Multnomah Falls
Beautiful at any time of year, I love to hike all around Multnomah Falls. There is less water in the summertime, but that allows for more hiking opportunities. In the winter, the water freezes to the cliffs surrounding the falls making it a true winter wonderland. The falls boasts the changing leaves on the trees, and the spring brings a tremendous amount of water coming over the falls.
The 2nd highest waterfall in the United States, it is 620 feet high. Multnomah Falls is made of two sections, a tall, thin top section and a short wide lower section. There is a fairly easy, short hiking trail up to Benson Bridge which divides the 2 sections. In 1914, Simon Benson, then owner of the falls, replaced the existing log bridge with this much wider and safer bridge, crafted by Italian stone masons.
If you are the more adventurous sort, you can continue on to the top of the falls. Of course, that includes me. It’s only a mile up, but it is a steep climb made up of several switchbacks at a forty-five degree angle most of the way. Along the way there are several resting points, each with fabulous views, some of the falls and some of the Columbia River Gorge (pictured to the right). The views make the hike worth the trip.
Once you get to the top, you have a couple of options. There is a viewing platform that looks down the falls (pictured to the left). Of you can continue on to Larch Mountain where the water for the falls begins in underground springs.
Back at the bottom, don’t forget to stop in at the lodge before leaving the area. Made of stone in 1925, the lodge holds a rock collection made up of every type of rock found in the Columbia River Gorge. The volunteers even share a wonderful little Indian folk tale to those who wish to hear it. There is also a gift shop with a great selection, a very nice restaurant, restrooms and a well-stocked snack shop.
A great book on hiking in the Columbia River Gorge is “Day Hike: Columbia Gorge“. It offer maps and trail guides for a wide variety of hiking trails in the gorge. I use it often.
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