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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…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls or anywhere in the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll almost certainly travel a stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Often called “the King of Roads,” this 75-mile route is one of the most scenic drives in the United States — and arguably the single best way to experience Oregon’s waterfalls, viewpoints, and forested cliffs in a single day. Here’s everything you need to know before you go: a quick history, the must-see stops, when to visit, what to skip, and how to take in the highlights without the parking and permit headaches. A Brief History of the Historic Columbia River Highway Completed in 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) was the first planned scenic roadway in the United States. It was the brainchild of attorney Sam Hill and engineer Samuel Lancaster,…

If you’re planning a summer trip to the Columbia River Gorge, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered the same thing nearly every first-time visitor wonders: Can you swim at Multnomah Falls? The pool at the base looks crystal clear, the mist is cooling, and on a 90-degree Oregon day, jumping in sounds like the obvious thing to do. Before you slip into a swimsuit, here’s the full story on swimming at Oregon’s most famous waterfall — what’s allowed, what’s not, and where you can actually get in the water nearby. The Short Answer: No, Swimming Is Not Allowed at Multnomah Falls Swimming, wading, and climbing in or around the pools at Multnomah Falls are prohibited by the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the area as part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Signs at the base of the…

If you’ve seen photos of Multnomah Falls tumbling down a moss-covered basalt cliff in the Columbia River Gorge, your first question is probably the same one millions of visitors ask each year: how tall is Multnomah Falls, really? The short answer is 620 feet — but the full story is far more interesting than a single number, and understanding the geography behind the falls makes your visit so much more rewarding. How Tall Is Multnomah Falls? Multnomah Falls stands 620 feet (189 meters) tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States. The falls drop in two distinct tiers: an upper tier of 542 feet and a lower tier of 69 feet, with a small 9-foot cascade between them where the two tiers meet at the famous Benson Bridge. That…

If you’ve been planning a trip to Multnomah Falls, you’ve probably already discovered the catch: getting there is easy, but parking once you arrive can be a different story. Oregon’s tallest waterfall draws more than two million visitors a year, and during peak season the parking situation is one of the biggest sources of frustration for travelers. The good news? With a little planning—or by skipping driving altogether—you can avoid the worst of it and spend your day enjoying the falls instead of circling for a spot. Here’s everything you need to know about Multnomah Falls parking in 2026, including where to park, when the lots fill up, the rules that have changed in recent years, and how to bypass the whole thing. Where Is the Parking at Multnomah Falls? There are two main parking areas to know about. The…

Multnomah Falls is the most-visited natural attraction in Oregon, drawing more than two million people every year. Word travels fast about a 620-foot waterfall just 30 minutes from downtown Portland — and during peak season, the parking lots fill before 9 a.m., the lodge sidewalks are shoulder-to-shoulder, and the Benson Bridge photo line can stretch for an hour. The good news: with a little planning (and a few local secrets), you can absolutely experience this magical place without the chaos. Here is how to avoid the crowds at Multnomah Falls, straight from someone who guides visitors here every week. Understand When the Crowds Hit Multnomah Falls has very predictable rush patterns. The heaviest crowds arrive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from late May through early October, peaking on weekends and holidays. July and August are the busiest months by…