This trail begins at Multnomah Falls trailhead and climbs 0.2 mile to the Benson Bridge, built in 1914 by one of the builders of the old highway. Beyond the bridge, the asphalt trail switchbacks up steeply for another mile to a ridge crest. Look for Columbia River views as you ascend. From the top, the trail drops slightly to a junction with a trail labeled “viewpoint”. The asphalt follows the side path to the Multnomah Falls Upper Viewpoint, where a balcony sits at the lip of the falls looking down on the lodge and creek below.
History
Lumber baron and philanthropist Simon Benson donated the land that the falls sit upon and funded the construction of the iconic Benson Bridge in front of Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the Columbia Gorge’s most recognizable natural landmark. Benson’s generosity later helped citizens work with timber companies in the 1940s and 1950s to secure protection of some of the Gorge’s most iconic waterfalls.
Ditch the car and take the Columbia Gorge Express! The round trip shuttle service starts at Gateway, and stops at Rooster Rock Park, and continues to Multnomah Falls!
SRC: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/multnomah-falls.html
Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here