Multnomah Falls
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon · 122 ft
Typical peak
Oct 2 – Oct 10
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Classic view faces S (180°)
Bigleaf maple frame the 620-foot falls from the paved plaza, and Benson Bridge gives a higher line that separates the upper and lower drops. Overcast keeps the white water from blowing out against the wet basalt.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
Park at the I-84 exit 31 lot or the Historic Columbia River Highway lodge lot and walk 200 yards to the base viewpoint, then five minutes more up the paved switchback to Benson Bridge.
What turns here
- bigleaf maple
- vine maple
- red alder
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 6Typical color progression for Multnomah Falls. No change from Aug 29 to Sep 15. First color from Sep 15 to Sep 24. Approaching peak from Sep 24 to Oct 2. Peak from Oct 2 to Oct 10. Past peak from Oct 10 to Oct 20. Bare from Oct 20 to Nov 3.
Multnomah Falls is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
58°F / 45°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Multnomah Falls on October 6, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:43 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 96° | 7:13 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 40 min of low, warm light | 7:52 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:56 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 40 min before sunset | 6:00 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 263° | 6:40 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:09 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 11h 27m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Both ends of the day: side-lit
Side light. Best for texture and depth across a ridge, and the safest bet for contrast.
Classic composition faces S (180°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.