Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most iconic waterfall, plunging nearly 620 feet in two dramatic tiers along the edge of the Columbia River Gorge, where rainforest cliffs meet sweeping river vistas. The falls gained national fame in the early 1900s thanks in part to Dorothy Klock, whose tireless advocacy helped turn the site into a must-see destination and spurred early preservation efforts. Today, the Gorge is celebrated for its windswept landscapes, dozens of waterfalls, and outdoor adventure, blending raw Pacific Northwest wilderness with a rich history of conservation and tourism.

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Here are 5 fun and interesting facts about Multnomah Falls:​

• It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. Multnomah Falls drops about 620 feet in two tiers, making it the tallest year-round waterfall in Oregon and among the tallest in the country.

• The famous bridge was built nearly a century ago. The Benson Bridge (opened in 1914) was added so visitors could walk right between the upper and lower cascades — long before Instagram made it famous.

• It sits inside a wind-carved super canyon. The falls are part of the Columbia River Gorge, a dramatic corridor shaped by ancient floods and powerful winds that create dozens of nearby waterfalls.

• It’s one of the most visited natural sites in the Pacific Northwest. Multnomah Falls attracts millions of visitors each year, making it Oregon’s most popular natural attraction.

• The water comes from underground springs and snowmelt. Unlike many seasonal waterfalls, Multnomah flows year-round thanks to Larch Mountain snowpack and natural springs feeding the creek above.

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And about Dorothy Klock:  Dorothy Klock was an early-20th-century Portland civic booster and tourism advocate who became one of Multnomah Falls’ most passionate champions. At a time when automobile tourism was just taking off, she actively promoted the falls through organized outings, publicity efforts, and local advocacy, helping transform it from a relatively quiet natural spot into a nationally recognized destination. Her work helped build momentum for preservation and visitor access in the Columbia River Gorge, contributing to the area’s rise as one of Oregon’s signature scenic attractions. While she isn’t widely known today, Klock is remembered locally as one of the key figures who helped spark early conservation-minded tourism around Multnomah Falls.

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** Dorothy Klock is the grandmother of Brian Rauch, the creator of Travel Duel! Northwest!

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