Multnomah Falls, The Tallest in Oregon (with Map & Photos)

The state of Oregon has dozens of waterfalls. With almost two hundred meters of fall, the Multnomah Falls are the highest and most spectacular.

Multnomah Falls Height
Multnomah Falls Height

Oregon, in the United States, has various natural charms, among which are the seventy-seven waterfalls it houses. We are going to talk about the Multnomah Falls , the highest of them all. We are not going to leave aside, however, others just as recommendable. Do you dare to discover them? They will not disappoint you.

Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon


Multnomah Falls have a total height of 189 meters. They consist of two sections: one with a drop of 165 meters and the other with only 21 meters. And it is that the water of the first one accumulates in a raft until that second part begins.

Multnomah Falls Height
Multnomah Falls Height

On the union of both sections there is a bridge, built in 1914, from which to enjoy wonderful views. It serves, in turn, to cross and follow the path that leads to the upper part of Multnomah Falls. The route is about two kilometers and has a drop of two hundred meters.

Also, knowing the measurements of this natural wonder, it is not surprising that it is one of the highest waterfalls in the United States. In the country it is only surpassed by some waterfalls such as the Oloupena Falls and the Pu'uka'oku waterfall, both in Hawaii; the Colonial Creek waterfall, the Johannesburg Falls or the Yosemite waterfall.

Location of Multnomah Falls


Multnomah Falls is located east of Troutdale, half an hour from the city of Portland. More specifically, in the park to which it is named, accessible to the public since 1915. Two and a half million tourists pass through here every year, making it the most visited natural area in Oregon.

Multnomah Falls Height
Multnomah Falls Height

Once in the place, visitors can enjoy the privileged nature. You can also visit the Multnomah Falls Lodge , a stone-walled, slate-roofed lodge dating back to 1925. Inside you can find a bar, restaurant, and gift shop.

Legend of Multnomah Falls


The falls , in addition to their beauty, draw attention to the legend that exists around their origin. According to it, the chief of the Multnomah tribe decided to marry his daughter to the Clatsop chief. The love between the two did not take long to emerge, so they announced the day of the wedding and began the preparations.

Multnomah Falls Height
Multnomah Falls Height

When the time came, many people woke up sick. The only way for them to heal, in the words of one man, was to sacrifice a maiden daughter of a chief. The inhabitants decided to ignore her and accept her fate, but the bride was not of the same opinion.

Knowing that he had lost her, the girl's father began to cry. Those shed tears were the ones that gave rise to the cataracts.

Multnomah Falls Height
Multnomah Falls Height

Other Oregon Falls


In addition to the Multnomah Falls, and as we have already mentioned, Oregon has many others. One of the most prominent is the Wahkeena Falls. They are close to the previous ones and in them the water falls from a height of 73 meters. This natural spectacle can be seen without problems from the road.

Another of the waterfalls found along the Columbia River are those of Latourell. These belong to Guy W. Talbot State Park and are its biggest attraction. They have a total height similar to the Wahkeena Falls: 76 meters. To reach its upper part it is necessary to walk three kilometers.

Just as recommendable are the Fairy Falls , although they are smaller, since they measure just over six meters. But they offer an impressive panoramic view: the stream falls through a mossy rock covered with ferns, before rocky outcrops cause the water to run in several directions.

As we have just seen, Oregon provides numerous tourist possibilities related to nature in order to allow its visitors to disconnect and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Multnomah Falls Map