Multnomah Falls is the most popular attraction in the Columbia River Gorge. It is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States, the site of the picturesque Benson Bridge and the historic Multnomah Fails Lodge.
The walk to the viewing platform at the very top of the waterfall is well trodden, despite the long and fairly arduous 1.2 mile climb. However the path is paved, there are plenty of places to rest on route and the heart-stopping view of the 620 foot drop is well worth the effort.
Beyond the viewing platform there are two very pretty loop walks, 3.3 miles and 6.2 miles, where you can get away from most of the crowd.
The longer walk passes through woodland and by a number of small waterfalls, including one of the prettiest in the area—Fairy Falls. It climbs steadily before descending in a series of steep switchbacks to the impressive Wahkeena Falls.
While Multonmah Falls is well worth a visit, don't overlook the other great dayhikes that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. The Oneonta Gorge makes for a change of pace. And here are few other exceptional tramps. . .
Wahclella Falls
An easy and scenic loop walk tracing Tanner Creek through Cedar glades and Douglas Fir woodland. The highlight of this trail is the impressive Wahclella Falls which has eroded the basalt rock below to form a basin-like pool.
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation gain: 340 ft. Loss 100 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Season: February - December
Use: Light
Access: From 1-84 take the Bonneville Dam exit #40. The Wahclella/Tanner Creek #431 trailhead and parking lot are situated on the south side of the highway.
Both the Multomah Falls Trail and the Wahclella Falls Trail are covered more extensively in the GORP feature article Hiking in the Columbia Gorge.
Eagle Creek Trail #440
A beautiful trail which traces the line of Eagle Creek through woodland and along paths carved into basaltic cliffs. Eagle Creek is one of the easier trails in the area, with spectacular viewpoints from the cliffside path.
Highlights of this trail are"Punch Bowl Fails" (2-1 miles), "High Bridge" which traverses the gorge 150 ft above the creek (3.3 miles) and "Tunnel Fails" where you walk through a man-made tunnel behind the waterfall (6.0 miles).
Other features include petrified trees (visible from the first 1/4 mile of the trail) and rich displays of wildflowers in Spring.
Eagle Creek is a very popular trail but unsuitable for small children or people who are afraid of heights, as parts of the path run along high cliffs with no outer guardrails.
Season: Spring - late Autumn
Use: Heavy
Length: Variable, depending on cut-off point.-Tunnel Falls-72 miles round trip
Elevation: change: 2000 ft.
Difficulty level: Easy
Access: Access only from the East-bound lanes of Highway I-84. Exit #41, signed Eagle Creek Park, 3 miles east of Bonneville Dam.
From West-bound I-84, take Bonneville Dam exit =40 and loop back, onto East-bound I-84. Parking and restrooms at trailhead.
Camping: Eagle Creek attracts large numbers of backpackers and therefore special regulations restrict camping and fires to designated spots, some of which are stove use only.
There are four major camping sites above High Bridge; Tenas camp (3.7 miles), Wy'east (4.7 miles), Blue Grouse (5.3 miles) and 7.5 Mile camp.
Water is easily available but most must be boiled for 5 minutes or treated before drinking.
See GORP's feature article, Eagle Creek & Ruckel Ridge Trails, for more details on this famous trail.
Elowah Falls Trail
The Elowah Trail is among the most popular in the Gorge. Hike to either the bridge below Elowah Falls or to the viewpoint platform above the falls.
Distance: 2 miles round trip to the upper falls
Elevation gain: 425 ft.
Difficulty level: Easy
Season: Spring to early winter
Use: Heavy
Access: From I-84 take Dodson/Ainsworth State Park exit #35 and continue 2.5 miles east on the Scenic Highway to the trailhead.
Horsetail Falls Trail #438
This picturesque trail passes through forest and features a series of pretty waterfalls. The trail can be adapted to suit the individual. For a short walk aim for Ponytail Fails (1.5 miles round trip) or alternatively complete the Horsetail Falls to Oneonta Gorge loop (2.7 miles). For longer, half day or day hikes, continue to Triple Fails (5 miles round trip) or Larch Mountain (8.8 miles one way).
There are several highlights along this path which make all effort worthwhile: Ponytail Fails, where the trail passes through a chamber behind the waterfall; A glimpse into the Oneonta Gorge to the creek far below and the Oneonta Fails; Triple Falls and old growth forest above these fails; Finally the spectacular views from the Larch Mountain.
At times this trail climbs steeply, particularly on the initial set of switchbacks to the top of Horsetail Fails and from Oneonta Gorge to Triple Fails and Larch Mountain. Along this latter section there are some high drop-offs where those with children should take care.
Distance: Horsetail Falls to Oneonta Loop-2.7 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 500 ft.
Distance: Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls-5.0 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 700 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Usually Feb.-Dec.
Use: Moderate
Access: The Horsetail and Oneonta Gorge TraiIheads are situated at the eastern end of the Scenic Highway. From eastbound or westbound 1-84 take exit #35 and continue west 1.4 miles to the large parking area at the Horsetail trailhead. Alternatively, eastbound traffic may take Bridal Veil Exit #28 and continue east along Scenic Highway for 5.7 miles.
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