We stop next at Multnomah Falls. This is a very busy place with a lot more tourists than we have seen anywhere along the Columbia River Gorge area. We learn at the Visitor’s Center in the Multnomah Lodge that this waterfall is considered Oregon’s most visited outdoor destination with nearly two million visitors a year. The short travel distance from Portland and direct Interstate access make it an easy day’s outing from the city.

Multnomah Falls is spectacular.  It is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon and second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation. Fed by underground springs, the water of Multnomah Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain.  This spectacular ‘double’ falls has a footbridge partway up. This time the crowds of tourists as well as the steep climb deter us from the hike and again, we choose to view the falls from the bottom.