My highlight of our Oregon visit!
The Multnomah Falls are 620ft (189m) high. They are located at the Columbia River Gorge. The waterfall is double-staged. The first part has a hight of 541ft (165m) while the second, lower part has a height of 69ft (21m). The spring of the waterfall is the Larch Mountain which is an extinct volcano.
To reach the Multnomah Falls best is, if you travel over the Historic Columbia River Highway. That highway is a scenic drive, which leads along many other waterfalls. From the HIstoric Highway you can enter the Benson-Arch Bridge by foot. The bridge leads over the waterfall which allows you to see its entire course. You are literally standing in the middle of the waterfall!
In winter, when there is heavy snowfall, the Historic Highway may be closed. When that happens you can still take the Interstate 84. By far this route is not as beautiful as the Historic Highway but at least you can still come to see the waterfall which are even more magical when it is snowing. In the middle of the highway you will see a parking lot with information about the waterfall. ATTENTION: When the season is over there is plenty of parking, during season you should come early to get a spot.
On the end of the parking lot is a small tunnel for pedestrians that goes below the highway. After the tunnel you will see a little creek with clear water. Then the path leads you below the train tracks and finally you are there! At least you can hear the waterfall from here. A few steps further you will be able to see it in its full beauty!
The advantage of this parking lot is that you can see the entire waterfall including the picturesque bridge in the middle!
from the Interstate 84:
I 84
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
from the Historic Highway:
50000 E Historic Columbia
River Hwy
Bridal Veil, OR 97010
We did this little roadtrip from Portland, which we flew to for one weekend. More about Portland you can read by clicking here.
