Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Multnomah Falls (Blog Hike #863)

Trail: Larch Mountain Trail (Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Trail #441)
Hike Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Geographic Location: east of Troutdale, OR (45.57859, -122.11673)
Length: 0.9 miles
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date Hiked: July 2021
Overview: An out-and-back on paved trail to impressive but touristy Multnomah Falls.
Area Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=30026&actid=50
Hike Route Map: https://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=880368
Photo Highlight:

Hike Video: 

Directions to the trailhead: In the Columbia River Gorge, the parking lot for Multnomah Falls is located in the median of I-84; it is accessed by taking exit 31.  The parking lot is large, but it fills quickly during the summer and on weekends.

The hike: For my introduction to the Columbia River Gorge, see my previous hike to Wahclella Falls.  By all accounts Multnomah Falls is the largest and most famous waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge.  As such, the falls are quite a tourist attraction complete with entrance fee, jam-packed parking lot, souvenir/refreshment stand, and traffic as heavy as downtown Portland.  Yet the falls have earned this status: you have not really seen the Columbia River Gorge unless you have seen Multnomah Falls.  The hike described here takes you to two classic viewpoints of Multnomah Falls, and although some climbing is involved, it is short and easy enough that most people can do this hike.

Trailhead at I-84 rest area

            From the interstate rest area, head south, first passing under the eastbound lanes of I-84 and then under the Union Pacific railroad tracks.  Gently flowing Multnomah Creek passes under the railroad beside the trail, and next the concrete trail curves right to cross the creek and reach another large parking lot.  Turn left to cross the Historic Columbia River Highway and reach historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, which is complete with exhibits, a snack stand, and a restaurant.

Hiking along Multnomah Creek

            Keep going up the concrete trail to the left of the lodge and soon reach the base of Multnomah Falls.  Dropping 620 feet in two main drops, Multnomah Falls is a show-stopper.  The iconic Multnomah Falls Bridge stands over 100 feet above you, and it seems to separate the two drops of the waterfall.  The waterfall tumbles down the gorge's south wall, so best photography conditions occur in the morning or evening.  When I came here in the middle of the day, I had to take photos directly into the sun, and much of the waterfall was in the shadows.  Despite the sun and the myriad of people I shared this spot with, I still appreciated the size and beauty of this waterfall.

Multnomah Falls, lower viewpoint

            Some people stop at this viewpoint, but you have probably noticed people standing on Multnomah Falls Bridge, and they seem to have a better view of the falls' upper portion than you do.  To join them, head up the signed Larch Mountain Trail, an asphalt trail that climbs via switchbacks for 0.2 miles to reach the bridge.  Not only does the bridge give a great view of the waterfall's upper drop, but the view across the Columbia River to the north is not bad either.

Multnomah Falls, upper portion

View across gorge from Multnomah Bridge

            The Larch Mountain Trail continues past the bridge and ultimately leads to a viewpoint near the top of the falls.  The climb to the highest viewpoint is long and steep, and the views of the waterfall do not get any better.  Thus, I turned around at the bridge and retraced my steps to the parking lot to complete the hike.