We’re finally starting to explore further out from the city and the first stop is Multnomah Falls only 30 minutes from Portland. It’s a popular place so it’s been on our radar since we moved here but it kept getting pushed back on our travel to-do list

Not any more. We scheduled out a day, or more like morning, and hit the open road for a much-needed adventure.

Our original plan was to go in the middle of the week but after getting locked into our parking garage we had to switch up the itinerary and opted for an end-of-the-week day trip instead. Even though the plans changed, we were just glad to finally get the chance to check out this Oregon bucket list destination.

We can see why it’s a fan favorite for people in the Pacific Northwest. Think waterfall with all the bells and whistles.

The best part about visiting Multnomah Falls is that this simple day trip can be catered to many different types of travelers. You can stop by for a few minutes for an Insta worthy pic or spend hours hiking through the beautiful Oregon landscape.

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What is Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with over 2 million people coming to see it every year. The falls are over 600 feet tall and thanks to rainy Oregon weather, it doesn't dry up during the summer.

For the more touristy folks, Multnomah Falls has a lodge packed full of fan favorites like a restaurant, a gift shop, and an information center. There's also a little snack stand right by the entrance to the falls in case you want to grab a coffee and eat some fudge on your way up the trail.

While at the falls, you also have amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge just on the other side of the highway across from the Falls. So really it's like two viewpoints in one.

How to Get to the Falls

If you are starting in Portland, Multnomah Falls is a short 30-minute drive east on I-84. Parking for the falls is either right off the highway at a rest stop or right next to the falls itself.

The parking lot just adjacent to the Lodge is closed right now due to construction and Covid-19 but the rest stop parking lot is the most convenient option no matter when you go. It might seem odd because the highway signs are like any other exit but instead of going to a road, you drive to a lot.

Parking is free but fills up quickly during the busier summertime. There is also a little stand in the parking lot packed full of information about the Falls.

Once parked, there are signs to a pedestrian tunnel underneath the highway so don't panic when you find yourself between the highways. We were able to get out of our car and walk less than 200 ft to get to Multnomah Falls Lodge in what seemed like seconds.

Once you walk out of the tunnel, you're there and ready to explore. The Multnomah Falls can be seen from the road but the first site up close is even more breathtaking.

Best Time to Visit

We suggest visiting in the offseason (like we always do) to avoid the big crowds of people. Try going during the "winter" but always check the weather because you might need chains if the road has too much snow coverage.

When we went it was early March which was perfect since most of the snowfall from February already melted and it's still too chilly for a lot of visitors. We did have a light rainfall but hey, it's the Pacific Northwest so it almost completes the experience.

We also suggest you try to visit early in the morning. We got there right around the time the falls opened at 9 am and the number of people we passed coming back down the trail was significantly more than we had to deal with going up.

This is definitely one of those locations with the fewer people the better. It's a much better experience when you don't have to deal with people on the trail.

Plus you'll want the chance to get great pictures without other people in the shot. Some of the best viewpoints involve looking at other lookout spots and you might not want your beautiful picture of the falls to include some random people in the background.

Hiking Multnomah Falls

There are a couple of main trails you can do when visiting Multnomah Falls depending on what you are looking for. They have actual lengths in terms of how far you hike but we like to think of them as options in terms of how long you want to spend at the falls.

The 10-Minute Plan

If you don't have a lot of time, you can easily be in and out in under 10 minutes flat. Simply walk past the lodge and up the hill about 200 ft and you will be at a lookout where you can take in the falls in front of you.

It's a great picture spot where you can capture yourself at the base of the falls then call it a day. This also is a paved trail with only a gentle incline so it is easily accessible for everyone.

We are careful to even call this option a hike because we don't want that to scare some people off. It's more a stroll up a paved path with benches and a viewpoint.

The 30-Minute Plan

This is probably the most popular option and what people think of when you say you're visiting Multnomah Falls. After you get to the first fall lookout (AKA the base of the falls) there is a winding path to the right that leads up about a half-mile one way to a stunning stone bridge in front of the falls.

This trail is still mostly paved although more steep and more winding with four switchbacks along the way. The benefit of climbing this far is that it leads you as close to the falls as you can get.

The view from the bridge is spectacular and there is something amazing about being that close to mist from the falls. You might get a little wet but it kind of adds to the experience.

The Two-Hour Plan

If you want more of a hike and time exploring, this plan is for you. This is what we did and we say 10/10 would definitely recommend.

This route will take you past the base of the fall, over the bridge, and then all the way up to the top of the falls. Once you pass the bridge you will encounter a series of 11 switchbacks (there are signs to count them out for you) so be ready to hike.

Finally, at the end of the trail, you'll come to a lookout on the very top of the falls with a beautiful mini-waterfall behind you and Multnomah Falls falling down in front of you. It's the best option for hikers looking for something more than just a quick viewpoint.

Just remember that the trail is pretty steep with about a 6% grade throughout the 3-mile roundtrip hike. It is still a mostly paved trail but a lot more work.

This is also a great option for getting an even better view of the Columbia River Gorge. Every switchback gets you a better overlook through tall trees.

The Entire Day Plan

The trails we've discussed so far are all centered around the Falls but there is one more option. Spending the entire day hiking in Multnomah County.

There are other trails that eventually connect to the main Multnomah Falls path. Depending on how adventurous you're feeling you can pick and choose your mileage, being able to go about 12 miles total.

There are several options for tacking on miles such as heading to Larch Mountain or Wahkeen Trail. Both connect with the Multnomah Falls trail and lead you to even more trails.

Enjoy Your Trip to the Falls

The beauty of this trip is that it's yours to do what you want. Multnomah Falls offers a lot of options and has something for everyone.

If you aren't looking for a big grand adventure, just stop by for a quick peek. If you are ready to channel your inner Lewis and Clark, hike the entire area.

Just remember to pack a camera because this place is beautiful. You might also want a jacket and prepare for getting a little wet.