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Outdoors

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Hike

A steep trail climbs from the base of the 189 m (620 ft) Multnomah Falls to the historic Benson Bridge, then on up the cliff to a short spur that ends at a small viewing area at the very top of the falls.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls near Oregon
Photo: Out Making Sales Calls (4949676413) by Ian Sane from Oregon, USA, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Oregon, USA
Distance
3.9 km (2.4 miles) return
Climb
About 180 m (600 ft)

The route

Multnomah Falls: Larch Mountain Trail #441 from the base, over Benson Bridge, to the viewpoint at the top of the falls and back.

The main car park is off I-84 at exit 31, beside Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

When to go

Timed-use permits are needed from late May to early September (22 May to 7 September in 2026); the site's toilets are closed for renovation until November 2026, with limited portable toilets.

Permits and fees

In 2026 a timed-use permit was required for the I-84 car park from 22 May to 7 September, daily 9 am to 6 pm. Permits cost $2 on Recreation.gov, or are free (while they last) from the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center or the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.

Before you go

  • For a short walk, turn round at Benson Bridge; beyond it the trail is steep and uneven, roughly 60 flights of stairs to the top.
  • Wear sturdy footwear and carry the ten hiking essentials if you go past the bridge.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.

Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • The trail above Benson Bridge is steep with uneven footing.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against fs.usda.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.