Looking for a short day hike just out of Portland? Well, a hike to the top of Multnomah Falls, 542ft (165m), may just whet your appetite – and more so. Located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, adjacent to the Columbia River, there are several hiking options or loops you can take.

Start of the track at Multnomah Falls Lodge

We did the loop from the base of Multnomah Falls Lodge, to the top of the Falls along a well kept trail, then hooking right to Wahkeena Springs descending back down to Lemmon Viewpoint and Wahkeena Falls, before closing the loop back to our starting point at Multnomah Falls Lodge – all up around 6.2miles (10km), 3 hours.

Hiking trails around Multnomah Falls, with our trail highlighted in yellow.

The track is good quality at the start and becomes more rocky and uneven further up.

Multnomah Falls is a 45-60 minute drive from Portland.

Multnomah Falls

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

With picnic areas and lots of hikes to choose from, the area tends to get very crowded.

Beautiful waterfalls along the track

Finding a park can be tricky on a weekend especially during summer months so suggest arriving early – before 10am. Parking is free.

Waterfalls and lush green forest, following the trail over some rocky ground

If doing the loop from Multomah Falls, beware the trail can be quite rocky and uneven so may be wise to wear sturdy footwear.

The rocky track is worth it to see some lovely waterfalls

Take adequate water, especially on a warm-hot day which you tend to get in Oregon during the summer months.

For other ideas on what to do around Portland, Oregon click here for a 2 day itinerary or read this post on Eagle Cap Wilderness

Walking through the forest provides good shelter from the sun