yes, the trails to the bridge and beyond are currently open.
06.
What are the other waterfalls?
Horsetail Falls, Pony Tail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperds Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, and Latourell Falls are all within a few miles.
07.
What is the Best Way to see the falls?
If you want to do more than see it from the freeway we suggest renting an Ebike from Ebike Multnomah Falls or taking a tour. Either way you can see everything the area has to offer.
08.
Can you explain The Permit System?
Yes, permits are required during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They can be purchased online at rec.gov but only go on sale two weeks prior to the travel date. They cost $2 and allow you to park your car in front of Multnomah Falls using the I84 parking lot. This route does not allow access to any other waterfalls which is why we recommend using the Historic Highway.
09.
Can you swim at Multnomah Falls
No, but Horsetail Falls is a good place to do so.
Itineraries
Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire day to commit to experiencing the Columbia River Gorge and the Waterfall Corridor, these itineraries will help you plan your outing in this beautiful area.
1 Hour Or Less Itinerary
1-2 Hour Itinerary
2-4 Hour Itinerary
Full Day Itinerary
Car Free Itinerary
Best Short Hikes
Best Day Hikes
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while walking along
mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while walking along
mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
Rent an electric bike and see 3-4 waterfalls from the country’s first scenic byway.
Hike to the Top of Multnomah Falls and back down 2.2 miles roundtrip this is a steep hike that
takes up to two hours. Most people complete the hike in 90 minutes. (Closed through Nov ’21 for
repairs)
Drive from exit 28 to exit 35 (or in reverse) and see 7 miles of the historic highway by car. Expect
delays as the road is windy, slow, and full of cyclists and tourists taking their time.
If you try this at a peak time you will spend more time looking for parking than anything else.
Go when it’s raining or early or late in the day.
Simply stop at each of the well labeled state parks on the route and follow the signs to the
waterfalls. There are 4 to see and a 5th you can hike to. That’s Ponytail falls which you hike to
from Horsetail Falls.
Adding a couple hours to your trip opens up a plethora of opportunities to see more waterfalls and take
advantage of local offerings such as coffee and fresh produce.
Do the 5 mile moderate hike shown below and see 6 waterfalls and sweeping gorge views. Simply
keep going past the top of Multnomah Falls, visit epic viewpoints and waterfalls, and make right
turns to get back to your car. (Closed through Nov ’21 for repairs)
Drive from exit 18 to exit 35 (or in reverse) and see 17 miles of the historic highway by car.
If you try this at a peak time you will spend more time looking for parking than anything else.
Go when it’s raining or early or late in the day.
Here are the stops to make:
Troutdale, cute old town with great coffee.
Farm Stands! Excellent food and farm products. Don’t miss the Corbett Country Market
for the last gas.
Womens Forum, viewpoint
Crown Point Vista House, viewpoint
Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Multnomah Falls
Horsetail Falls
Full Day Itinerary
The dream! To have a full day in waterfall alley. Here’s how I’d do it from Portland, it works in reverse
just as well if you’re coming from Hood River.
Start from exit 18 off 1-84 and drive along the Sandy River to Corbett Country Market for gas and fresh
hot local snacks.
Continue to some farm stands that you’ll spot along the road. After the stands enjoy what you got at
the women’s forum and crown point vista house.
Pack a lunch from the market, the farm stands, or. if coming from Hood river in Cascade Locks.
Carry on down to Latourell Falls where you’ll do a 2.5 mile easy hike to spot native species, old growth
cedar and fir, and two waterfalls.
Get on your bikes and ride! Meet your ebike rental and ride to the relaxing and peaceful scenic highway to the rest of the waterfalls. If you didn’t bring lunch get some at the lodge. Pizza and hot dogs are
available easily there too.
Return to your car and go get dinner!
McMenamins Edgefield if going to Portland. and Gorges Beer Co if going to Hood River from Portland
Car Free Itinerary
Be wary of ride share, there are typically only 1 way trips to the falls and no drivers to take you home.
If you’re arriving car free you’ll take the CAT bus to the main Multnomah Falls parking lot.
Car Free 1 hour or less
You have time to see Multnomah Falls, hike to the bridge, turn around and take the trail to
Wahkeena Falls and take the trail back to the bus stop.
Car Free 2-4 hours
Walk to Multnomah then pickup an e bike from E-Bike Multnomah Falls (click here for reservations) for $60 to tour waterfalls on the scenic highway for 2.5 hours.
Do this 5 mile moderate hike and see 6 waterfalls and sweeping gorge views.
Best Short Hikes
1. Latourell Falls Loop, starting from a 250 foot cascading beauty a beautiful path follows a bubbling
creek to a waterfall in the hills. I love the old growth cedar and Douglas fir on these easy 1 hour hike.
2. Upper Horsetail Falls, simply park at Horsetail falls and walk up the switchback to a beautiful
overhanging waterfall. The path actually cuts underneath the basalt cliff waterfall for about 100 yards.
Easily done in 45 minutes.
3. Angels Rest, a bit longer and harder without any waterfalls this 2-3 hour hike climbs to a beautiful
precipice with the best gorge views you can get in the area.
Best Day Hikes
1. Up for 5 hours of tough hiking? It’s worth it to climb from Multnomah Falls to Sherrard Point. Many
waterfalls along the picturesque trail and views of 5 volcanos from the top! One volcano per hour of
hiking with bonus waterfalls. Can’t beat that!
2. Simply hike to the top of Multnomah Falls and make right turns til you get back to the parking lot and
you’ll complete a beautiful 2-3 hour waterfall hiking loop through Wahkeena Falls.
3. Beat the crowds to 4 waterfalls and the only way to access epic Oneonta Gorge by hiking up from
horsetail falls and once again making rights till you get back to the road. Expect 2-3 hours but allow
time to explore on this one.
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