Multnomah Falls — A Deep Dive
Multnomah Falls is a two-tier 189-metre cascade in the Columbia River Gorge — Oregon's tallest waterfall, and most-photographed natural site in the state. On the map.
Two tiers
Upper: 165 m plunge. Lower: 21 m. Connected by Benson Bridge (1914), an arched stone footbridge directly above the lower step.
Geology
Falls down a basalt cliff carved by the Missoula Floods (catastrophic glacial outbursts 15,000-18,000 years ago). The Columbia Gorge holds 70+ waterfalls within 20 km — the densest cluster in the Pacific Northwest.
Eagle Creek Fire
September 2017 wildfire (started by a teenager throwing fireworks) damaged the upper catchment. The lodge and falls were saved but the trail network closed for two years.
Visiting
Reservation required in summer (May-September) — free, online, time-stamped. Lower viewing platform wheelchair-accessible. Upper viewpoint via 1.9 km steep paved trail.
Lodge and history
Multnomah Falls Lodge (1925), a National Historic Landmark, sits directly at the base. Restaurant and visitor centre; no overnight rooms.
Combine with
Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Latourell, and Horsetail Falls (all within 10 km on the Historic Columbia River Highway). Bring a half-day; one drive covers six major falls.
See them all in one view
All of these are pinned on our interactive map.