[Waterfall facts: A single drop is properly called a fall while multi-drops, as here, are falls. A single drop is unbroken top to bottom while multies drop to ledges before dropping again. Groups, such as Niagara, are falls regardless of the number of drops. A continuous flow, which is not seasonal, defines year-round fall(s).]

The dramatic 620-foot double drop of Multnomah Falls down the side of Larch Mountain (from a spring at the top) are the second-highest year-round waterfalls in the US. Prior to the opening of the casinos this was Oregon’s top attraction, drawing the most visitors annually, but in fact this has been a destination since the 1880s; when Portlanders came out for picnics.

Simon Benson, the man who donated the Benson Bubblers drinking fountains to Portland, purchased and donated several area falls with the idea of preserving them for the public’s enjoyment as parks in 1915. The picturesque footbridge, ¼-mile from the bottom, between the two drops, was built by and named for Benson. If you can get someone to take your picture on it from below. From there it’s a further mile to the falls top, but weather conditions can close the steep trail. Numerous hiking trails (pdf) pass through the area. Free maps are also available in the visitor center.

While these are the premier falls this area actually contains the largest concentration of waterfalls in the world.

Next to the falls is the stone Cascadia-style (a sub-sect of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America) Multnomah Falls Lodge, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, which, despite inclusion of "lodge" in the name, doesn’t provide accommodations. Built in 1925, it was designed by A.E. Doyle, also responsible for the Bubblers and the Benson Hotel. There is a restaurant serving three meals a day, Monday-Saturday, and a very nice Champagne (beverage included but Champagne is extra) Brunch on Sunday, for which reservations are recommended. Ask to be seated near the window to get a good view of the falls. Also there’s a Visitor Center for learning more about the falls, and a giftshop.

Warning: A 400-ton rock fell from the cliff face in 1995, ejected fragments injured 20 people. Trails can be slick. Exercise caution.

Mythology:
--The Multnomah peoples myth of the creation of the Falls one of the tales dramatized in the recent Dreamkeeper mini-series. All mention of the maiden’s face, sometimes visible in the mist on the rocks from the falls, has evaporated. Perhaps the rock fall (above) displaced her.
--A Wasco myth, Coyote and Multnomah Falls, tells the story of Coyote‘s attempts to win the heart of a beautiful girl.

Open: (falls) Dawn to dusk. (visitor center) 9am-5pm, (lodge) 8am-9pm.
Admission: None.
Contact: 503-695-2376 (information & reservations), ext. 208 (giftshop), (fax) 503-695-2338, multnomahfallslodge@yahoo.com
Located in the Columbia River Gorge about 20-minutes east of the Portland suburb of Troutdale, making it an easy day trip.