Multnomah Falls- Bridal Veil, OR
Multnomah Falls may just be the second most iconic waterfall in the United States, behind only Niagara. It’s dramatic drop, lush landscape, and delicate arch bridge certainly make for an impressive photo. Unbelievably beautiful, it is no wonder it is the most popular natural attraction in Oregon. Which also means it is unbelievably crowded. However, if you visit very early, you will miss most of the madness. Also, a significant number of visitors just jump out to snap a stunning shot, so the actual hike to the upper falls overlook was downright peaceful in the early morning. Along the way, the views of the Columbia River rival those of the waterfall.
Without a doubt, the best view of the entire 620 foot fall is at the lower observation deck, not far from the charming Multnomah Falls Lodge. Designed by noted Portland architect Albert E. Doyle, the Cascadian style stone and timber building cost more than $40,000 to construct in 1925. Boasting a ceder shingled gable roof, with massive stone chimneys, it opened ten years after the park’s dedication, to serve the growing number of tourists along the Columbia River Scenic Highway.
The land for the lodge was donated by the Washington Railroad and Navigation company, while the falls themselves and the funds for the construction of a pedestrian bridge were donated by lumbar baron Simon Benson. The very same who built the lovely Benson Hotel in downtown Portland.
Constructed in 1914, the reinforced concrete deck arch was built at Benson’s request, so visitors could easily view both the upper and lower falls. The upper falls drop 542 feet over three basalt flows, while the lower drops 69 feet, with 9 feet of vertical distance between the falls. The bridge, situated 105 feet above the lower falls, offers breathtaking views of both cascades. The bridge itself is not that hard to look at either; the graceful span in no way detracts from the area’s natural beauty.
Shockingly, a large amount of visitors go no further than the bridge, which is a short half mile hike. The rest of the trip is a bit steep, but there are several switchbacks, and the river views are amazing. Anyone in reasonably good health and shape should be able to make it to the overlook at the top of the falls. Thankfully, the heavily forested trail stays cool even in the summer.
Those who make the hike are rewarded with fabulous views of the stream plunging over the basalt wall, as well as the valley below. Both the lodge and the cars in the parking lot look impossibly small, and you will be astounded at how much elevation you gained with such a short hike. Although punishing, those switchbacks are incredibly efficient, and fortunately much more pleasant on the way down.
On your way down, make sure to take note of the lower falls, and the lovely pool between the two cascades. Lushly vegetated, they look like idyllic tropical swimming holes. Sadly, there is no swimming. Shockingly, it was allowed in the pool between the two falls until 1995, when an errant boulder injured 20, and put an end to that practice.
The entire area is absolutely magical, which explains why the falls receive over 2.5 million visitors annually. Generally the trails are closed in the winter, and this year, they may be closed well into the summer, due to September’s Eagle Creek fire, which also closed portions of the Columbia River Highway. Whenever you go, plan to visit as soon as the park opens. By 10, when we were leaving, the parking lots were nearly full, and tour buses had started to arrive. The line for the restroom was obscene, and the atmosphere far from relaxing.
