Nestled half an hour west of Hood River within the iconic Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular natural sightseeing spots in the entire Pacific Northwest region. For more details on what makes the Columbia Gorge Multnomah Falls such as fantastic place to visit during your Hood River vacation, read on below!
Picturesque Natural Beauty in Hood River at the Multnomah Falls
The Multnomah Falls are easily accessed by taking the I-84 or the Historic Columbia River Highway. The falls themselves are the tallest in Oregon and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States, spanning a jaw-dropping 620 feet in height. The upper falls make up the majority of the falls at just over 540 feet, while the lower falls measure at nearly 70 feet.
Estimated to have formed about 15,000 years ago, the Multnomah Falls in Oregon get their name from the Multnomah Native American tribe. According to their legends, the falls were created when a woman sacrificed herself to the Great Spirit by jumping off of a cliff in order to preserve Multnomah village in the face of a plague. Upon her death, the falls began to flow with water.
When you visit the falls, remember to dress warmly. The mist generated from Multnomah Falls actually cools down the viewing area around the falls, meaning that you’ll want to bring an extra layer such as a sweater in the summer or a coat in the winter for an additional layer of warmth. Other things to keep in mind: you don’t need a Northwest Forest Pass to visit the falls, and pets are allowed at the falls provided they are on a leash and in control at all times.
Over two million visitors make the trip to Multnomah Falls in Oregon each year. This locale is unique in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for its fascinating geology and its year-round flow. The falls are fed into from underground springs in Larch Mountain. The Multnomah Falls vary in their flow, but are generally at their highest during the winter and spring seasons, making the falls an excellent attraction to visit if you and your guests are in town for outdoor cold weather recreation.
Things to Do Nearby
Hike the Multnomah Falls Trail Switchback and turn your visit to the waterfall into a full day of outdoor activity. This is the best way to become intimately acquainted with the waterfall and the surrounding natural landscape. This trek will take you hours, so remember to pack a lunch and lots of drinking water. It’s not a walk in the park either, it’s a steep trail, so wear your hiking shoes! But even with the relatively steep incline, it’s a moderate hike, which makes it perfect for families with kids or even older folks. This trail is for everyone.
Other trails nearby include the Angel’s Rest Trailhead, a more advanced hike that will take a little more energy and provides a rewarding payoff by way of an amazing view of the river and the opposite shoreline from the Angel’s Rest Lookout. Just southeast of that you’ll find Bridal Veil Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. This gorgeous waterfall fed by Bridal Veil Creek is nestled in a truly gorgeous area, and it will be a great complement to your day at Multnomah Falls. Plus, if you head this way to see these other scenic viewpoints, you’ll be a little closer to some food options to round off your afternoon.
Places to Eat Nearby
Your trip from Hood River to Multnomah Falls will take you well away from civilization, so make sure to pack snacks, drinks, and lunch for your day hiking and enjoying the waters. When you’re getting back to your car at the end of your long day in the great outdoors, you’ll probably want to stop somewhere on your way back to your rental home for the evening. The closest places to eat to Multnomah Falls are Corbett Country Market to the east, where you can get some really delicious pulled pork and homemade country pie, and Historic Springdale Pub and Eatery on the farthest outskirts of Portland, where you can get the small-town atmosphere with big-town food that will more than satisfy your appetite.
If you don’t want to drive into the outskirts of Portland after your day at the falls, head across the Colombia River instead to Beacon Rock Cafe at the Skamania General Store. It’s small and unassuming but incredibly convenient. You’ll get to enjoy a scenic drive through Beacon Rock State Park on your way there!
Make Your Dream Vacation Come True with Hood River Vacation Rentals by Arrived
The wonders of Hood River and the surrounding region await when you reserve your accommodations through us! Find out more information about Multnomah Falls and other amazing attractions you can visit firsthand during your stay when you contact our reservations team today!
