Oregon’s iconic Multnomah Falls has once again earned global recognition — this time from Travel + Leisure, which included the waterfall on its newly published list of the “21 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World.”
In its feature, the magazine praised Multnomah Falls for its “fairy-tale feel,” noting that while it’s one of the most accessible natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, its magic remains undiminished.
“It’s hard to explain exactly why waterfalls are so enchanting, but there’s no denying their effect,” Travel + Leisure wrote. “These spring-fed falls might be right off the busy Historic Columbia River Highway, but the site’s easy accessibility does nothing to detract from its fairy-tale feel.”
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A Natural Wonder in Oregon’s Backyard
Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, just 30 miles east of Portland, Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most visited natural attraction. Towering 620 feet from top to bottom, the waterfall plunges in two distinct tiers — a sight framed by lush forests, basalt cliffs, and the picturesque Benson Bridge, which arches between the upper and lower cascades.
“Set in the Columbia River Gorge between Portland and Hood River, Multnomah Falls plunges from upper to lower tiers as the iconic Benson Bridge stands prominently in the foreground,” the article described.
The falls are fed year-round by underground springs from Larch Mountain, ensuring a consistent and powerful flow even in the driest summer months. During the winter, freezing mist transforms the surrounding rock into a crystalline wonderland, making it a destination for travelers in every season.
Global Recognition Among Natural Giants
Travel + Leisure’s list features waterfalls from around the globe — from Iceland’s Skógafoss and Zambia’s Victoria Falls to Hawaii’s Akaka Falls and Norway’s Vøringsfossen. Yet Multnomah Falls stands out not only for its beauty but also for its accessibility.
Unlike many of the world’s natural wonders that require long treks or helicopter rides to view, Multnomah Falls sits just off Interstate 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway, allowing travelers to reach its base within minutes of leaving their cars.
That accessibility, Travel + Leisure notes, has made it “one of the most photographed waterfalls in the United States — and perhaps the most beloved.”
A Must-See Oregon Landmark
Whether visitors are hiking to the top for panoramic views of the Gorge or simply enjoying coffee at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, the site remains a quintessential Oregon experience.
On peak weekends, thousands of visitors from around the world line the bridge and viewing platforms to capture photos of the cascading water framed by evergreens and morning mist.
For Oregonians, the recognition comes as no surprise. Multnomah Falls has long been a point of pride — a place where the grandeur of nature meets the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
As Travel + Leisure put it: “From the largest and tallest to the quietest and most hidden, some waterfalls feel almost otherworldly — and Multnomah Falls is one of them.
