Trip Report: Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge
When: 1/24/20
Location: Multnomah Falls/The Gorge, Oregon
Conditions: A solid 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. With a slight breeze. We had no rain, but for an overcast day in winter, in OREGON, we were prepared for it! Haha.
Duration: 2 miles, out and back.
Difficulty: Mild - 823 ft elevation, short but steep (partially paved trail)
Kid Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: YES , must be on leash.
Usefull links: multnomahfallslodge.com | alltrails.com
Full Report:
Multnomah Falls is a close drive just right outside of Portland (time ranges with traffic). You will have great views on your left and right, overlooking the Columbia River and the falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This trail can be highly trafficked at times and or cold/wet, so make sure you’re prepared and safe. The trail is said to be best during the months of April - October. But I believe Multnomah Falls is breathtaking year-round. It was truly beautiful to return to the gorge after the serious wildfires that blew through a few years ago in 2017. Seeing the damage be recovered by the beautiful course mother nature is taking was remarkable. New growth everywhere.
The area makes you want to take many photos of the amazing scenery, but please ( I have to tell myself also ) take only a few and then tuck the phone in your pocket and just really take the view into your heart and soul. Using all your senses ( smell, taste, sight, etc) not just your phone lenses. Stepping out into nature is a true gift.
The trail can be closed on occasion, especially during serious winter conditions, so if you are ever unsure check online or call the lodge (visitor center/restaurant) before driving there.
FUN FACT:
“The upper fall plunges 542 feet and the lower fall 69 feet with a 9-foot elevation drop between the two falls distinguishes Multnomah Falls as the highest waterfall in the state of Oregon. The bridge is named for Simon Benson, a prominent Portland businessman who owned the falls in the early part of the 1900s. Benson gave Multnomah Falls to the City of Portland, which later transferred ownership to the US Forest Service. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was the site in which a tribal princess threw herself onto the rocks below to save her tribe from a terrible illness.”
Full Report:
Multnomah Falls is a close drive just right outside of Portland (time ranges with traffic). You will have great views on your left and right, overlooking the Columbia River and the falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This trail can be highly trafficked at times and or cold/wet, so make sure you’re prepared and safe. The trail is said to be best during the months of April - October. But I believe Multnomah Falls is breathtaking year-round. It was truly beautiful to return to the gorge after the serious wildfires that blew through a few years ago in 2017. Seeing the damage be recovered by the beautiful course mother nature is taking was remarkable. New growth everywhere.
The area makes you want to take many photos of the amazing scenery, but please ( I have to tell myself also ) take only a few and then tuck the phone in your pocket and just really take the view into your heart and soul. Using all your senses ( smell, taste, sight, etc) not just your phone lenses. Stepping out into nature is a true gift.
The trail can be closed on occasion, especially during serious winter conditions, so if you are ever unsure check online or call the lodge (visitor center/restaurant) before driving there.
FUN FACT:
“The upper fall plunges 542 feet and the lower fall 69 feet with a 9-foot elevation drop between the two falls distinguishes Multnomah Falls as the highest waterfall in the state of Oregon. The bridge is named for Simon Benson, a prominent Portland businessman who owned the falls in the early part of the 1900s. Benson gave Multnomah Falls to the City of Portland, which later transferred ownership to the US Forest Service. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was the site in which a tribal princess threw herself onto the rocks below to save her tribe from a terrible illness.”