Life Off The Road

Exploring the west

Multnomah Falls

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Multnomah Falls in Oregon

With a total drop of 620-feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon (documented waterfall, that is. There is a 700+ foot waterfall, based on aerial data, on a tributary of the west fork of the Wallowa River in remote northeast Oregon). Its close proximity to Portland, a 30-minute drive, means the falls are also one of the most visited waterfalls north of Yosemite, with some 2.5 million visitors per year, according to the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Yosemite Park receives 3.8 million visitors each year and interestingly its major year-round waterfall, Bridalveil Fall, is also 620-feet tall. Any photographer in the Pacific Northwest worth their salt, even an amateur like myself, has to photograph Multnomah Falls. And it is a bear to photograph! The light is muted and dark below the bridge, but bright (on a decent day) at the top, from the sky. This was my effort today, January 15th, 2025, and for my skill-level I am happy with it. I plan to return when the Gorge gets some snow, because the only thing better than a photograph of the falls is a snowy, icy photograph of the falls. Also of note, the Multnomah Falls Lodge is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Construction of the lodge was completed in 1925. The bridge bisecting the two tiers is even older, having been completed in 1914.