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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 a series of 11 well-marked turns, so while it is a steady uphill climb, it is achievable for anyone in reasonable health who takes their time.

What the Trail Is Like

The hike begins at Multnomah Falls Lodge and crosses the iconic Benson Bridge, which spans the gap between the upper and lower falls. From there, the paved path climbs through mossy forest with occasional peeks at the water tumbling below. Because the trail is paved the whole way to the top viewpoint, you do not need technical gear, but the grade is real and the switchbacks are continuous. Take it at your own pace and use the benches along the way.

At the top, a short spur leads to a railed viewing platform perched right at the lip of the falls. Looking down the full height of the cascade and out toward the Columbia River is a view most day-trippers never see, and it is well worth the climb.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction — the pavement can be slick from mist and rain, especially in the cooler months. Bring water, a light layer (the top is breezier and cooler than the base), and your camera. In summer, start early to beat both the heat and the crowds. In winter, watch for ice on the upper switchbacks and check trail conditions before you go.

Can You Hike Beyond the Top?

Yes. From the top of the falls, the trail continues as the Larch Mountain Trail (Trail #441), following Multnomah Creek past a series of smaller, lesser-known waterfalls including Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, and Ecola Falls. A popular extended loop connects to the Wahkeena Falls trail for a roughly 5-mile circuit that strings together several waterfalls. If you have the time and energy, this is one of the best half-day hikes in the entire Gorge.

Do You Need a Permit to Hike?

During the peak season (typically late May through early September), a timed-use permit is required to access the Multnomah Falls area during daytime hours if you arrive by car through the main I-84 parking lot. The permit covers your entry to the falls; once you are there, the hike to the top does not require a separate ticket. Permits sell out quickly in summer, so reserve early — or skip the hassle entirely by joining a guided tour that handles access for you.

Is the Hike Worth It?

Absolutely. The vast majority of visitors only see Multnomah Falls from the bottom, so reaching the top gives you a perspective few people experience, plus a real sense of the waterfall’s scale. It is a short, accessible adventure that turns a quick photo stop into a memorable outing.

Let Waterfall Shuttle Handle the Logistics

Parking at Multnomah Falls fills up fast, and the summer permit system catches a lot of visitors off guard. With Waterfall Shuttle, you skip the parking scramble and permit headaches — we get you to the falls with time to hike, explore, and soak in the view, then whisk you off to other Gorge highlights you would otherwise miss. Our local guides know exactly when the light is best and which trails are worth your time.

Skip the permit hassle and the parking lot circling — book a Waterfall Shuttle tour and we’ll handle everything so you can focus on the waterfalls.