Why Multnomah Falls Should Be on Every Traveler’s List

Tucked away along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of Oregon’s most iconic attractions, drawing more than 2 million visitors each year to the beautiful 620-foot (189-meter) waterfall. And the best part? It’s a dog-friendly adventure! We’ve stopped here a couple of times, and each visit feels just as magical, especially since we get to bring our pups Toby and Lily along to explore!

Our first drive through the Gorge was in 2023 on a road trip to Mount Rainier, then again this past year while heading toward Olympic National Park. The Gorge itself is an adventure all on its own—a winding 80-mile canyon that carves its way across Oregon. Twisting alongside the Columbia River, you’re surrounded by cliffs, greenery, and train tracks running parallel to the road. On our last trip in July, we also saw a distant wildfire in the hills.

Before reaching Multnomah Falls, we stopped off at Maryhill State Park ($10 for a day pass), about an hour east of the falls.

For those looking for a snack, there are a few tasty spots across the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge in Biggs Junction. We picked up some food from an Indian food truck there, had a picnic at the park and stretched our legs with Toby and Lily by the riverside before setting off for the falls.

Getting to Multnomah Falls

After our stop at Maryhill State Park, we continued west and soon reached the Multnomah Falls parking lot. Located between the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 84, the parking area has been easy to access on both our visits—once in 2023 and again in 2024.

If you’re visiting during peak season (late May through early September, 9am – 6pm), parking fills up quickly, so getting there early is your best bet. Reserving the $2 timed-use permit can help regulate traffic, though it doesn’t guarantee a spot (more on parking options in a moment!).

For reference, here’s how long the drive takes:

• From Portland: About 30 minutes—an easy day trip.
• From Seattle: Roughly 3 hours south via I-5 and I-84.

Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk through a tunnel under the interstate, which brings you straight to the falls. Near the entrance, the visitor center offers snacks, drinks, and even some hot chocolate to warm you up on those chilly Gorge days.

Built in 1925, the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge sits right next to the falls and offers a variety of amenities, including a gift shop, restrooms, and a restaurant.

Best Times to Visit Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is stunning year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season.

• Spring (March – May): The falls are at their most powerful thanks to snowmelt and spring rains. Wildflowers start blooming along nearby trails, making it a beautiful time for a visit. Crowds begin picking up by late spring.
• Summer (June – August): Expect big crowds and limited parking during peak season. The weather is warm, and the trails are dry, but water flow is lower than in spring. Arrive early (before 9am) or visit on a weekday for the best experience.
• Fall (September – November): Cooler temps and vibrant fall foliage make this a great time to visit. Early fall can still be busy, but by late October, crowds thin out. Water flow starts to increase again with seasonal rain.
• Winter (December – February): A quieter, more peaceful time to visit. Rain and ice give the falls a dramatic look, and on rare occasions, they freeze into an icy cascade. Dress warmly, as the Columbia River Gorge can be cold and windy in winter.

For the best experience, visit early in the morning (before 9am) or on a weekday to avoid crowds. If you don’t mind colder weather, late fall through early spring offers a more relaxed visit with fewer people.

Is There Parking Near Multnomah Falls?

Yes, but it’s best to plan ahead! The main parking lot between the east and westbound lanes of Interstate 84, tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

You may have seen online that parking at Multnomah Falls can cost $20—this is misleading. The main lot is $2 during peak season, but a smaller, privately-owned lot near the Lodge began charging $20 as of April 2024, which has caused some controversy.

For the best parking experience during peak season (late May – early September, 9am – 6pm), we recommend:

• Reserving a $2 Timed-Entry Permit: Booking ahead helps regulate traffic but doesn’t guarantee a spot.
• Taking the Sasquatch Shuttle: A free shuttle runs every 30 minutes if you park at their Bridal Veil lot ($5 per vehicle).

The Hike to Benson Bridge

Once we had parking sorted, it was finally time to start our hike to Multnomah Falls. Multnomah is a two-tiered waterfall, formed by the ancient Missoula Floods around 15,000 years ago and fed by underground springs. It’s simply stunning, and the viewing area at the bottom is spacious, with plenty of room for photos right by the base. Even visiting during a busy July day, we had no trouble getting close for some great shots.

Before you head out, though, be sure to check the weather forecast. While the trail to Benson Bridge is relatively short and manageable, rainy weather (which is common in the Pacific Northwest) can make the path slippery.

Multnomah County Weather

The trail up to the 45-foot Benson Bridge is paved—no gravel or dirt to worry about—and our pups were thrilled to explore (Yes, leashed dogs are allowed!). Lily, though, was a little nervous around the crowds; she’s friendly but a bit skittish, so the busy path wasn’t her favorite. If you’ve got a dog that’s similar, just know there aren’t many quiet spots to pull off as you go up.

If you’re only interested in hiking up to Benson Bridge, the hike itself is short and easy, with just a slight incline. We saw visitors of all ages, from all over, making the trek without trouble. At the bridge, the view is unforgettable: you’re up close to the lower falls, with a clear sightline to the top tier of the waterfall.

Honestly, I think the view from the bottom looking up is even more breathtaking—seeing the full height of both falls is awe-inspiring. We got to the bridge in the evening, around 7 p.m., and it was still quite crowded, so arriving earlier or later in the day could make for a less busy experience.

For reference, it’s only about 0.2 miles to Benson Bridge, an easy walk for just about anyone. If you’re up for a longer hike, it’s about a mile to the top of the falls, with even more trails branching off from there.

Places to Stay Around Multnomah Falls

After exploring the falls and taking in the stunning views, you might be looking for a cozy place to relax and unwind. Fortunately, there are several great options for lodging near Multnomah Falls. While we continued on to our final destination in Forks, Washington, and didn’t get the chance to try them ourselves, here are a few hotels worth considering for your stay.

More to Explore in the Columbia River Gorge

You’ll quickly find that Multnomah Falls isn’t the only highlight in the Columbia River Gorge. This stunning area is home to several other beautiful waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and Wahclella Falls. If you’re up for more hiking, trails like Angels Rest, Cape Horn, and Dog Mountain are said to offer incredible views.

Looking for a more relaxing stop with an unforgettable view? Trillium Lake, just south of Mount Hood, offers a peaceful setting with a mirror-like reflection of the mountain. Whether you want to walk the scenic loop, enjoy a picnic, or just take in the view, it’s well worth the short detour.

Time to Plan Your Visit to Multnomah Falls!

Visiting Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge is truly an unforgettable experience. We’ve loved returning to this breathtaking spot and can’t wait for our next adventure here. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to carve out time to explore the falls and all the incredible sights nearby. You won’t regret it!

We’d love to hear about your own Multnomah Falls adventures! If you’ve been there or are planning a visit, drop a comment below. Feel free to share any tips for visiting, especially if you’re traveling with pets!