Multnomah Falls Hike
Waterfall · about 620 ft high | Oregon
2.4 mi round trip
600 ft
Moderate
Multnomah Falls Hike at a Glance
The Multnomah Falls hike via the Larch Mountain Trail is 2.4 mi round trip with 600 ft of elevation gain.
| Falls height | About 620 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Larch Mountain Trail |
| Distance | 2.4 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 600 ft |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Your time: about 1 h 5 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 1 h 20 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 620 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 2.4 mi distance and 600 ft of gain for this hike are verified (fs.usda.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a waterfall in Oregon, about 620 feet high, on land managed by Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (U.S. Forest Service). Its height is from fs.usda.gov.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Larch Mountain Trail: 2.4 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain, from Multnomah Falls visitor center. Distance from fs.usda.gov. By the National Park Service difficulty formula (distance against climb) that puts it at Moderate.
Before You Go
- There is a large free parking area off of Interstate 84, Exit 31. (fs.usda.gov)
- Pets must be kept on leash in parking areas, the plaza and paved portions of the trail. (fs.usda.gov)
- In 2026 timed-use permits were required for the I-84 Multnomah Falls parking lot from May 22 to September 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; check the Forest Service for the current season. (fs.usda.gov)
- A paved path leads to the Visitor Center from the main parking lot off I-84. (fs.usda.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (U.S. Forest Service) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Multnomah Falls?
The Larch Mountain Trail to Multnomah Falls is 2.4 miles round trip with about 600 feet of elevation gain.
Where does the Multnomah Falls hike start?
It starts from Multnomah Falls visitor center.
How tall is Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls is about 620 feet high.
Is there a fee to hike to Multnomah Falls?
There is a large free parking area off of Interstate 84, Exit 31.
Are dogs allowed on the Multnomah Falls trail?
Pets must be kept on leash in parking areas, the plaza and paved portions of the trail.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Multnomah Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- fs.usda.gov
- Distance
- fs.usda.gov
- Falls height
- fs.usda.gov
- Falls location
- en.wikipedia.org
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Multnomah Falls.