Yes, You Can Visit Multnomah Falls in Winter [What You Need to Know]

Tips for Visiting Multnomah Falls in Winter

Yes, You Can Visit Multnomah Falls in Winter [What You Need to Know]

Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall (620 ft) and its most visited. If you’re wondering whether you can visit Multnomah Falls in winter, the answer is a resounding yes!

…and I recommend it. Winter tends to be the slowest month for visitors and peak water flow is usually in late winter/early spring so it’s a great time to see the falls in action with fewer crowds. Here’s what you need to know for your winter visit to Multnomah Falls, Oregon.

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Multnomah Falls Winter Weather

Average winter* weather at Multnomah Falls is as follows:

Month	Avg High (°F)	Avg Low(°F)	Avg Days of Rain
November	50°	34°	18
December	43°	31°	18
January	44°	30°	17
February	48°	31°	15
March	53°	33°	18

Source: NOAA via Google

*Included November because it feels as winter-like, if not more than March

Getting to Multnomah Falls in Winter

Getting to Multnomah Falls in winter is the same as summer. From Portland, you take I-84 East and take Exit #31 (there are signs). It’s under an hour drive. From Hood River, you take I-84 West, and get off on Exit #31. It’s also under an hour drive.

If you are visiting in winter, Portland, Cascade Locks, and Hood River, Oregon (check hotel prices here) are all great places to stay. Portland is your best bet if you won’t have a car because there are multiple companies/people that offer tours that will drive you to Multnomah. (I haven’t taken any so can’t recommend provide a company recommendation)

Hiking Near Multnomah Falls in Winter

You can hike Multnomah Falls and nearby trails in winter, but how far you can get is very weather-dependent. I have hiked Wahkeena Falls trail in January and had to stop after a few miles because of knee-high plus snow. I’ve also hiked nearby Angel’s Rest in January with zero snow. Bottom line: hiking conditions can vary greatly from year to year and even week to week.

Tips for Visiting Multnomah Falls in Winter

Parking is Free BUT…

It fills up early, particularly on nice days…even in winter. If you’re willing to walk about a mile, there is additional parking at Wahkeena Falls. If you’re not willing to wake up early or walk, just expect to circle the parking lot a few times until someone leaves. Best estimate maybe 10-15 minutes. As of 2022, the paid shuttle service for the Columbia River Gorge is NOT available during winter, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes in future years.

Go Early

Going early is the easiest way to have a less crowded, less stressful Multnomah Falls experience any time of year.

It’s Colder than Portland

Multnomah Falls is colder than Portland so make sure to check the weather and dress warmer than you would in Portland. Also, expect that there may be snow or ice on the ground so pick appropriate footwear (see gear list below) even if you are just viewing the falls or walking up to Benson Bridge.

Make Sure it is Open

Multnomah Falls is open year-round but can close temporarily in winter as a result of weather (think: snow, flooding, or mudslides). Even if the weather is good on the day you want to go, check to make sure the falls are open. The impacts of severe weather can take days to weeks to clear up.

Check for US Forest Service updates here or simply google “is Multnomah Falls open?” It is popular enough that local news will usually pick up when it is closed.

Enjoy the Amenities

One nice thing about a popular tourist attraction: there are amenities, including real (i.e. indoor) bathrooms, a visitor center, a lodge, a snack stand, and of course, a souvenir shop! The visitor center is small but has some interesting info including wild photos of a past winter storm that show the area absolutely buried in snow. The lodge has food, drinks, and heat!

If You Like Hiking, Explore

If you like hiking, don’t stop at Multnomah Falls. The Columbia River Gorge offers a number of other nearby hikes that in my opinion are better than simply hiking Multnomah Falls Trail.

Other Columbia River Gorge trails worth considering in winter are Angel’s Rest, Devil’s Landing, Wahkeena Falls Trail, or some combination of thereof. If you’re ambitious and it has been a mild winter you may be able to do the Wahkeena Falls/Multnomah Falls Loop (I’ve only done it in summer; my winter attempt was too snowy). Check out maps on AllTrails, this US Forest Service map of Multnomah area trails or go all-in with a print Columbia River Gorge Map.

Gear Check! Essentials for Multnomah Falls in Winter

Recommended for All Visitors

Quality warm jacket with wet-weather resistance (rain or snow) weather (Patagonia NanoPuff is a crowd favorite)
Hiking shoes or boots with good traction

Additional Reccomended Items if You’re Hiking

YakTrax (may or may not be needed but small and worth throwing in your bag)
Gloves
Hiking poles
Hiking clothes [here’s what I wear on day hikes]

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