Multnomah Falls, located just a 30-minute drive outside of Portland, Oregon, stands as one of the most magnificent and memorable waterfalls in the United States. With its towering height of 611 feet, this awe-inspiring cascade of icy water offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the power and beauty of nature up close. From the parking area off of I-84, a mere 5-minute walk separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.
According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a secluded place to bathe. Although the top portion of the falls is visible from the highway, to fully view both tiers, visitors must walk to the viewing area located in a carved-out opening in the rock face. This position allows for a stunning perspective within the narrow, rocky confines surrounded by steep cliffs, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the falls.
For an even closer encounter, visitors can walk several hundred feet up the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge, which spans the falls at the first tier’s misty base. Standing on this bridge offers a perfect view of the top tier’s full 542-foot height and a knee-wobbling vantage point over the second tier’s 69-foot drop. The bridge is named after Simon Benson, a prominent Portland businessman who owned the falls in the early 1900s and generously donated them to the City of Portland before they were transferred to the USDA Forest Service.
Enhancing the visit, the Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, serves as a historical site where tourists can enjoy refreshments, find souvenirs, and learn more about the area. This lodge was specifically designed to cater to the throngs of tourists who came to marvel at the spectacular sights of the Columbia Gorge.
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