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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 (a dramatic 249-foot plunge framed by bright yellow lichen), Bridal Veil Falls (a short, family-friendly walk down to a two-tiered cascade), Wahkeena Falls (a fan-shaped falls just a minute up the trail), and Horsetail Falls (literally right next to the parking lot). Combined with Multnomah, you can knock out five major waterfalls in a single afternoon.

2. Hike to the Top of Multnomah Falls

Most visitors stop at the Benson Bridge viewpoint and call it a day. If you’re reasonably fit, keep going. The trail to the top of Multnomah Falls is about 2.4 miles round trip with a steady 11-switchback climb, and the payoff is unreal — a small observation deck perched right where the upper falls plunge over the basalt cliff. Wear real shoes, bring water, and expect to sweat a bit.

3. Visit Vista House at Crown Point

Before you even get to the waterfalls, stop at Vista House. This 1918 octagonal stone rotunda sits 733 feet above the Columbia River and offers one of the most photographed views in the Pacific Northwest. It’s free, it takes about 20 minutes, and on a clear day you can see all the way up the gorge toward Hood River. It’s also the perfect place to understand the scale of what the Ice Age Missoula Floods carved out.

4. Walk the Old Historic Highway Trail

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a paved path built on the old highway alignment that connects Multnomah Falls to several nearby waterfalls. The section from Multnomah to Wahkeena Falls is a flat, easy mile that most visitors completely overlook. Add a second half mile up the Wahkeena trail and you’ve got a scenic loop without the crowds.

5. Explore Oneonta Gorge

Just east of Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge is a narrow slot canyon with moss-covered walls and a hidden waterfall at the end. The classic adventure here involves wading through the creek to reach Lower Oneonta Falls — it’s cold, a little sketchy, and absolutely unforgettable. Check current trail status before you go, as conditions change seasonally.

6. Drive Up to Larch Mountain

If the gorge is fogged in or you want a big-picture view, take the 14-mile drive from the Historic Highway up to Larch Mountain. From the Sherrard Point viewpoint, on a clear day you can see five Cascade peaks — Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Jefferson — all from one spot. The road is typically open from late spring through early fall.

7. Grab Lunch in Hood River or Cascade Locks

Heading east from Multnomah Falls, it’s only 30 minutes to the town of Hood River, home to a killer food and beer scene. Grab a table at one of the riverfront brewpubs, pick up some local fruit at the farm stands, or watch the kiteboarders rip across the Columbia. If you’re staying closer, Cascade Locks has the Bridge of the Gods and the trailhead for the famous PCT segment made popular by the book (and film) Wild.

8. Add a Hike to Angel’s Rest

If you want one serious hike in the gorge, Angel’s Rest is the move. It’s a 4.8-mile round-trip climb with about 1,450 feet of elevation gain, ending at a rocky promontory with sweeping views up and down the Columbia River. Sunset up there is magical — just bring a headlamp for the hike down.

9. Combine Multnomah Falls with a Sunset Tour

Locals know the best time to visit the gorge is the last hour before sunset. Crowds thin out, the light turns gold, and the waterfalls take on a completely different character. A Waterfall Shuttle sunset tour skips the parking hassle (and the timed-use permit) and gets you to the best viewpoints at the perfect time — with a guide who knows which pullouts to catch and which to skip.

How to Fit It All In

Realistically, you can hit the top three or four spots in a half day and the full list in a comfortable full day. If you’re driving yourself, start early to beat the crowds at Multnomah Falls and work your way east. If you’d rather skip the parking gymnastics, the timed-use permit rules, and the stress of figuring out where to pull off — let us drive. Our small-group tours handle all the logistics so you can just look out the window.

Book a Waterfall Shuttle tour and we’ll take care of the permits, the driving, and the insider tips — you bring the camera.