Multnomah Falls, just east of Portland Oregon, is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the United States and the world. Imagine a fairytale scene with a remarkably high cascade of raging water that drops hundreds of feet to a landing, flowing under a beautiful bridge, only to plummet once again. This is not make-believe, but a real-life postcard, book cover, and photographer’s dream.
I first arrived to take pictures of this bucket list item during the summer of 2022. Upon approaching the base of it, the height of it was staggering. The crowds were prominent, but I did my best to slowly sneak my way up after all the selfies were taken so I could get a clear view of the scene. I knew, however, that it would be wise to visit again in the morning when the crowds would disappear.
There I was, once again, the next morning when the sun was still making its way over the horizon. The ambient light was just enough to create a soft glow and the mist seemed to be extra heavy, giving Multnomah Falls a mysterious, ethereal appearance. As I stood exploring all the angles all by myself, I knew it probably couldn’t get much better.
After parking, the path leads you to this storybook bridge and the light was just right.
The morning light burst onto the scene illuminating Multnomah Falls.
The walkway leading to the viewing platform was such an enticing invitation that I had to grab a picture.
This is the classic summer view of Multnomah Falls where the lush green vegetation surrounds the beatiful stream.
As I explored some of the trails surrounding the falls, I was pleased to see this immersive vegetation surrounding the falls and the famous Benson Bridge.
Benson Bridge, named after Simon Benson, a prominent Oregon businessman who funded its construction in 1914, is a reinforced-concrete footbridge that spans 45 feet across the lower cascade of the falls, 105 feet above the ground.
I wanted to capture all of the history, textures, colors, and vegetation surrounding Benson Bridge.
I became obsessed with how this towering pine stretched and lined up directly in front of the falls.
To me, this is what I think of when I imagine the majestic Multnomah Falls.
Cut to March 2025. Almost three years later.
I bet Multnomah Falls in the fall would be incredible.
This thought bounced around in my head and I couldn’t shake it, so I thought I might as well try to plan a fall photo shoot in the Portland Oregon area to give Multnomah Falls another visit.
A scene can always be better despite how perfect it is at the moment you are there—this is truly the curse of an obsessive photographer.
As I approached Multnomah Falls this third time, I knew the decision to come again was the correct one. The fall colors were in full display, and the scene I had once analyzed at every angle years ago seemed completely different. After hours of shooting Multnomah Falls and the trails around it, I was thrilled with the results.
I hope you enjoy these pictures of Multnomah Falls as much as I did creating them.
I created an ultra vertical panorama that features the sky opening all the way to the final descent of the falls amidst the fall-colored vegetation.
Every now and then, the breeze would blow the leaves off the trees, and I stood there (for a very long time) waiting for the perfect chance to capture the leaves.
We hit the trails that surround the falls, and I wanted to grab the towering golden leaves and the waterfall beyond.
One of my last pictures was the most challenging. This angle was hard to shoot, but I'm glad I took the time to do it as it's one of my favorites.
Visiting the falls in autumn is something you should definitely put on your bucket list. Really, though, anytime will do!
