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Multnomah Falls
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Parks, Hiking [Edit]
50000 Historic Columbia River HwyCorbett, OR 97019
(503) 695-2376
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
149 reviews for Multnomah Falls
149 reviews in English
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Review from angela k.
Littlerock, CA
Updated - 2/1/2012
It is really amazing how the color change within a matter of a month. When I came here in November, the colors were so amazing. I came back for the second time with my family in December and all the colors were gone. Don't get me wrong it was still spectacular though not as vibrant.
We came here on a Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday morning like last time. It was super busy. Now that I think about it, it was probably more crowded than last time because it was the last weekend of December 2011.
Anyway, it was really cold so definitely bring a warm jacket. The hike up to the start of the fall gets you warmed up but you will quickly be cooled. Such a fantastic park. Wish Multnomah Falls in Cali...Listed in: Best of the Best, Portland OR MUSTS
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/19/2011
Absolutely amazing, beautiful, a must stop by destination if stopping by Portland.
Visiting in the… Read more »
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Review from Kaity J.
10/20/2011 2 photos
Well this place is simply lovely (note the simply). Not the most extravagant view ever, but still worth a little day trip from Portland to see. There is some decent hiking with even more beautiful views of other waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge that are breathtaking.
The only tiny little downside to the falls is that everything I've been there, it's been somewhat crowded, even during the week. It's hard to get the perfect picture, which is a little frustrating, but it's a tourist spot...so what can you really do? Just take it in and enjoy the moment while you're there. It really is quite tranquil once you drown out the talking from all the people.Listed in: I wanna play outside!
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Review from Mish M.
10/17/2011
Amazing. Breathtaking. Enchanting.
I really don't need to say much else. I've been out here several times and its on the top of my "free things to do in Oregon" list (minus the cost of gas to get here, of course). Free parking, no entry fee, and magical outdoor beauty. Take the Historic Columbia River Highway and enjoy easy hikes to several other gorgeous falls before and after this one.
DO IT! -
Review from Kathleen Y.
Portland, OR
2/5/2012
Definitely a must see! It's a beautiful sight to see, especially on good weather days! Good hike up to the top :)
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Review from Rachel W.
1/10/2012
So beautiful. The hike was totally worth it, the moss and trees were so green and lovely, the rushing water was powerful! Bring your camera and layers to strip and then reapply. Make sure you and the kiddies stay on the path...the rushing waters are no joke! I would definitely go again. The gift shop had tons of your typical stuff but was decently priced.
Listed in: The Great Outdoors
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Review from Mimi L.
12/27/2011
This place was a perfect morning hike with a great view of the water falls. I'm from California and it was great seeing leaves with different colors and lots of greenery. I went early morning on a weekday and there were very little people so it was not crowded. Towards the end of the hike there were more visitors and I can see how the narrow trails can get overflowing with traffic. The hike itself was very easy and you come across rivers and fallen tree trucks. Stuff I only see in movies or Smokey the Bear commercials. Lovely hike, free parking, and fresh air. Go early or it can get crowded.
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Review from Ira J.
9/8/2011 1 photo
As Mr. T would say, "I pity the fool" who doesn't stop to see Multnomah Falls!
I mean, why wouldn't' you? One of the most beautiful sights in all of World, right next to the Interstate, and it's free!
So don't be a fool: If you're traveling on I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge, take 10 minutes and see Multnomah Falls!Listed in: Pacific NW Road Trip 2011
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Review from cassandra c.
Portland, OR
This is one of the quintessential Portlander experiences. Spending the day huffing and puffing (maybe) as you move upward (maybe) to see the best view of....a parking lot.
The challenge aspect of the hike is pretty low, we brought a 6 year old with us and she did fine. The photog options as you summit are pretty good. It's free parking, which is a nice change for a hike. There's an (overpriced) restaurant and a pretty big gift shop to commemorate your brave ascent.
It's worth doing once. The sights along the way are more rewarding than the top view. I did take some nice panoramas with my camera though. I will upload to Yelp. -
Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2011
Okay, so this technically isn't in Portland but to go to Portland and NOT see Multnomah Falls is really a disservice to your own well-being. Do your well-being a favor and visit.
Located about a half hour away from the city, it teases you from the highway and tempts you for a closer look. We took the trail first to the bridge and then to the top. It's a healthy little walk that woke me up and allowed me to burn off a bunch of calories- well worth the effort but I don't think grandparents (or the like) would be keen on going further than the bridge.
If you're not athletically inclined, there is a viewing spot at the bottom just past the coffee stand, gift shop, lodge, visitor's center, and restaurant.Listed in: I hella love Portland
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Review from Lica N.
BEAUTIFUL!! This is a fall that you can see without having to take a hike into the mountains which is very nice. There was a lot of people there taking pictures like myself. It's a short walk up to the bridge where you can look down into the falls. There are 11 switchbacks to the top of Multnomah Falls.
The fall is 620ft in total. The top part is 542ft and the 2nd part at 69ft. It's the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the 2nd tallest in the US.
There is a Lodge, gift shop/restaurant at the foot of the falls where you can enjoy a stay or have a nice breakfast/lunch before heading onto a day long hike on many of the trails in the area.
Its only about 40min from downtown Portland and nice drive along the Columbia River. This is a must stop!! -
Review from Kenny P.
7/28/2011 3 photos
Pretty great spot and a manageable hike in this area. Apparently, it's a pretty famous place for many travelers and I was glad to have hiked it. They had this surprising gift shop and actual restaurant outside the entrance. Views of the waterfalls get more interesting as you work your way up. It takes like 30-40 min I think to make it up to the top of the waterfall, with foot traffic, resting, and taking pictures. The view of the top of the fall is limited and I think the view of the actual waterfall is more spectacular. We still took pictures at the top of the stone viewing deck.
At the end of the trail there is a secluded creek area where you can venture over some tree drunk and large rocks to check out. We were able to take some pictures on a fallen into a natural bridge over the creek. Chilled out at this spot for a while, and there were some kids annoying throwing lots of rock in the creek. There were a bunch of these tiny chipmunks running around, which I hadn't seen much before. After we left, I saw someone smoking a cigarette which I thought was prohibited because of the obvious fire hazard. I'd still have to highly recommend this place for anyone who likes to visit famous waterfalls. -
Review from Bree C.
6/6/2011
There is no better place for my 100th review. The significance of Multnomah Falls is huge for many people, both tourists and locals alike. We can all bask in the spray of the falls on a hot or cold day, look up at the sheer power and beauty, be relaxed and enthralled at the same time by the sound of the crashing water, and all of a sudden the line between tourist and local dissapears, and we're all just there, sharing in the beauty together.
I have gone on day trips to this destination many times since I was a child, usually stopping here shortly on the way to explore less traveled trails. But I can't drive by without stopping. Maybe it's the sentimentality of being the place my mom took me the most when I was little, then off to Oneonta gorge to swim through the deeper parts. Maybe it's the fresh smell, but whatever it is, I have to stop on my way to explore Oregon's less traveled beauty.
They also have a great visitors center, that can tell you if it's the right time of year to go to Oneonta, or where other trails are. They're fairly knowlegable, and very happy to answer your questions. -
Review from Callan W.
5/18/2011
In my research for Portland, I came across a picture on a book and instantly I wanted to go there, but where was this place, this magical place. I looked and looked in the book, but it was not to be found.
I knew my trip out West would include a trip to the great Oregon outdoors. As I was scouring the Portland Yelp talk threads, Multnomah kept popping up and so when I googled it, I realized this was the magical place that I was looking for. I had my destination.
I went early on a Thursday morning and found myself pretty much alone on the trail. It was good since I am a hiking novice and needed a break or two (or 30). It really wasn't that difficult to handle and on my way down, there were people twice my age making the trek, so I think most could handle the journey, with caution. I enjoyed being alone on the trail and alone at the top on the look out as it gave me a chance to think and have a few moments of introspection.
I took plenty of pictures, but none really captured the awe inspiring view. This is a place to see in person. When i posted my pictures on FB, everyone wanted to know where I had been. My fellow east coasters knew that we don't get views like this around our parts, so hopefully if you are in the area, you will go. -
Review from Justin N.
4/11/2011
I sat here for a few, sipping maté, trying to figure out what to say that could sum up the experience of visiting these waterfalls.
I just can't find the right words, so I'm not going to try. It's an experience that I certainly can't portray in a few paragraphs, not even the pictures do it justice.
The beauty. The hike, the wilderness. The mist. The height. The tranquility mixed with sheer force.
I just can't, and those that know me will confirm I'm rarely at a loss for words.
I will never forget this place. Ever. -
Review from Kim K.
6/10/2011 10 photos
Multnomah Falls is gorgeous piece of nature just 40 minutes outside of the city.
At the bottom of the Falls we decided to go up the little trail to stand on the midway bridge. It took a minute or two and the view from the bridge was really cool, but wet!
Just beyond the bridge was a trail to follow to lead up to the very top of the Falls. We wanted to go, and the sign said it was just a mile, so up we went. I was not at all prepared for what happened next. The "trail" was little strip of slippery wet asphalt as wide as one human with a sharp drop down always on one side, that went straight up for 1.25 awful vertical miles, full of 11 sharp switchbacks. Needless to say I didn't take any pictures on the way up in my combined state of terrified, sweaty, and heart pounding.
Despite the workout the Falls are totally worth the trip. It is a beautiful, amazing, perfect piece of Pacific Northwest scenery. -
Review from David W.
Portland, OR
6/3/2011
What can I say, beautiful, powerful, spectacular. Went mid week and during the rain, so the crowds were not bad. Short drive from Portland, so no excuses. You have to see it to believe it.
If you go, exit 84 at exit 17, take the scenic route and see all the other falls. There are 5-6 others that are worth seeing. The hiking is spectacular also, and not too strenuous. Brought the dog and she loved it. Very pet friendly if on a leash. -
Review from Jesse G.
Long Beach, CA
7/13/2011
Located right off the highway this tall waterfall (600') is easily accessible. You can grab an awesome view at the lower portion on a bridge which only takes about 5 minutes to walk to or if you've got moxy you can take the almost 2 mile trail to the top of the fails and catch a great overview along with a small section of the water that leads up to the fall itself. Very shady on top!
I'd suggest starting your hike no later than 0930 because it can get crowded by tourists. -
Review from Holly K.
4/15/2011
I have seen the falls go through some changes over the years, however it always stays as one of the prettiest places to visit. I have been to the top three times now, natures gym. Not sure I could make it up there now without marathon training, but it is worth the hike. The trail is paved all the way up and zigzags so its not that horrible of a walk.
I have been here before the crowds discovered it and you could swim around the bottom pool of the falls and get to the top and it be just you and whoever made the hike with you. I went a few years ago and there were a lot of people swimming up at the top.
This is always on the list of repeat things to see when my family comes out to visit me from Kentucky. I don't mind coming out here at all when they ask. Even if you don't make the walk to the top, try to get to the bridge at least, it offers great views. -
Review from Misty T.
Lincoln City, OR
11/7/2011
It is beautiful here. I think Multnomah Falls shows the best of what Oregon has to offer. Not to mention it is easy to get to and it's free. A great way to spend the day.
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Review from Shayna N.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
I can see why this is such a popular tourist attraction.
Multnomah Falls is only a 30-40 minute drive from down town Portland. There's several different hiking trails and spectacular views of some very impressive and very tall falls.
We were there on a Monday morning and it was still swarming with tourists, so I can't even imagine a nice weekend.Listed in: The Great Outdoors, Portlandia
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Review from Lauren T.
10/21/2011 1 photo
Ultimate hiking in Portland for the not so savvy hiking folk (lol). I practically had to stop about 10-12 times on the way up to the top, but the views and experience of it all was definitely worth all of it. I really enjoyed my time at Multnomah Falls. It is a really beautiful drive, too. Can't wait to go back!
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Review from Courtney K.
Carlsbad, CA
10/1/2011
Thousands of visitors flock to Multnomah Falls, flash a few pictures, maybe walk up to the bridge, and head out to the next site. However, I can assure you that this isn't the way to experience Multnomah Falls or the Gorge in general. Even if you don't love nature, you can appreciate the beauty this area of Portland has to offer. I recommend planning to spend at least a half day at the falls. Wear your sneakers or hiking boots, pack some snacks and grab some water and start trekking. However beautiful the falls are from the tourist-packed overlooks, they are much better experiences from the switchbacks of the hiking trails.
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Review from Dan P.
3/7/2011 6 photos
If you're headed to the Columbia Gorge stop and see Multnomah Falls. This beautiful attraction stands 620ft. high (2nd tallest in the nation) it can be seen from the hwy but the only way to see it is up close. First off get to the park early or be doomed to the hoards that can make even a peaceful, serene park, busy. Secondly if you think the view from the bridge is breath taking wait until your trek to the top of the falls. Because while the view may be majestic it will literally take your breath away!
The park has decided not to post a disclaimer so let this be yours:
The short .75 mile hike to the top may not seem like much but what it lacks in length it makes up for in elevation. If you're out of shape, smoke, are wearing heavy clothes, backpacks, bad shoes, have kids in tow, pushing a stroller, walking three dogs, suffer from stiff joints, bad knees, nausea, dizziness, heart conditions or have a weak bladder please reconsider making the climb.
Before you may stake your claim "Top of the World Ma" you must first traverse 11 switchbacks on a small paved but rocky path. There are no grab rails or anything to secure your fall if a said condition were to arise. I don't know what was crueler, my party feeding the winded, about to collapse guests on their way up encouragement or me telling them the truth, that they weren't even close! Regardless we had accomplished our mission to the top along with our week's worth of exercise. My suggestion, while the top offers a host of trails and some scenic viewing the falls itself is much more satisfying from the bottom.Listed in: Tourist Town, Parks and recreation
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Review from Bianca B.
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
E n c h a n t i n g.
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Review from s h l.
San Diego, CA
4/17/2011
THIS IS A MUST !!! SERIOUSLY.
Visited Portland on New Year's Day 2011 (yes I know there was nothing open except the malls) and our group decided to head out to see the much talked about waterfall. It was AMAZING. Despite the cold weather it was so worth it. It was so cold there were icicles! The views are so beautiful and the overall experience was beyond words. Yes it is "touristy" but ohmygoodness no words or pictures can do it justice; so please go and see it for yourself! -
Review from Colin M.
Berkeley, CA
10/9/2011
This is an awesome waterfall a short drive from the city. The trail offers several variations including a quick 2.5 mile loop to the top of the waterfall and back. The view up to the waterfall is beautiful and the trails are well maintained which makes it a friendly experience for all hiking levels.
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Review from Eric B.
10/8/2010 4 photos
The last stop on our Columbia Gorge driving trip was the Big Show at Multnomah Falls. I wanted to see (and hike) more, but my teenage son had hit the wall, and tourist life has ceased to be fun. If he would have had his way, we would have stopped quickly at the nearby I-84 rest stop, taken a quick look, and driven home. But much to his consternation, Gayle and I parked the car at the visitor's lot, walked as far as the Benson Bridge, and thoroughly enjoyed the views. That experience provided a savory taste of further outdoor (and Wahkeena Loop Trail) adventure, but that will have to wait for another day.
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall (~620 feet) in Oregon and drops in two major steps. Underground springs from Larch Mountain are the year-round source of water for the waterfall, augmented by spring runoff from the mountain's snow pack and rainwater during the other seasons. It's an easy walk to the 1914 footbridge (named after Lumber Baron Simon Benson) which allows visitors to cross above the lower cascade. The trail continues to a platform at the top of the upper falls, the Larch Mountain Lookout, where visitors get a Birdseye view of the Columbia Gorge and also of "Little Multnomah", a small cascade slightly upstream from the "upper" falls.
While the spectacular geology of Multnomah Falls appears timeless, the rock face is continually being worn away by the force of the water flow. This fact was highlighted on Labor Day 1995, when a 400 ton boulder from the face of upper Multnomah Falls dropped into the upper plunge pool. The impact from this fall created a huge splash that spewed water and small rocks over the Benson bridge. A wedding party just happened to be on the bridge for photos when the boulder fell. Several people had minor injuries from the flying, including the groom who was struck by flying rock in a particularly delicate part of his anatomy. His bride reported the next day in that, despite his injuries, he had still been able to bravely perform his conjugal duties. -
Review from Franda L.
Anaheim, CA
1/10/2011
1/8
**Was recommended to us by basically everyone in downtown Portland.
1. Went directly to Hertz for a rental car
2. Arrive and did our whole "Ohs & Ahs"
3. Met Erik Spoelstra at the top of the 650 foot falls (that's after a 1.8mi hike up)
4. Asked Erik Spoelstra to pass onto Lebron James our words of "Watch Out"
5. Hiked back down and creeped/lurked around until Erik Spoelstra too ventured down the mountain
6. Proceeded to further annoy Erik Spoelstra
7. Goodbye Multnomah Falls, you were a blast
...8/9/10: When to find a liquor only to come across the Miami Heat team loading their bus, shrieked in excitement, no Lebron or D. Wade was seen
I guess he decided to watch out after all! -
Review from Susan T.
2/25/2011
You must must must take the Historic Columbia River Highway 30 from Troutdale to Multnomah Falls. There are so many scenic lookout points you mustn't miss. If time is an issue, then zip home on I-84 back to Portland. It takes less than 30 minutes.
There are 11 switchbacks to the top of Multnomah Falls. It's completely paved the entire way so you could wear flip flops or even go barefoot. How daunting to only be at 3 of 11 switchbacks and feel winded and have to stop and catch your breath! But it's not that bad because each switchback gets shorter and shorter as you walk upward. I didn't time myself, but the general consensus was maybe 40 minutes to get up. Besides, it's SUPER FAST like 5 minutes going down. Ha! -
Review from Ang M.
Arlington, WA
7/28/2011 2 photos
Just up the road about 30-45 minutes from Portland. There is a huge parking lot in the middle of the hwy or you can take the scenic (old road) and see much more waterfalls before and after this big one. It can be seen from the road, but to fully enjoy these falls you have to get out and walk to it. There is a paved trail that will take you all the way to the middle of it. When you reach the middle you can look down and see another portion of the falls just below your feet. This is stroller friendly however because of the initial steps (5-6) it may pose a challenge for a wheelchair. If aided then that is the only challenging part, it is well worth it. There's a gift shop with lots of goodies inside, a food court, there is also lots of excellent seating outside that will give you a viewpoint of the falls. There are also bathrooms that are in very, very good shape and well maintained (several stalls).
So if your in the Portland area, drive east for a bit, because this is worth it (young and old).
Enjoy -
Review from Brooke D.
Harvest, AL
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
A truly spectacular site! My family and I visited Multnomah Falls while vacationing in Hood River for Christmas.
The falls are super easy to get to because it's a short exit off the Interstate and you can see the falls as soon as you exit your car, no crazy trekking through the woods for half an hour. The bridge beneath the main fall and above the smaller fall is so cool, and just a short walk further up you can feel the mist of the fall on your face. It is the most refreshing thing! Well worth the 30 minute excursion! And it's FREE! -
Review from Ducci N.
Portland, OR
10/4/2010
I wont get into any descriptions as the pics already posted, speak for themselves.
I'm basing this review on how Multnomah Falls relate to my inner being, my true nature, my intrinsic values..etc. Here are some of my observations:
1) Great date place if you're looking to save some bucks as it is FREE with no cover charge.
2) Great place to test your date's fitness level or get your mate back looking how you remember them since it is about a mile hike to the summit.
3) Lots of nooks and crannies along the path for the adventurous few to get, um, "romantic".
4) Beautiful scenic views and good clean air to make me forget about the East Coast.
5) Good soft serve ice cream sold at the shop at the base of The Falls.
I'm restraining myself from giving it 5 stars until I get a date up there. -
Review from Chris Y.
11/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
200th Review Time!!!
Multnomah Falls is the best, most scenic, most popular waterfall hike near Portland. The paths (yup, most of them are paved) and trails (further up and away), though steep, are relatively easy to hike, and take you to some fantastic viewpoints.
It's very tourist-friendly, with a restaurant, gift shop, coffee stand, restrooms, etc. located along the Historic Columbia River Highway. You hardly need to get out of your car to see this waterfall, but I'd definitely recommend stopping and spending a few minutes (or hours) here!
There's plenty of trails that continue on and go further, for you more serious hikers and nature-folks. The trails are all inter-connected, too, from different waterfalls in the area. (Wahkeena and Fairy Falls from Multnomah is probably a 5-mi hike - or you could just drive there and have a much shorter hike.)
Even though it can get crowded (relatively, compared to other hiking trails and waterfalls), it's definitely worth seeing. Go check it out!Listed in: The Best Things in Life are…
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Review from Faye m.
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great stop if you're driving by...it's a beautiful waterfall with great views as you make your way up to the top. I didn't quite make it up to the top though, it had been a long 4 days leading up to the falls visit, plus I was getting hungry!
There's a pretty big gift shop that sells all kinds Oregon goodies. There's also a restaurant and little coffee cart, but we didn't partake in their offerings.Listed in: i LOVE oregon!
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Review from Danny N.
West Covina, CA
8/17/2011
One of the most beautiful hikes I've ever had. The journey to the top of the waterfall was simply amazing. You can see all the beauty of the state of Oregon.
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Review from Kristen M.
Hillsboro, OR
8/2/2010
Beautiful
Breathtaking
Waterfalls!!!!!
One of the best things to see when visiting Oregon. This is a tourist spot and a good place to hike. My group of buddies and I did the Loop #2 hike which took us about 4 hours (including picture taking time and breaks) for 5.6 miles.
Bathrooms are surprisingly better than most outdoor rest stops and outdoor tourist attractions.
They have some stands there that sell some coffee and ice cream for those who are a bit hungry. There is also a restaurant upstairs and a gift shop for keepsakes.
Overall, free parking and great views of nature! Who can ask for more? -
Review from MoMo B.
Brooklyn, NY
8/12/2010
If you're lucky like me, you'll get to visit the falls with a local who likes to you know... run up the trail to the top of the falls in under 20 minutes flat. I was the one huffing and puffing... but it was well worth it.
I went during sunset and it was amazing. It was magical. -
Review from Tuan L.
7/31/2011 3 photos
what can i say, the place is breath taking. There's not enough adjectives to really describe the feeling when you are in the presence of such a magical natural wonder. If you're up for an adventure, I suggest hiking up to the top. You will find amazing creaks and small waterfalls.
Listed in: July 2011 - Seattle/Portland
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Review from Janet R.
Portland, OR
7/27/2010
OH MY JESUS. I have never in my entire life seen waterfalls THAT huge. I am from SF, and the biggest waterfall we have is the one in Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.
Absolutely gorgeous, great view, and no shove-y tourists. Oh, and they had really yummy shaved ice at the shaved ice cart. -
Review from Desiree H.
Dallas, OR
8/3/2011
very beautiful! I have been here a hand full of times but never did the hike to the top of the falls till this last Sunday. I took my boyfriends family that was visiting from California there. They really enjoyed it. The hike is steep and all up hill but well worth the excercise. The view from the top is breathtaking. Next time, I will try to attempt the 7 mile hike.
