Mist Falls | World Waterfall Database

CATALOGED
This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Even though, at over 400 feet tall, Mist falls is among the tallest recognized waterfalls in Oregon, it isn't given the attention it deserved because of it's low stream flow and its unfortunate situation a mere mile away from Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Though it may appear otherwise, Mist Falls is said to flow year round, likely fed by one of the many small springs in the area. Because of this perceived seasonality, many don't consider Mist Falls to be a legitimate waterfall, which is somewhat odd, considering there are much less significant waterfalls, both in height and volume, in the Northwest that have been given just as much attention. The best time to hit Mist Falls seems to be mid to late February through May, or any time after a prolonged period of rain.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Mist Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Mist Falls was named for its wispy form, spraying down the cliff into a fine mist, like that being thrown off a much larger waterfall. The falls were likely first seen by westerners on the Lewis and Clark expedition, and were clearly noted and described, but not named until some time later. The Mist Falls Hotel once stood near the foot of the falls and was a popular location during the heyday of the original Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway.

Location and directions

Located in the Multnomah Falls area of the Columbia Gorge. Mist Falls can be seen two ways. The easiest is from Benson State Park, just off of I-84, one mile west of Multnomah Falls (this exit is only accessible to eastbound traffic). After parking, walk back towards the freeway, and follow an old road which runs between the interstate and a large pond to where the entire falls can be seen. Most of the falls can be seen from one point or another along the shoulder of the exit ramp, but entire views (as seen above) can only be had from a little further down. The second option is to climb to the bottom of the falls from the Scenic Highway. There is a small pullout on the west side of Mist Creek, about 1/4 mile west of Wahkeena Falls, where a faint path leads steeply up to the bottom of the falls. Use caution if climbing to the base of the falls, the talus slope is extremely unstable.

View this location in Google Earth

Mist Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Wahkeena Falls	0.22 mi / 0.35 km
Dalton Falls	0.22 mi / 0.36 km
Little Necktie Falls	0.27 mi / 0.44 km
Fairy Falls	0.43 mi / 0.69 km
Shady Creek Falls	0.66 mi / 1.06 km
Multnomah Falls	0.79 mi / 1.27 km
Foxglove Falls	1.02 mi / 1.63 km
Dutchman Falls	1.03 mi / 1.65 km
Wiesendanger Falls	1.16 mi / 1.85 km
Ecola Falls	1.17 mi / 1.87 km

Or Find More Nearby Waterfalls within:

Click any image to enlarge

Photographs which appear on this website are copyright their respective owners. No photograph may be used, repurposed or retransmitted either digitally or in print without the consent of the author. Some photographs may be attributed with a Creative Commons General licence and may be used without restrictions.

Photography tips

From Benson State Park, anything between 100 and 150mm will get you good framing. A wider lens can encompass the cool basalt formations around the falls, and, if it's flowing, Dalton Falls can be seen in tandem with Mist Falls from certain vantages. From the base of Mist Falls, despite the lofty appearance of the falls, a standard 35mm lens will frame the whole falls just fine.

Find More media

Search for pictures of Mist Falls on:

Search for video of Mist Falls on:

User comments

We will be adding the ability for registered users to post comments about waterfalls they have visited in the future.

Mist Falls Multnomah County, Oregon, United States