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The best waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge pack more cascades into a few miles than almost anywhere else in the country. Within a 30-minute drive east of Portland, you’ll find dozens of waterfalls tumbling off basalt cliffs, connected by a network of trails that range from flat, paved strolls to lung-burning switchbacks. Whether you want a quick photo stop or an all-day adventure, here are the gorge hikes worth lacing up your boots for. Multnomah Falls to Wahkeena Falls Loop This is the classic Columbia River Gorge waterfall hike, and for good reason. The roughly 5-mile loop links Oregon’s tallest waterfall, 620-foot Multnomah Falls, with the mossy, fan-shaped Wahkeena Falls about a mile west. Climb the paved switchbacks above Multnomah Falls, follow the creek past several smaller cascades like Fairy Falls, and descend back along Wahkeena Creek. Expect…

If you’re planning a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the first questions you’ll run into is whether you need a permit to visit Multnomah Falls. The short answer: it depends on when you go and how you get there. During the busy summer season, Oregon’s most famous waterfall uses a timed-use permit system to manage crowds. The rest of the year, you can usually just show up. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. When Is a Permit Required for Multnomah Falls? A timed-use permit is required for the Multnomah Falls Recreation Site during the peak summer season, typically from late May through early September. The permit applies if you plan to park in the main lot off the historic Columbia River Highway and visit during daytime hours, generally between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m….

Wondering how to get to Multnomah Falls from Portland? You’re in good company — this 620-foot, two-tiered waterfall is Oregon’s most-visited natural attraction, and it sits just a short drive east of the city in the Columbia River Gorge. The trip is straightforward, but a little planning goes a long way, especially during the busy summer months when parking fills early and a timed-use permit is required to drive the main corridor. Here’s everything you need to know to get there smoothly. How Far Is Multnomah Falls from Portland? Multnomah Falls is about 30 miles east of downtown Portland, and under normal traffic the drive takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes. The falls sit right off Interstate 84 at Exit 31, with a second access point along the historic Columbia River Highway. Because it’s so close to the city, Multnomah…

Visiting Multnomah Falls in summer is on just about every Oregon traveler’s bucket list, and for good reason. The state’s tallest waterfall plunges 620 feet against a backdrop of lush green cliffs, and warm, dry weather makes it the easiest time of year to explore the Columbia River Gorge. But summer is also the busiest, hottest, and most permit-restricted season at the falls. If you know what to expect, you can enjoy the best of a Multnomah Falls summer visit without the stress. What Summer Is Like at Multnomah Falls From roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Gorge sees its warmest and driest stretch of the year. Daytime temperatures often climb into the 80s and 90s, and clear skies make for excellent photos and comfortable hiking. The waterfall flows year-round, fed by underground springs and snowmelt, so even in…

The legend of Multnomah Falls is one of the most beloved stories in the Pacific Northwest, and it gives Oregon’s tallest waterfall a meaning that goes far beyond its 620-foot drop. Long before paved trails and stone viewpoints, the Multnomah people who lived along the Columbia River told a story of sacrifice and love that, according to tradition, is the very reason the falls exist today. If you’re planning a visit to the Columbia River Gorge, knowing this legend turns a beautiful photo stop into something you’ll remember for years. The Legend of Multnomah Falls As the story is most often told, the Multnomah village was once struck by a terrible sickness that swept through the people and could not be stopped. As more and more villagers fell ill, the chief and the elders gathered to seek guidance. An aging…

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the easiest and most rewarding waterfalls to visit in the Columbia River Gorge, sitting just a few minutes west of Multnomah Falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. If you’re planning an Oregon waterfall trip and want a short, scenic hike that the whole family can manage, Bridal Veil Falls belongs near the top of your list. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Where Is Bridal Veil Falls? Bridal Veil Falls is located in the western Columbia River Gorge, about 25 miles east of Portland and roughly 5 minutes from Multnomah Falls by car. You’ll find it just off the Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30), in Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. Because it’s so close to the Gorge’s other famous falls — Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, and Multnomah — it’s…

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon and wondering is Multnomah Falls worth visiting, the honest answer is yes — and it’s not even a close call. As the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, Multnomah Falls draws roughly two million visitors a year for good reason. But “worth it” depends a little on who you are, when you go, and how you plan your visit. This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect before you make the drive. The Short Answer: Yes, It’s Worth It Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two dramatic tiers, framed by the iconic Benson Footbridge that crosses between them. It sits right off the Historic Columbia River Highway, only about 30 minutes east of Portland, which means you get…

Yes, you can bring dogs to Multnomah Falls. The falls sit within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where leashed dogs are welcome at the viewpoints, on the paved plaza, and on most of the surrounding trails. If you’re planning a visit with your four-legged hiking buddy, this guide covers the leash rules, which trails are dog-friendly, where to find water, and a few tips to keep the day comfortable for everyone. Are Dogs Allowed at Multnomah Falls? Dogs are allowed at Multnomah Falls as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than six feet. This applies to the lower viewing plaza, the iconic Benson Bridge, and the trail up to the top of the falls. Because the falls are managed by the U.S. Forest Service rather than the National Park Service, the rules are more…

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…