Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in northwest Oregon, about 30 miles east of Portland. One of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls attracts more travelers than any other natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. With 2 million visitors annually, this destination requires timed reservation tickets during the summer months. The 620-foot falls, which consist of two different cascades, are fed by underground springs, and the runoff is usually highest in the winter and spring (typical of most Oregon waterfalls). At Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, you can access a viewing platform and area hiking trails. Consider walking along a quarter-mile paved trail to Benson Bridge, a footbridge that connects the lower and higher cascades. The U.S. Forest Service Information Center is also located at the lodge, as well as a snack bar, a gift shop and a restaurant. Accommodations are not available at the historic property, but campgrounds abound in the Columbia River Gorge area. Otherwise, travelers can retire for the evening along a scenic riverbank at the Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn, located 13 miles east.
Wahkeena Falls
If your travel adventures bring you to popular Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, you might also consider scooting west along the Historic Columbia River Highway to check out Wahkeena Falls. You can view these 242-foot falls from an accessible platform or hike up Wahkeena Trail, which includes some switchbacks, to get closer to the action and feel the spray of the water. In fact, there’s a whole network of trails to accommodate even advanced hikers hoping to traipse through the pristine wilderness for miles. North of the highway is an accessible picnic area: a convenient place to stop, rest and refuel. Or, spend even more time at Benson State Recreation Area, which features a disc golf course and a lake for swimming and fishing. For overnight accommodations in this area, consider a hotel east of Portland, such as the Holiday Inn Express Portland East – Troutdale.