Multnomah Falls Hike Trail: Best Routes, Tips & Travel Guide

Multnomah Falls is a 620-foot, two-tiered waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors first arrive at a stone plaza that provides a direct view of the entire waterfall. A short, paved walk leads to the lower viewing deck. From there, the Larch Mountain Trail ascends to the historic Benson Bridge, a concrete footbridge spanning the lower drop. This bridge allows visitors to stand directly above the lower cascade and look up at the 542-foot upper tier. Beyond the bridge, the paved trail continues up 11 switchbacks, climbing approximately 600 feet in elevation to a viewing platform at the top of the falls. The observation deck at the summit offers a downward perspective of the waterfall and extensive views of the Columbia River. At the base of the falls sits the Multnomah Falls Lodge, a historic stone building that houses a restaurant, gift shop, espresso stand, and a US Forest Service visitor center. The surrounding area features old-growth Douglas firs, ferns, and basalt rock cliff faces.