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If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the first things you’ll want to know is what time Multnomah Falls opens. The short answer is reassuring: the waterfall itself is open year-round, and there’s no gate, ticket booth, or closing time on the falls. But “open” means something a little different depending on whether you’re talking about the waterfall, the trails, the parking lot, or the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Here’s everything you need to know about Multnomah Falls hours so you can plan a smooth visit. Is Multnomah Falls Open 24 Hours? Technically, yes. Multnomah Falls sits on public land along the Historic Columbia River Highway, and the viewing area is accessible at all hours. There is no entrance fee to see the falls and no official opening or closing time for the waterfall itself….

Visiting Multnomah Falls in spring may just be the best-kept secret of the Columbia River Gorge. As the snowpack melts in the Cascades and seasonal rains feed the creeks, Oregon’s most famous waterfall roars to life with some of the heaviest water flow of the entire year. Add blooming wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, and lush green canyon walls, and you have a near-perfect window to experience the Gorge. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Multnomah Falls in spring. Why Spring Is One of the Best Times to Visit Spring (roughly March through May) hits a sweet spot that other seasons can’t quite match. Winter snowmelt combines with spring rain to push enormous volumes of water over the 620-foot drop, so the falls look fuller and more dramatic than they do in the dry months of late summer. The surrounding…

If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the most common questions is what to wear to Multnomah Falls. The short answer: dress in layers, wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, and always pack a waterproof jacket. Oregon’s most famous waterfall creates its own microclimate, and the right clothing makes the difference between a magical visit and a chilly, soggy one. This guide breaks down exactly what to wear by season so you arrive prepared. Why Multnomah Falls Has Its Own Weather Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet, and all that crashing water throws a constant cool mist into the air. Even on a warm summer afternoon, the area around the base of the falls and the Benson Footbridge can feel ten or more degrees cooler than the parking lot. The spray drifts surprisingly far, so you…

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, one question comes up again and again: how many waterfalls are there, really? The short answer is that the Gorge is home to more than 90 named waterfalls, with the densest concentration found along a roughly 30-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway east of Portland. It’s one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls anywhere in North America, which is exactly why this corner of Oregon has become a bucket-list destination for waterfall lovers. But the raw number only tells part of the story. Below, we’ll break down how many waterfalls you can actually visit, which ones are worth your time, and how to see as many as possible in a single day. More Than 90 Waterfalls in One Region The Columbia River Gorge stretches for about 80 miles…

Horsetail Falls is one of the most accessible and rewarding waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge — and one of the easiest stops on a waterfall tour out of Portland. Unlike many Oregon waterfalls that require a hike, Horsetail Falls tumbles 176 feet right beside the Historic Columbia River Highway, so you can admire it the moment you step out of the car. If you’re planning a trip to the Gorge, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Horsetail Falls. Where Is Horsetail Falls? Horsetail Falls is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30), about 2.5 miles east of Multnomah Falls and roughly 35 miles east of Portland. It sits in the heart of the “waterfall corridor,” the stretch of the Gorge where you’ll find Multnomah, Wahkeena, Bridal Veil, and Latourell Falls all within a few miles…

Ask most visitors to name a waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge and you’ll hear one answer: Multnomah Falls. But just half a mile west sits Wahkeena Falls — a 242-foot cascading beauty that many Gorge regulars quietly call their favorite. If you’re planning a waterfall trip from Portland, this Wahkeena Falls guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, what the trail is like, the best time to visit, and how to pair it with Multnomah Falls for the perfect Gorge day. What Makes Wahkeena Falls Different Unlike Multnomah’s dramatic single plunge, Wahkeena Falls tumbles down the cliffside in a series of graceful tiers, fanning out over mossy basalt. The name comes from a Yakama word often translated as “most beautiful,” and on a misty morning it’s easy to see why. Because the falls cascade rather…

If you’re planning a waterfall trip in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourell Falls deserves a spot at the top of your list. Just 30 minutes east of Portland, this 249-foot waterfall is the first major falls you’ll reach driving the Historic Columbia River Highway — and many visitors say it’s the most photogenic of them all. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Latourell Falls, from parking and trails to the best time to go. What Makes Latourell Falls Special? Unlike most waterfalls in the Gorge, which tumble and cascade down rocky steps, Latourell Falls plunges in a single, dramatic free-fall drop of 249 feet. The water pours over a sheer cliff of columnar basalt — those striking hexagonal rock columns formed by ancient lava flows — splashed with brilliant yellow-green lichen that makes the whole scene look almost…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls, one of the first questions you’ll run into is whether you need a permit to visit. The short answer: it depends on when and how you go. During the busy summer season, Oregon’s most famous waterfall requires a timed-use permit to access the main area by car—but there are several ways around it. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Do You Need a Permit for Multnomah Falls? Yes—during peak season, you typically need a timed-use permit to visit Multnomah Falls if you’re driving to the main waterfall area off the Historic Columbia River Highway. The U.S. Forest Service introduced the permit system to manage the enormous crowds that descend on the falls each summer. Without a reservation, you may be turned away at the entrance during busy hours. The…

Wondering where to stay near Multnomah Falls? While there’s no hotel right at the waterfall itself, the Columbia River Gorge offers a range of lodging within easy driving distance — from historic riverside inns to riverfront hotels in Hood River and budget-friendly options in Troutdale. This guide breaks down the best places to stay near Multnomah Falls so you can wake up close to Oregon’s most famous waterfall and the Gorge’s endless adventures. Is There Lodging at Multnomah Falls? One of the most common questions visitors ask is whether they can stay overnight at Multnomah Falls. The historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, is a beautiful stone building at the base of the falls — but despite its name, it is no longer an overnight lodge. Today it operates as a restaurant, gift shop, and visitor center, not a…

If you’re planning to capture Oregon’s most famous waterfall from the sky, there’s one question worth answering before you pack your gear: are drones allowed at Multnomah Falls? The short answer is no. Recreational and commercial drone flights are not permitted at Multnomah Falls or the surrounding viewpoints, and launching one here can result in fines. Below, we’ll walk through why drones are restricted, what the rules actually say, and where you can legally fly in the Columbia River Gorge if aerial footage is on your bucket list. Why Drones Aren’t Allowed at Multnomah Falls Multnomah Falls sits within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, both managed by the USDA Forest Service. Federal law prohibits launching, landing, or operating motorized equipment — including drones — within designated Wilderness areas. Because the falls and…

Standing at the base of Multnomah Falls is breathtaking, but many visitors wonder the same thing: can you hike to the top? The answer is yes. Hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, rewarding you with a view straight down the 620-foot cascade and out across the Gorge. Here is everything you need to know before you lace up your shoes. How Long Is the Hike to the Top of Multnomah Falls? The paved trail from the lodge to the top viewing platform is about 1.2 miles one way (roughly 2.4 miles round trip), climbing around 700 feet in elevation. Most visitors complete the round trip in 1.5 to 2 hours, including time to catch your breath and take photos. The trail switchbacks up the hillside in…

Wondering how much it costs to visit Multnomah Falls? The good news is that one of Oregon’s most spectacular natural attractions is free to enter. But while there’s no admission fee to see the 620-foot cascade, there are a few costs worth planning for before you go — from parking and permits to food and guided tours. Here’s a complete breakdown of what visiting Multnomah Falls actually costs in 2026, so you can budget your Columbia River Gorge adventure with no surprises. Is There an Entrance Fee for Multnomah Falls? No. Multnomah Falls sits within the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and there is no admission or gate fee to view the falls. You can walk the paved path to the base, cross the iconic Benson Bridge, and soak in the view without…