Multnomah Falls

Photo: NPS

One of the most popular sites along the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area is Multnomah Falls. The 620-foot falls are tucked back off the Columbia River, but were still significant enough for the Corps to notice.

Meriwether Lewis wrote in his October 30, 1805 entry, “passed Several places where the rocks projected into the river & have the appearance of having separated from the mountains and fallen into the river…Saw 4 Cascades caused by Small Streams falling from the mountains on the Lard.

The waterfall formed about 15,000 years ago, created by the Missoula Floods. Underground springs from Larch Mountain are the year-round source of the water, augmented by spring snowmelt. In the vicinity you’ll find 26 more waterfalls.

Be sure to visit the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925. Today it houses a gift shop, restaurant, and a U.S. Forest Service Information Center. Visit www.multnomahfallslodge.com for more information.

Multnomah Falls is near Interstate 84 between Troutdale and Cascade Locks, Oregon.