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If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls and your four-legged friend is part of the family, you’re probably wondering: can you bring dogs to Multnomah Falls? The short answer is yes — but with some important restrictions you’ll want to know before you go. Here’s everything you need to know about the pet policy at Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. Are Dogs Allowed at Multnomah Falls? Yes, dogs are allowed at Multnomah Falls — but only in certain areas. The U.S. Forest Service, which manages the land around Multnomah Falls, permits leashed dogs in the general day-use area near the falls and on the paved lower trail. Your pup can enjoy the iconic view of the 620-foot waterfall alongside you, and that alone makes for a pretty unforgettable outing. However, dogs are not allowed on the Multnomah…

If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the smartest questions you can ask is: what’s the best time of day to visit? The answer can make the difference between fighting crowds at Multnomah Falls and having a peaceful, photo-worthy experience with room to breathe. Whether you’re after golden-hour photography, a cooler hike, or simply a less hectic outing, timing matters more than most visitors realize. Morning: Beat the Crowds and the Heat During peak season (June through September), the Columbia River Gorge sees its heaviest visitor traffic between about 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Arriving early — ideally before 9 a.m. — gives you the best chance at finding parking, enjoying shorter lines, and experiencing the waterfalls without a wall of selfie sticks in your sightline. Morning light in the Gorge is soft and diffused,…

One of the most common questions visitors ask before planning a trip to Multnomah Falls is: how long does it take to visit? The answer depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you want a quick photo stop or a full morning of hiking and exploring, Multnomah Falls can accommodate your schedule. Here’s a breakdown of how to plan your time at Oregon’s tallest and most iconic waterfall. The Quick Stop: 15 to 30 Minutes If you’re short on time or just passing through the Columbia River Gorge, you can still get a memorable experience at Multnomah Falls. The main viewing area at the base of the falls is just a short walk from the parking lot — about 100 yards along a paved, accessible path. From here, you’ll get an incredible view of the full…

Planning a trip to Multnomah Falls and wondering what to wear? You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions visitors ask before heading to Oregon’s tallest waterfall. The Columbia River Gorge has its own microclimate, and what you wear can make or break your experience. Here’s everything you need to know about dressing for a comfortable visit to Multnomah Falls, no matter the season. Why What You Wear Matters at Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls drops 620 feet in two cascading tiers, and all that falling water creates a constant mist near the base and along the Benson Bridge. Even on a sunny summer day, you’ll feel a cool spray when you get close. The Gorge itself acts as a natural wind tunnel, funneling breezes from the coast that can drop temperatures noticeably compared to Portland, just 30…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, one of the first questions you’ll run into is: do you need a permit to visit Multnomah Falls? The short answer is — it depends on when you visit and how you get there. Here’s everything you need to know about the timed-use permit system so you can plan a stress-free visit to Oregon’s tallest waterfall. The Timed-Use Permit System Explained Since 2022, the U.S. Forest Service has required a timed-use permit for personal vehicles accessing the Multnomah Falls corridor during peak season. The permit window typically runs from late May through early September, covering the busiest months when hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the falls. The permit system was introduced to reduce dangerous congestion along the Historic Columbia River Highway and improve the visitor…

Spring is one of the most spectacular times to visit Multnomah Falls. If you’ve been wondering what it’s like visiting Multnomah Falls in spring, you’re in for a treat — the waterfall reaches its peak flow between March and May, wildflowers blanket the surrounding trails, and the Columbia River Gorge comes alive with color and energy. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your spring visit. Why Spring Is the Best Season for Waterfall Chasers Multnomah Falls is impressive year-round, but spring is when it truly roars. Snowmelt from Larch Mountain combined with seasonal rain sends massive volumes of water cascading 620 feet down the two-tiered falls. The result is a thundering spectacle that you can feel in your chest from the viewing plaza below. If you want to see Multnomah Falls at its most powerful and dramatic, plan…

Tilly Jane & Cloud Cap: The Wild, Weird, 140-Year Story of Mt. Hood’s North Side If you’ve ever snowshoed or skied up through the ghost forest toward Tilly Jane and looked up at the bulk of Mt. Hood, you can feel it immediately: this place has history. The burned snags, the old stone chimneys, the log buildings half-buried in snow, the rough road that seems to disappear into the clouds — none of it happened by accident. For almost 140 years, the Cloud Cap–Tilly Jane area has been a testing ground for big ideas: luxury tourism, wagon roads, early mountaineering, New Deal architecture, and now backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. This is the story of how it all came together. Before the Road: Why the North Side Mattered Long before there was a wagon road or an inn, the north side…

Winter in Oregon hits fast. One day you’re walking the dog in a light jacket, and the next you’re looking at Mt. Hood wondering what kind of winter adventure you can actually pull off without buying expensive gear or spending the day fighting traffic. If that’s you if you’re sitting in Portland thinking,