Visit Multnomah Falls In Oregon (Best Multnomah Falls Tours For Families)
Want to experience the best waterfalls near Portland, Oregon? You are in luck, especially if you like to hike. There are some incredible waterfall hikes near Portland, about an hour away from downtown. Let me tell you a secret, hands down Multnomah Falls is the best waterfall near Portland!
Now that you know, would you like to find the best Multnomah Falls tours?
Awesome! You are in the right place! If you have a weekend in Portland, Multnomah Falls needs to be on your Portland itinerary.
The Colombia River Gorge waterfalls are breathtaking. We visit Multnomah Falls every time we are in the area. It is so beautiful! There are lots of amazing Multnomah Falls tours.
In this post, we are going to go over everything you need to know about the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center, how to experience the Multnomah Falls hike, great Multnomah Falls tour options, and all the best things to do near Multnomah Falls.
Let’s explore the best Multnomah Falls tours and just how cool the Multnomah Falls hike is!
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Where is Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls is located in the Colombia River Gorge which is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the US. It is where you will find the best waterfalls near Portland.
Directions to Multnomah Falls
If you are wondering how to get to Multnomah Falls, we have you covered. Multnomah Falls is just over an hour east of downtown Portland. You will stay on Highway 84 the entire time! It is super easy to get to.
Closest Airport to Multnomah Falls
If you are flying into the area you will want to fly into PDX. Portland International Airport is less than an hour away from Multnomah Falls.
Best Time to Visit Multnomah Falls
Visiting Multnomah Falls is great year-round. However, Spring offers beautiful flowers and lush greenery around the powerful falls.
Summer will be more crowded due to the high tourist season, but still, Multnomah Falls is 100% worth visiting!
Best Time of Day to Visit Multnomah Falls
How Long Should I Spend at Multnomah Falls?
You will want to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours visiting Multnomah Falls.
The Multnomah Falls hike will take about 30 minutes to the bridge or just over an hour if you hike all the way to the top of the falls.
There is also the Multnomah Falls restaurant, museum, and gift shop you will probably want to visit as well. You could easily spend half a day enjoying the area.
Parking at Multnomah Falls
Just off of I-84 is exit 31 that will lead you to a parking area.
There are lots of spaces, however during the summer months it can fill up quickly!
Turnover
The good news is that most people only spend 1-2 hours at Multnomah Falls, so hopefully there is some good turnover for parking spaces.
We have been during the summer months and never had a problem.
Multnomah Falls Shuttle
Another option for parking at Multnomah Falls is to take exit 35 and grab the shuttle. You can also grab the Historic Trolley in Corbett Oregon. These shuttles are around $15 to $30 per person. (Or you can book a trolley tour.) You can also grab the city bus grey line.
These shuttles will take you to all of the Waterfalls near Portland. There are stops at Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Angels Rest, and more.
Multnomah Falls Vistor Center
Because visiting Multnomah Falls is a must, you will need to plan out your day trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls. I want to answer a few questions you might have before you arrive.
Multnomah Falls Admission and Hours
Do you Need a Reservation to See Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls is one of the busiest natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest. During the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 26 to September 5th, a timed ticket is required for those who want to drive their own vehicle. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee a parking spot.
US Forest Service Pass
Also, a US Forest Service pass is required to travel between exits 28-35 on the historic highway or what is known as the waterfall corridor. We have a National Park Pass and this pass is included in that. Otherwise, it is $2.
How Long is the Multnomah Falls Hike?
It is only a few hundred yards to the lower observation area from the parking area.
You can hike .5 miles up to the bridge or just over a mile to the top of the falls. The Multnomah Falls hike is moderate with a 700 ft elevation gain.
So 1 mile to the bridge and back. 2.4 miles to the top and back.
Multnomah Falls Tours
There are some awesome Multnomah Falls tours. If you are visiting Portland and do not want to rent a car, no problem. If you couldn’t get a reservation for Multnomah Falls, no problem.
These tours can solve all of the problems you might encounter as a tourist. Plus, they have the added bonus of a local guide!
These are the top Multnomah Falls Tours!
1. Multnomah Falls Tours from Portland
If you are debating if you should rent a car or book a Multnomah Falls tour from Portland, you have both options.
I would look at the cost and benefits and disadvantages of both options.
If you decide to rent a car in Portland, you will need to make sure you have a reservation. If you book a tour you do not need to worry about that part.
I am going to list a few Multnomah Falls tours from Portland. All of them have different stops. You will have to decide which areas you want to visit in the Colombia River Gorge.
The Multnomah Falls Tours From Portland
2. Ebike Tour of Multnomah Falls
If you are looking for the best Multnomah Falls tour, renting e-bikes and following the self-guided path is the way to go!
You will start at Cascade Locks, Oregon. It is about 5 miles north of Multnomah Falls. Once you get your ebike, helmet, and locks, you can follow the bike path along the waterfall corridor.
There are bike racks at each location where you can lock up your bikes as your hike. You can choose 2.5-3.5 hours. I would suggest renting the ebikes for longer so that you have enough time to enjoy the Multnomah Falls trail and other hikes in the area.
3. Columbia River Gorge Air Tour
Another amazing Multnomah Falls tour is by plane.
You can book a small plane that will fly over the Colombia River Gorge.
Portland to Multnomah Falls
These planes leave out of Portland. They will give you an ariel view of the Colombia River Gorge. We drove by the small airport and there are lots of small planes ready to go. The reviews are outstanding for the air tour of Multnomah Falls!
If you are looking for a unique way to visit Multnomah Falls, this is it!
4. Jet Boat Cruise to Multnomah Falls
For those of you who have an adventurous spirit a jet boat from Portland to Multnomah Falls is a great option.
Visiting Multnomah Falls
The view from the water is amazing! If you book the jet boat tour, you will get to go under many cool bridges and get a great view of the Columbia River Gorge. The boat tour makes a stop at Multnomah Falls.
This tour is about 3.5 hours and is another unique way to visit Multnomah Falls.
5. Self-Guided Tour of Multnomah Falls
There are so many Multnomah Falls tours but if you are more of a explore on your own type of person, a self-guided tour works!
Multnomah Falls Parking and Reservations
You will want to make sure you get your reservation ahead of time. After you park you can walk across the street and explore Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Waterfall
Multnomah Falls has a few areas to view the falls. The first overlook is great for those that do not want to hike.
The bridge is a short hike of .5 miles. We will talk about hiking to the top next.
After you get a good view of the falls you will be able to visit the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center/Museum. You will also get to tour the gift shop and if you want you can eat at the restaurant.
6. Multnomah Falls Hiking Tour
Visiting Multnomah Falls by booking a half-day tour will include hiking options. These tours will take you to all the waterfalls near Portland, Multnomah Falls being the most popular.
Can you See Multnomah Falls without Hiking?
Yes, you can see Multnomah Falls from the road but you will want to get out of your car and enjoy the lower lookout point. You do not have to hike to get to this area.
Is the Multnomah Falls Hike Intense?
The Multnomah Falls hike to the bridge is easy. You are gaining elevation so keep that in mind. My 7-year-old was able to do it with ease.
As you climb higher to the top of the falls, it becomes a little more intense. Mostly because you are so high. It is a little terrifying!
Multnomah Falls Waterfall Viewpoint
The viewpoint is the place to start your Multnomah Falls hike. Make sure to grab some amazing photos before heading up the Multnomah Falls trail!
How Tall is the Multnomah Waterfall?
This area gives the information that the lower falls are 69 ft and the upper falls are 512ft.
Multnomah Falls Hike to Benson Bridge
The .5-mile Multnomah Falls hike to the bridge is worth it!
The view from the bridge is awesome! You might want to bring a poncho because the Multnomah waterfall is so powerful you can feel the mist on the bridge.
Our Experience Hiking Multnomah Falls Benson Bridge
We loved the short hike. It wasn’t hard at all. Once we arrived at the top we walked to the other side of the bridge. We got completely soaked! It was really thrilling to look out and be so close to the Multnomah waterfall.
Hiking Multnomah Falls to the bridge is an amazing place to take a great picture!
Multnomah Falls Hike to the Top
The Multnomah Falls hike to the top of the waterfall is great for those that want a little more exercise and are not afraid of heights.
Multnomah Falls Hike
There are 11 switchbacks to the top. It is pretty steep! It is a paved path that does have some narrow areas and drop-offs.
My husband was so excited to hike to the top. I didn’t really want to take our kids to the top. He went ahead and hiked on after we stopped at the bridge. He loved it but said was terrifying! It was so high!
Hikes Near Multnomah Falls
If you have more time after you complete the Multnomah Falls trail to the top you can hike a little more.
Larch Mountain
The Mountain Larch Trail continues for 6 miles and will take you to the top of Larch Mountain.
Wahkeena Falls
You can also complete a 4.8-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls. You will begin on the Lower Larch Mountain trail and loop around. The views of the waterfalls on this hike are hard to beat!
Fun Things to Do at Multnomah Falls
After you get a view of the falls and have the opportunity to go on the Multnomah Falls hike you can check out all of the other fun things to do at Multnomah Falls.
There is a museum, gift shop, snack shop, and restaurant at the base of the lower falls.
Visiting Multnomah Falls Museum
The Multnomah Falls Visitor Center/Museum is very small!
It is still worth visiting, especially if you have kids. There are draws filled with fossils, furs, and other items that you can have a hands-on experience. You can also use special Colombia River Gorge stamps and create a souvenir.
There are park rangers/volunteers that will help you navigate the area. Ask them any questions and they are happy to help.
Multnomah Falls Gift Shop
My kids love gift shops! We were able to walk around and find some pretty good souvenirs.
We love getting items that represent the areas we visit. I actually got a Multnomah Falls shirt on my first visit 5 years ago and still wear it today!
The gift shop is a fun area to visit at Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Falls Snack Bar
The snack bar is awesome! The soft-serve ice cream is perfect on a hot summer day after a Multnomah Falls hike.
There are also drinks and giant cookies. It is a great area to stop at after you see the falls.
Multnomah Falls Restaurant and Lodge
If you have the time, eat at the Multnomah Falls restaurant.
Multnomah Falls Hours
M-Th 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat/Sun 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Visit Multnomah Falls Restaurant
The restaurant has some fantastic options. Breakfast is served until 12 pm. The lunch and dinner menu have a lot of delicious options you will love.
You will want to make a reservation with a window seat so that you can enjoy the view of the falls. The food is good but the view is the best part of visiting Multnomah Falls Restaurant and Lodge.
Visiting Multnomah Falls
Are you ready to visit Multnomah Falls? Hopefully, this post has you thinking about which Multnomah Falls tours you want to do or what fun things you want to see a Multnomah Falls.
I know you will enjoy the Multnomah Falls trailhead and hikes! Not to mention the Multnomah waterfall is gorgeous!
Enjoy your time visiting the Colombia River Gorge!
Oregon has a lot to offer. If you have a chance to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory or drive down the Oregon Coast, you should! We love visiting Oregon!
Facebook Group
If you have any questions about upcoming trips, come join me in my private Facebook Group. This group is a place where you can ask any question about your upcoming trip and help others plan their trips. It is also a place where I put travel deals.
Waterfall hunting is one of my favorite hiking activities. Multnomah Falls looks gorgeous, we haven’t been to Oregon yet — maybe someday soon.
It is amazing because it is literal a yards from the parking lot right off the main road!
Multnomah Falls and the surrounding area is so beautiful! I haven’t made it to Portland yet, but I certainly would like to. I also love to see waterfalls, and this one is simply gorgeous. I will add it to my list!
This is one of the best waterfalls!
I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest. Oregon is high on my list. And so is the beautiful Multnomah Falls.
It is so beautiful!
I’ve heard wonderful things about Multnomah Falls! I’d love to see them.
You would love it!
Oregon sounds amazing! We are putting Multnomah Falls on our list to explore. Thank you for sharing!
It is so beautiful!