What clients say about Multnomah Falls Recreation Area in Cascade Locks (OR)
One of the most enjoyable hikes I’ve completed, I did the full loop and boy was it worth it, multiple waterfalls combined with stunning scenic views from the top of Washington and Oregon. The ascent can be a little challenging so wear good shoes and appropriate clothing. Be sure to take little breaks along the trail too.
Definitely one of my favorite waterfalls! I think it's one of the most photographed in Oregon. If you have the chance to visit Portland, this place should be on your list. I never get tired of visiting it; whenever we come from Lakewood to Portland, it's a place we absolutely have to see.
A heads-up for those who don't know yet—and it happened to me once—especially in late spring and through summer, you need to reserve a time slot to visit the waterfall. You do this when you arrive by car on Freeway 84 and take Exit 31 to the parking lot. This permit is required between May and September. Of course, if you go on a tour bus, bike, or with a tour company, you don't need a reservation. The permit isn't very expensive; it costs around $2 per car. You have to book online!.
So, be aware of this, or visit it during the winter season when there are fewer people. The waterfall is beautiful any time of year.
Always a great time here. Proud to live in the PNW and so close to this magnificent beauty. There is a cute gift shop, a restaurant, and a couple of coffee stands outside the gift shop.
Very nice waterfall and minimal work to get to it just a 3 min walk from the car parking lot right off the highway
Gets pretty busy on nicer days especially in the summer if you go during the rainy days it gets much bigger and way less people
Amazing views from almost anywhere along the trail!
Parking is super easy with plenty of space nearby and a short walk to the main lodge which features a restaurant, cafe and a snack hut.
The ‘Giant’ cookie is definitely giant - the size of my head!
The walk is fairly easy depending on how far you go, it had rained quite a bit the day before and morning of our walk so things got a little slippy as we got further down into the walk but by that point you’re away from the edge of anything.
The falls themselves are stunning, highly recommend a visit!
Beautiful location with good handicapped accessibility. Free entry! Very nice gift shop and food stands. Nice area to sit and enjoy the falls. There is also a trail that takes you about half way up the falls, but that was not accessible. Lovely view from the lower viewing area. We'll worth the drive from our hotel in downtown Portland. There are benches available to sit and enjoy the sight and tranquil sound of the rushing falls. You could probably spend anywhere from 1-4 hours there. Great photo ops!
These Falls are fairly impressive. There is a nice view from a bridge that goes across the Stream from the bottom of the falls. There is an easy walk up to a good viewing area on a will maintain hard surfaced path.
Multnomah Falls is breathtaking! The sheer height and beauty of the waterfall are unforgettable, and the short walk to the bridge gives you an incredible close-up view. The area is well maintained, with easy access, trails, and a lodge nearby for food and drinks. It’s the perfect mix of natural wonder and accessibility. Whether you’re hiking further up or just stopping for photos, it’s a must-see Oregon landmark that never disappoints.
Multnomah Falls is absolutely breathtaking! The views are stunning, and it’s such a peaceful place to visit. The waterfall is massive and beautiful in every season, and the walking trails give you great spots for photos. The area is well-maintained, with easy access, parking, and even a lodge nearby for snacks and coffee. Whether you’re just stopping for a quick view or hiking up to the bridge and beyond, it’s worth every minute. Definitely one of Oregon’s must-see natural wonders!
Always a stop in our route with visitors from out of town. Gotta stop by Multnomah falls, but we were sad to hear they’re now issuing tickets and since we didn’t know to reserve any, we had to turn around and drive back to portland. Sucks, wish that was made aware publicly or just kept it open to public and stop trying to make money off everything good in this world.
Book in advance during summer for cheaper parking, else it is $20 to park in a private lot ? Truly beautiful and famous spot along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, so it can get crowded ??
Enjoy the hike around the falls, sink in the views. Shop and restaurant available! ??
Such a beautiful waterfall. A short, but somewhat steep hike up to the bridge portion of the waterfall. The path is paved so you can push a stroller if needed, might be too steep for a wheelchair to get up to the bridge, however, the view from the bottom is equally as awesome! There is plenty of room to snag a good picture of yourself, and everyone seemed to take a few and move to let someone else in. There is a great gift shop on site, as well as a historic restaurant and pub. We grabbed a table at the pub and enjoyed some beer and hard cider, as well as a delicious French Dip. I’m a vegetarian and they made one for me with just Swiss, mushrooms and onions. It was so good! One of our favorite stops along the Columbia Gorge.
Parking: if you plan to drive, make sure you go on their website and reserve parking! You are allowed (2) 1 hr time slots per day @ $2 per permit. You will not gain access to the waterfall unless you have this pass on hand. You can stay as long as you want, but 2hrs should be
plenty. There is a trolly you can ride to this location as well.
They have a great gift shop, food, ice cream and drinks. The hike to the top has 11 switchbacks and a little over a mile to the top. It's a beautiful hike with lots of picture taking opportunities. I found awesome plants and flowers along the way. When you reach the top you can put your feet in the water and see over the platform they have at the tippy top of the fall. I highly suggest making a day of it.
Fabulous waterfalls. Easy access off freeway, exit 31. Lots of free parking. Tourist info booth was so helpful. Easy walk up to bridge. If you're energetic you can walk up mile to top of falls. We also went to Portland Womens Forum Outlook which had spectacular view of Columbia River gorge.
Beautiful falls! We went in the end of January but there was still a decent crowd. Parking was super easy and the walk over was nice. The path up to the bridge was mostly smooth but I'm not sure how it's ADA compliant. It seems like it would be a bit rough for strollers or wheelchairs. The gift shop was a good stop too. Lots of good options in there and friendly staff. There is a restaurant/cafe too but we didn't eat there. You can also walk to the top of the falls but we stopped at the bridge because it was too cold.
Beautiful waterfall! It's a tough walk if you don't normally hike or exercise. If you are somewhat in shape it will be no problem. Take your time and take pictures at all opportunities. You can also head down to the waterfall base.
One of Oregon’s premier destinations. Excellent hiking opportunities as well as easy access for waterfall viewing for non hikers. The better stuff is above Multnomah Falls.
Nice falls viewing and hiking options to go to the top. But does not have rails all the way and is a mountain side hike so a bit difficult with kids.
Recommend to check for passes beforehand if going by car or take the bus.
The Falls was amazing. Initially confused about parking and permit situation. Post it here to save others' brain cells.
Option 1: Main lot via I-84 (exit 31)
Cheapest and preferred option. Required time-use permit $2 if visit 9am-6pm (5/24-9/2/2024), get it the day before or early morning. Free outside of the time window. Note that you can't access this lot via Historical Columbia River Hwy (need ~10min detour)
If you can secure the permit then parking shouldn't be a problem. We arrived at 2pm on a Saturday and there are 5-10 open spaces.
Option 2: Private lot via Columbia River Hwy
If you forget or can't get the time-use permit, then it's the alternative. First come first serve and try your luck. Outrageous $20 fee.
Well if you are going to spend time in this amazing place you need to get a permit. You can park in the lot but cannot go under the tunnel to see the lodge and the falls without a permit. Once you are at the lodge you can take a quick walk up 8 stairs to see the bottom of the falls and take pictures. It’s a bit of a hike (short) to the bridge with even better views. But once you are done looking at the falls and need a treat they have what you are looking for. Ice cream is fabulous. Fudge was amazing and the milkshakes were on point. The outdoor seating was good and each setting had its own umbrella for shade.
Love this place so much. Been coming here since I was a kid. The waterfall is mesmerizing. The parking fills up fast especially in summer. The lodge is nice and that little coffee/pastry cart always has delicious smells. The trail is paved and gives multiple vantage points. If you choose to walk to the top of the falls it's pretty challenging for the casual hiker as it's just switchbacks the whole way up. But it's totally worth it cause the view at the top is stunning.
1400 NW Forest Ln B, Cascade Locks, ORTowing service
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