Multnomah Falls
Lodge to upper falls overlook
The lodge public restrooms are closed for renovation through November 2026; portable toilets are available. This notice does not close the hiking trail.
Checked 2026-10-23 · US Forest Service ↗The Route
The trail climbs from Multnomah Falls Lodge across Benson Bridge to the upper falls overlook.
- LodgeBase falls viewpoint
- Benson BridgeBetween waterfall tiers
- Upper SwitchbacksForest ascent
- Upper OverlookTurnaround
- Lodge ReturnSame bridge approach
Base & Benson Bridge
The developed falls area has several distinct endpoints. The base viewpoint is adjacent to the lodge, while Benson Bridge is reached by a short uphill trail. The bridge crosses between the waterfall's tiers. Neither endpoint is the top-of-falls overlook, so a distance for the bridge-only visit cannot describe the full upper trail.
Upper Trail & Return
Beyond Benson Bridge, a series of eleven switchbacks climbs the forested hillside toward the upper falls area. Maple, alder, Douglas fir and western redcedar occur along the trail. The upper-overlook outing returns by the same switchbacks and bridge approach. Continuing into the Wahkeena trail network produces a substantially longer loop, which is outside the lodge-to-upper-overlook route currently selected.
Terrain Along the Route
Paved lower paths and Benson Bridge lead to the steeper switchbacks and the overlook spur.
Approximate guide figures for the named route and endpoint, not a current measured track. Reference Set: 2026-10-23.
Weather
Current forecasts open at the providers below. NWS forecasts describe a terrain grid cell, not an exact summit.
Access
Multnomah Falls Lodge, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Trailhead & Approach
The I-84 Exit 31 lot connects to the lodge by a pedestrian path. Highway-side parking and seasonal reservations follow separate rules.
Parking & Entry
The route guide lists Check the current Multnomah Falls parking reservation rules. This is a reference listing, not a live parking or permit availability check.
Route Choice
The upper overlook return hike, not only Benson Bridge and not the longer Larch Mountain trail.
Parking Approaches
The I-84 Exit 31 lot connects to Multnomah Falls Lodge on foot. Historic-highway access uses different parking and reservation arrangements; neither parking area is the upper-overlook endpoint.
2026 Timed Entry & Facilities
The official Exit 31 timed-use season was May 22–September 7, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Reservations did not guarantee parking. The historic-highway privately operated lot has separate charges. Lodge public restrooms are under renovation through November 2026, with limited portable toilets provided.
Source information checked 2026-10-23. Road snapshots are dated separately.
Reports
Route Reference & Map
Open the original route description, map and access information at the publisher.
Official Access & Updates
Open the official page for current access notices, permits and seasonal information for this destination.
Links open the publishers’ report pages. Reports are not automatically imported or filtered to a forecast date.