They say this place attracts one million visitors every year, and in 2013, we were part of the statistics. And I am not surprised that this many people visit Multnomah Falls on the Columbia River Gorge; it really is a sight to behold!
The Oregon side of the gorge is said to have around 77 waterfalls, and Multnomah Falls has got to be the grandest of them all.
When we were planning a drive to the Columbia River Gorge that lies between Oregon and Washington states, Multnomah Falls turned out to be right on top of our list of attractions along the gorge. Why? That’s not difficult to see.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is the second-tallest perennial waterfall in the United States (the first being Yosemite Falls). It doesn’t hurt that it is uniquely picturesque because it falls in two parts, that being the result of a massive flood and constant erosion. Adding to the dramatic effect of the scene is a striking architectural feature — a concrete bridge aesthetically placed in between the two segments of the waterfall.
Some Multnomah Falls Facts:
- Multnomah Falls is said to be 620 ft
- The upper fall is over 540 ft
- And the lower drop, around 70ft.
The Bridge
The bridge seen between the two tiers, was built in 1914 and is called the Benson Arch Bridge. An information board at the waterfalls says the original bridge was one made of wood, and when that collapsed, the concrete one was built.
The Waterfall
Whatever other points of interest we missed on the way, this one we weren’t going to skip. So our GPS Navigation system was set for Multnomah Falls Lodge, a handsome-looking stone building off the Columbia River Highway. The moment I set eyes on the structure, I fell in love with it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go in as it was Thanksgiving Day and the restaurant — my excuse to see the lodge — was closed. Completing the postcard-type man-made beauty was that breathtaking two-tier-waterfall in the background. We walked around the front of the lodge and went towards the waterfall.
After taking in the cascades, and taking a few pictures of the upper and lower falls, and the bridge in between, we did a .2 mile hike up to the bridge. You can go all the way up to the upper fall, which is only a mile’s hike, but I was too pregnant to do the walk all the way up so we just made do with half the distance.
From the bridge, I got to see the pool that the first leg of the Falls dropped to, and from where the second falls began. From there, I could also got a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River as it flowed past the area.
I’ve taken loads of pictures of this waterfall but I know that even if I hadn’t, the way this two-tiered-beauty looked, is never going to fade from my memory.
If you want to visit Multnomah Waterfalls:
- You might want to set Multnomah Lodge as your destination on your navigation system. The lodge is at 50000 E Historic Columbia River Highway. (Just off Interstate-84)
- It is on the Oregon side of the gorge.
- The exit to be taken – Exit 28/Bridal Veil Exit
- The access to the waterfall is on the right side of Multnomah Falls Lodge (You should be able to find food, restrooms and souvenirs at the lodge)
- If you are visiting in autumn or in the winter, make sure you are dressed for cold weather.
- There is ample parking space in front of the lodge.
If you missed the post on the scenic dive through Columbia River Gorge, you’ll find it here —
One mighty river gorge, two scenic routes and umpteen vistas
More Regional Trip ideas — Pacific Northwest
Some waterfall 101 if you are interested HERE
For pictures from the road,Like/Follow Tipsy From The Trip on Facebook.
Come, Trip with us. 😉
Lovely pictures, looks surreal and thank you for sharing additional information as well 🙂
Thanks Shweta.
One of the best waterfalls I've seen.
You're welcome. Thank YOU. 🙂
Beautifully captured and informative narration
Thank you so much, Magiceye.
Both waterfall and bridge are beautiful.
So well taken.
Aren't they!?
I thought they looked great together.
Thank you so much, Indrani. 🙂
It's a perfect example of natural and man-made beauty! 🙂 Truly spectacular!
You bet. 🙂
It was such a gorgeous sight.
Thank you Renuka for dropping in.
Beautiful… now we know what they mean by picture perfect…..and those statistics are a great way to tell a story
Gosh Yes! that WAS a perfect picture.
Really? Thank you DesiTraveler. 🙂 But really, that's a sight that several millions should see every single year.
Wow! This looks majestic. Wonderful captures, Divya.
The sight of this waterfall and that bridge in between gave me so much joy.
Thank a ton, Nomad.
WOWWOWO.. beautiful.. nature at its best for sure
Bikram's
Oh yeah, really.
So this goes into the list of things to see in US? 😉
Thank you for visiting, Bikram.
How's the monthlong blogging coming along? All the best. 🙂
Beautiful. This looks similar to Doodhsagar Falls in India.
With those railway tracks that run across the falls, right?
I haven't been there yet. Someday…!!
Thank you, Rajesh.
Amazing Divya..
Rajesh, I was reminded of Doodhsagar too..
Isn't it?
Thanks Meghana.
And welcome here. 🙂
Awesome pics of this waterfall. Never seen one so beautiful.
I'd love to visit some day.
It really is a sight to behold. You should go see it.
It looks better than it does in the picture, really. 🙂
Thank you and Welcome here.
They copied it from our Doodhsagar 🙂
Haha!!
The Benson Arch Bridge reminds you of the railway bridge that runs across the Doodsagar Waterfall, huh? 🙂
I'd like to see Doodsagar sometime; I'll wait till baby no. 2 is a little bigger — to do that trek.
Have a good weekend, Shrinidhi. 🙂
I had seen its pictures in postcards but never got a chance to visit. Your pictures are again making me ache for another US visit. Maybe, it's time I plan one!
Hey Ramakant, long time.
This is a fabulous place. You will love it. I remember seeing some waterfall pictures on your blog. Multnomah Falls will be a great photo -op for you. I'm already looking forward to the pics. 🙂
Happy New Year to you. Here's wishing you lots of travel ( a US trip included).
Thanks to your powerful presentation, I am going to add Multnomah Falls in my wishlist right after the Yosemite. Those are well-framed pictures, the bridge has immensely romantic appeal. The walk to the bridge is brilliant too
USP, you won't regret adding this to that list. This sight made me so, so happy.
I really wish you could visit US soon. Believe me, I can't wait to read what you'll have to write, especially about SF, which I'm sure you won't miss. You've already painted such perfect pictures with words, that too without visiting the city! My salutes!!
Thank you USP for your kind words and your support. 🙂
Super pics and a very interesting read!
Thank you, Sunaina.
Love your beach photoes!
Have seen multi tier beauties in your posts Divya so the two tier one is not surprizing:) Have a lovely year ahead!
You probably saw that in the post on the scenic drive through Columbia River Gorge. It's the same one.
I had more pictures on it and quite a bit to write about too; so I thought it deserved a whole new post.
I love this waterfall!
Thank you Mr. Bhatia. You too. And happy travels.
that looks great and beautiful 🙂
Doesn't it!
It's has a charm of its own.
Thank for visiting, Joshi. 🙂
Happy New Year . There's a SurPrize for you. Will you please check my Melbourne Menu and provide me with your Name and Email. Thanks.
Thanks a ton, Sujata.
Sorry about the confusion. Hope you got my id.
Thanks again. 🙂
Amazing waterfall!…Looks even more wonderful in your pictures… 🙂
It really is.
I think I'll pass on the credit to the waterfall. 🙂
Thank you, Maniparna. And welcome here.
Your 'shadow' picture is amazing. 🙂
Its beautiful and awe-inspiring… its looking mighty in images, in reality it must be humbling and breathtaking ! Great clicks and info D 🙂
Yes. Both — Humbling and breathtaking.
I really fell in love with this one.
Thanks you so much, Kokila. 🙂
Good place.Really beautiful.I like to visit here.
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You should.
Thesis writing service? No, thank you. 😀
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