Multnomah Falls was one of those places I’d seen in photographs so many times that I thought I knew what it would look like.
I didn’t.
It’s much taller in person than a photograph makes it feel, and when you’re standing at the bottom looking up at the falls and Benson Bridge, the scale finally makes sense.
We stopped there while traveling through Oregon, and you don’t need to be planning a major hike to make the stop worthwhile. You can see the falls from the lower viewing area, walk up to Benson Bridge if you want a little more, or continue farther if you’re looking for an actual hike.
Here’s what I’d want to know before going.
You Can See Multnomah Falls Without Hiking to the Top
This is probably the most useful thing to know if you’re deciding whether to stop.
You don’t have to hike several miles to see the falls.
The main viewing area gives you the classic view of both tiers and Benson Bridge. From there, you can decide whether you want to keep going.
That makes Multnomah Falls an easy stop to build into a Columbia River Gorge day even if not everyone in your group wants the same amount of walking.
Walk to Benson Bridge If It Works for You
If you’re comfortable with a short uphill walk, Benson Bridge gives you a different perspective on the falls.
This was one of those places where I kept taking pictures even though none of them quite captured what it looked like standing there.
You can stop at the bridge or continue farther depending on how much hiking you want to do.
If You Want the Longer Hike, Check Current Trail Conditions First
The trail continues above Benson Bridge toward the upper falls and surrounding Gorge trails.
Don’t plan that part of the day from an old blog post alone. Trail conditions and access can change, so current information matters here.
Check Access and Parking Before You Leave
This is one place where I would not simply get in the car and assume parking will work itself out.
For the 2026 summer season, personal vehicles entering Multnomah Falls from I-84 Exit 31 need a timed-use permit between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 22 through September 7. A permit reservation doesn’t guarantee a parking spot — it only gives you permission to park if space is available. Rules can change from year to year, so verify the current system when you plan your trip.
Check current Multnomah Falls access information →
If you’re visiting during a busy period, know how you’re getting there before you leave rather than trying to solve it when you arrive.
Don’t Make Multnomah Falls Your Only Stop
Multnomah Falls is absolutely worth seeing, but the Columbia River Gorge has a lot packed into a relatively small area.
A few stops worth considering:
Vista House — a completely different view of the Gorge from above.
Latourell Falls — another waterfall stop that pairs easily with a Gorge drive.
Horsetail Falls — close to the highway and easy to add if you have time.
You don’t need to turn the day into a race through every waterfall along the road. Pick a few things you genuinely want to see and leave enough time to actually enjoy them.
What I’d Bring
If you’re only stopping at the main viewing area, you don’t need specialized hiking gear.
If you’re walking farther, bring water, comfortable shoes with good traction, and layers appropriate for the weather.
The Gorge can be wet even when the rest of the day doesn’t look particularly rainy, and areas around waterfalls can be slick.
Accessibility at Multnomah Falls
The lower viewing area can be reached on paved routes, allowing visitors to see the falls without hiking the steeper trail above.
If accessibility matters for your visit, check the current official information before you go, including accessible parking, route conditions, restrooms, and whether construction or seasonal conditions affect access.
Check current accessibility information →
Our Multnomah Falls Photo
We took our Multnomah Falls photograph during this trip through Oregon.
If you’d like to see the photo collection we’ve made from places we’ve actually visited, you’ll find it in the shop.
See the Oregon Photo Collection →
Before You Go
Multnomah Falls is famous for a reason.
You can make it a quick stop, walk up to Benson Bridge, or turn it into a longer hike. That’s part of what makes it easy to work into a day in the Gorge.
Check the current access rules before you leave. Decide how much walking you actually want to do. And give yourself enough time to look at the falls without immediately rushing off to the next stop.
Take the picture.
Then look up.
Every Friday, one thing we noticed, tried, or figured out — plus one small way to approach the week differently.