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Everyone knows Multnomah Falls — and for good reason. It’s the tallest in Oregon, it’s breathtaking, and it’s one of the most-photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. But if you’ve made the drive out to the Columbia River Gorge before, you already know the parking lot fills up by mid-morning and the viewing platform can feel like rush hour. Good news: within an hour or two of downtown Portland, there are dozens of equally stunning waterfalls where you might have the trail almost to yourself. Here are nine hidden waterfalls near Portland that locals love — and exactly how to find them. 1. Latourell Falls Just a few miles west of Multnomah Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway, Latourell Falls drops 249 feet in a single plunge against a wall of bright yellow lichen — one of the…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls, don’t make the rookie mistake of driving out, snapping a few photos, and heading back to Portland. The 620-foot cascade is the headliner, but the Columbia River Gorge around it is packed with waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and small-town charm that most first-time visitors miss entirely. Once you see what’s out here, you’ll wish you had allotted a full day. Here are the best things to do near Multnomah Falls, from five-minute roadside stops to all-day adventures. 1. Chase the Waterfall Corridor The stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and Ainsworth State Park is known as the “Waterfall Corridor” — and for good reason. Within about 15 miles, you can see a half-dozen postcard-worthy waterfalls, several of them just steps from the road. The essentials include Latourell Falls…

Multnomah Falls photography is on nearly every Oregon visitor’s bucket list — and for good reason. Standing at 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re shooting with a professional DSLR or your smartphone, a few simple tips can help you come home with images that truly do this place justice. Best Time of Day for Multnomah Falls Photos Timing is everything when it comes to waterfall photography. The falls face north, which means direct sunlight only hits the water during certain hours — and harsh midday sun can wash out your images or create distracting bright spots. For the most even, flattering light, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During spring and summer, the hours before 10…

Planning a trip to Multnomah Falls and wondering what to wear? You’re not alone — the 620-foot waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge creates its own microclimate, and the weather can be dramatically different from Portland just 30 miles away. Dressing right for Multnomah Falls makes the difference between a magical adventure and a miserable, soggy afternoon. The Golden Rule: Layers Are Your Best Friend The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its unpredictable weather. Even on a sunny Portland morning, the Gorge can be windy, cool, and misty near the waterfall itself. The spray from Multnomah Falls reaches well beyond what you’d expect, creating a perpetual cool mist in the viewing area. Always pack a light waterproof layer regardless of the forecast — you’ll thank yourself later. What to Wear in Spring (March–May) Spring is one of the most…

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most breathtaking destinations — a scenic corridor packed with towering waterfalls, cliffside viewpoints, historic landmarks, and some of the best small-town food in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re visiting Portland and want to experience the Gorge in a single unforgettable day, this Columbia River Gorge day trip itinerary will help you make the most of every hour. Whether you’re driving yourself or booking a guided tour, here’s a tried-and-true plan that hits the highlights without feeling rushed. Before You Go: A Few Quick Tips From late May through early September, the most popular stops in the Gorge — especially Multnomah Falls — require a timed-use permit. Parking fills up by mid-morning, and the lots at Multnomah Falls and the Historic Columbia River Highway viewpoints often turn cars away. Arriving early, being flexible…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls, one of the most important questions to ask is: do you need a permit to visit Multnomah Falls? The short answer is — it depends on when you go and how you get there. Oregon’s most iconic waterfall draws over two million visitors a year, and to manage the crowds and protect the Columbia River Gorge, the U.S. Forest Service introduced a timed-use permit system. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit. What Is the Multnomah Falls Timed-Use Permit? The Multnomah Falls timed-use permit system was created to limit the number of vehicles entering the Multnomah Falls Historic Highway parking area during peak season. Without a permit, you simply cannot drive your personal vehicle into the designated parking area during the hours the system is in effect — and there’s…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls and wondering whether it’s wheelchair accessible, the short answer is: yes — partially. The most dramatic and iconic views of Multnomah Falls are fully accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility, making it one of the most inclusive natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest. But like many waterfall destinations, there are some areas that remain challenging terrain. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit. The Lower Viewing Area: Fully Accessible The main plaza at the base of Multnomah Falls is paved, level, and fully accessible. From the moment you step off the shuttle or out of your car, you can reach the visitor center, the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, and the lower viewing area without any significant barriers. The view from this spot is spectacular — you’re looking…

One of the best-kept secrets about visiting Multnomah Falls is how alive the surrounding landscape truly is. While the iconic 620-foot waterfall draws millions of visitors each year, the Columbia River Gorge is also one of the most ecologically rich corridors in the Pacific Northwest — home to an astonishing variety of wildlife that you can spot year-round. Whether you’re a dedicated birder, a casual nature enthusiast, or simply curious about what might be watching you from the trees, here’s a guide to the wildlife you might encounter at Multnomah Falls and along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Bald Eagles and Other Raptors The Columbia River Gorge is prime raptor territory, and bald eagles are among the most thrilling sightings you can have here. These majestic birds are most commonly spotted in winter and early spring, when they gather near…

Getting to Multnomah Falls from Portland is one of the most common questions visitors ask — and for good reason. The falls are only about 30 miles east of the city, but the journey involves a few important choices depending on your budget, travel style, and how much hassle you’re willing to deal with. This guide covers every realistic option: driving yourself, taking a shuttle tour, and using public transit. Option 1: Drive Yourself on I-84 The most straightforward way to reach Multnomah Falls is by car via I-84 East. Take exit 28 (Multnomah Falls) — the drive from downtown Portland takes about 30–40 minutes under normal conditions. The Historic Columbia River Highway also provides a scenic alternate route through Troutdale and past several smaller waterfalls before arriving at Multnomah. However, driving comes with a major caveat: parking is extremely…

Visiting Multnomah Falls in summer is one of the most popular things to do in Oregon, and for good reason. The towering 620-foot cascade is breathtaking under blue skies, and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge is lush and green. But summer also brings the biggest crowds, the warmest temperatures, and — since 2024 — a timed-use permit system that adds an extra planning step. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of a summer visit to Multnomah Falls. Do You Need a Permit to Visit Multnomah Falls in Summer? Yes. From late May through early September, the U.S. Forest Service requires a free timed-use permit to access the Multnomah Falls corridor between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Permits are released in batches on Recreation.gov, and they go fast — especially for weekend time slots. Each permit is…

If you’re planning a trip to Multnomah Falls and the forecast shows rain, you might be wondering whether it’s still worth going. The short answer? Absolutely — visiting Multnomah Falls in the rain is one of the best-kept secrets among locals and experienced Pacific Northwest travelers. Rain transforms Oregon’s tallest waterfall into an even more spectacular sight, and with the right preparation, a rainy day visit can be the highlight of your trip. Why Multnomah Falls Is Even Better in the Rain Multnomah Falls is fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, which means it flows year-round. But when rain moves through the Columbia River Gorge, something magical happens. The additional rainfall swells the creek above, sending dramatically more water cascading over the 620-foot drop. The falls become louder, more powerful, and visually stunning in a way that dry-season visitors…

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…