Multnomah Falls | World Waterfall Database

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

Widely advertised as the 4th tallest waterfall in the United States (which it is not, more later), and named in virtually every World Book and Almanac under the "tallest waterfalls of the world" section, Multnomah Falls is the undisputed best waterfall in Oregon. The falls are usually cited as dropping 611 feet, 542 feet in the upper and 69 feet in the lower tier. This is close enough, but to argue semantics, there is a small cascade between the two and a 10 foot fall immediately above the main drop which is sometimes called Little Multnomah Falls (it really shouldn't be considered a separate fall), which would bring the total height of the series to about 630 feet. Either way, its near impossible to visit this waterfall and not let your jaw hang a little in awe of the sheer size of the fall. As far as the claim that Multnomah Falls is the 4th tallest in the US, this is flat out wrong. Its also often said to be the second tallest perennial waterfall in the nation, also a false statement (see the Articles link above for more information). This is more than likely due to poor research having been done in the past in regard to the tallest waterfalls in the nation and perhaps a little of an attempt to secure a 'claim to fame' for Oregon. In any case, take a stroll to the Benson bridge for an unforgettable view of the best falls in Oregon, or grab some (good) coffee in the restaurant and be off to explore the waterfalls above Multnomah.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Multnomah Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

The first whites to see Multnomah Falls were those among the Lewis and Clark expedition as they floated down the Columbia River. It isn't known exactly who named the falls, but the name has been in use since at least 1860, and according to "Oregon Geographic Names" its theorized that one S.G. Reed may have named the falls to popularize it as an attraction on Steamboat tours of the Columbia Gorge.

Location and directions

Drive east from Portland on I-84 to the Multnomah Falls exit (Exit 31) and proceed under the highway to the lodge and falls, or take the Scenic Highway from Troutdale, and proceed 1/2 mile east from Wahkeena Falls to the parking area. The falls are signed profusely so you shouldn't have any trouble locating it.

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Multnomah Falls is shown in the center. Additional nearby waterfalls (if any) can be found in the list below.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Shady Creek Falls	0.15 mi / 0.24 km
Dutchman Falls	0.29 mi / 0.46 km
Wiesendanger Falls	0.36 mi / 0.58 km
Ecola Falls	0.39 mi / 0.63 km
Little Necktie Falls	0.59 mi / 0.95 km
Fairy Falls	0.6 mi / 0.95 km
Wahkeena Falls	0.6 mi / 0.96 km
Mist Falls	0.86 mi / 1.37 km
Dalton Falls	1.04 mi / 1.66 km
Waespe Falls	1.73 mi / 2.78 km

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Photography tips

You'll need a wide angle lens to get the whole falls in one shot. Otherwise, anything works well. Slow shutter speeds are nice in the summer, but be sure to set it long enough to blur the upper tier (maybe around 3 seconds). A green filter would bring out the moss around the falls. The overlooks have recently been rebuilt, so a wide angle lens is more necessary when shooting from the base of the falls (28mm at least).

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Multnomah Falls Multnomah County, Oregon, United States