About 30 miles from Portland, the highway from Corbett to Dodson has many spectacular waterfalls and overlooks that are viewable just off the road or a short hike. You can get a copy of the attractions along this highway from the visitor’s center at Multnomah Falls. You will need 4-6 hours to enjoy all the sites and hikes on this page.
- Horsetail Falls
- Multnomah Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Latourell Falls
- Crown Point Vista
Horsetail Falls – free parking but limited space. One can wait for 5-10 for parking to become available. The waterfalls is across from the parking lot. You can also catch a great view of the 176-foot waterfall right from your car on this historic highway.
Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls or natural attraction to visit in the Columbia River Gorge.
The water plunges from a height of more that 600 feet and has 2 drops. The accessible Benson Bridge (0.2 miles from the parking lot) allows visitors to stand both above and below Multnomah Falls to appreciate the grandeur.
The Larch Mountain Trail at Multnomah Falls is a popular hike in the Columbia River Gorge. From the Multnomah Falls visitor center, a steep trail climbs to cross the historic Benson Bridge. One can continue past the bridge to the top of the cliff and take a short spur trail to a small viewing area at the very top of the falls. The total distance to the top of the falls and back is 2.4 miles. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear for the hike.
On-site amenities include the Multnomah Lodge, constructed in 1925, which stands as a testament to the long history of attracting visitors.
Parking information – There are 2 options :
- There is a large free parking area off of Interstate 84, Exit 31. You can park here from late May through early September daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm only if you get a timed reservation permit online for a $2.00 transaction fee or you can pick up a free timed-use permit (supply limited) at the Gateway to Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. Note : From this parking lot you can see the the upper portion of the falls.
- Parking is also available off of Historic Highway 30 in front of Multnomah Falls Lodge with limited accessible parking (privately operated and fee required). We parked here as out visit was not planned. We paid $20 and were lucky to get the last spot. This parking lot is closer to Multnomah Falls Lodge and the falls itself.
Bridal Veil Falls – free parking and big enough for many cars. A .75 one-way hike will take you to this beautiful falls. This hike has a bit of elevation gain.
Latourell Falls – Free parking available in a big parking lot. You can see this waterfalls from 2 viewpoints. You climb up a staircase to see the waterfalls from the top.
You can then take a .25 mile one-way hike down to the another view of the waterfall where you can swim in the puddle formed by the waterfall.
Crown Point Vista – As you drive along I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge, you will see a building atop a cliff near Exit 22 which is the Vista House. There is a huge parking lot in front of the Vista House and you can admire the Colombia river from many viewpoints around the house. This viewpoint along Highway 30 was the site of the 1916 dedication of the Colombia River Highway. The Vista House opened in 1918 as a glamorous rest stop and observatory for those traveling the new highway. This “comfort station” was a rest stop like no other, featuring marble floors, stained glass windows and, a stunning view. The octagonal building houses a museum, gift shop and interpretive display of historic and geologic points of interest in the Gorge.
