Directions
Multnomah Falls is a waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, located east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson, along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower falls of 69 feet (21 m), so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet (189 m). Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon. It is credited by a sign at the site of the falls as the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States but that claim is debated among waterfall experts. Unlike many of the West's famous falls, Multnomah Falls does not dry up in the late summer. Rainwater, an underground spring and snow melt feed the falls through all four seasons and ensure a spectacular sight any day of the year.
Driving Directions Most Direct, 30 minutes:
From Portland take I-84 eastbound for approximately 30 miles. Follow signs and take exit 31 (an unusual left-side exit ramp) off I-84 to a parking area. Follow the path under the highway to reach the falls viewing area. For Google Maps driving directions to Multnomah Falls click the green "View Map" icon and then select "Get Directions" in the upper left hand corner of Google Maps.
Scenic, 45 minutes:
From Portland take I-84 to exit 28 (Bridal Veil exit) and drive three miles east on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. You will pass other falls on your way.
Ultra - Scenic, 1 hour or more depending on stops:
Take I-84 eastbound to the Troutdale exit. Follow signs for the Scenic Loop drive. Follow the drive along the old Columbia River Highway, the first in our nation to be named a National Historic Landmark. On this route you can encounter breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge, Mount Hood and several other famous waterfalls on your way to the Multnomah Falls parking area.
Photo Advice: The best time of year to photograph Multnomah Falls is during the later summer months and early fall during peak foliage season. While sunrise is the best time of day to photograph the falls without people on the bridge, the rising sun will put the falls in half light half shade just after sunrise. So do not miss the short window of great lighting during sunrise . Sunset is another good time of day to photograph the falls as the sun sets just to the left of the falls this provides nice even lighting for long exposures. The problem with sunset is there will be alot of foot traffic accross the bridge during evening hours.
Download a free copy
of the Four Factors of Filter Highlight Photography in PDF format by selecting
the “ebook download” tab above. This 37 page guide covers how
to take a single image and apply minor manipulations that will help you produce
consistent reproducible results. You will also learn the processes of camera set-up, image
editing, and advance scouting techniques used by professional photographer
Christian James. Free park maps,
tide reports, ebooks and additional information can be found under the Maps and
Resource tab located in the black bar at the top of the screen. Nikon D3x 24-70mm Lens @ 66mm f11@ 1/8 second ISO 100
Exposure Value -1.3 with a 3 Stop (0.9) Soft-Step Spilt ND Filter. 5/5/12 6:45 a.m.
