#3 Columbia River Gorge’s Tallest Waterfall: Multnomah Falls
If you owned a waterfall that just happened to be the tallest in the entire state (and the second highest in the U.S.), would you be willing to give it away for others to enjoy? Simon Benson, noted Oregon businessman and philanthropist, did exactly that, donating more than 200 acres of his personal land in 1915 during the construction of the scenic highway. Falling 620 feet over two drops, Multnomah Falls is one of three waterfalls fed by the same underground spring in Larch Mountain. You can hike up to the Simon Benson footbridge and stretch your neck upward to watch the water’s last tumble down from the dense woods to the Columbia River. Also a great jumping-off point for other hikes, visit the information center in the bottom of Multnomah Falls Lodge to grab a map and cup of coffee before setting out.
