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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 dog-friendly than at many national parks, where pets are often restricted to parking lots and paved areas. Here, your dog can actually join you on the hike.

The one building where pets are not permitted is the Multnomah Falls Lodge restaurant and gift shop. Service animals are the exception and are welcome everywhere under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Leash Rules You Need to Know

The six-foot leash rule is taken seriously throughout the Columbia River Gorge, and for good reason. The trails are narrow in places, run alongside steep drop-offs, and see heavy foot traffic. A leashed dog is safer for your pet, more comfortable for other hikers, and far less likely to disturb the wildlife that lives in the gorge. Retractable leashes are discouraged on the switchback trail because they make it hard to keep your dog close on tight corners and busy stretches.

You’ll also want to pack waste bags and pack out everything your dog leaves behind. There are trash receptacles near the plaza, but few once you start climbing, so carry out what you carry in.

Dog-Friendly Trails at and Near Multnomah Falls

The main attraction is the paved Larch Mountain Trail (Trail 441) that switchbacks 1.2 miles up to the Benson Bridge overlook and the top of the falls. It’s steep but well maintained, and most healthy dogs handle it well. Just remember that the pavement can get hot in summer, and the climb gains over 600 feet, so pace yourself and your pup.

If you want to extend the adventure, several nearby gorge trails also welcome leashed dogs. Wahkeena Falls connects to Multnomah via a popular loop, and the gentle path to Horsetail Falls just down the highway is a great option for older dogs or shorter legs. Latourell Falls, a few miles west, offers a relatively easy loop with a dramatic plunge and a shaded creek where dogs love to cool off.

Keeping Your Dog Comfortable

The mist from the falls keeps the lower plaza cool even on warm days, which dogs appreciate, but the climb is a workout. Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl, since there are no reliable drinking sources for pets along the trail. Watch your dog’s paws on hot pavement in midsummer, and consider visiting early in the morning or near sunset when temperatures are lower and crowds are thinner.

Crowds are worth mentioning. Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, and on a busy summer weekend the plaza can feel like a crowded sidewalk. A nervous or reactive dog may be happier on a weekday or during the quieter shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

What About Parking and Permits?

During peak season, Multnomah Falls requires a timed-use permit to access the main parking area and the lower lot fills early. Dogs don’t need their own permit, of course, but the parking logistics can make a dog-friendly day trip stressful, especially if you’re circling for a spot with a panting pup in the car.

This is where a guided tour can take the pressure off. Waterfall Shuttle handles the permits, the parking, and the driving, so you can focus on the falls instead of the logistics. If you’d like to bring your dog along, just let us know when you book, and we’ll help you plan a route that works for you and your companion.

The Bottom Line

Multnomah Falls is one of the most dog-friendly waterfall destinations in Oregon. Keep your dog leashed, bring water and waste bags, mind the heat on the climb, and you’ll have a memorable day in the Columbia River Gorge together. Just leave the lodge restaurant for the humans.

Skip the permit hassle and the parking scramble — book a Waterfall Shuttle tour and we’ll handle everything so you and your dog can enjoy the gorge.