This is probably one of the most overshot waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, but it is popular for a reason…it is magnificent.  The falls is massive in height and two tiers of cascades.  In fact, you can actually spot the top fall from across the highway at the parking lot, because that is how high it is, though to view thing in its entire splendor, you do have to walk to the viewing point.

I was pretty fortunate to visit this place considering a lot of the trails are still closed to due some kid burning down half the gorge las year. This is a popular spot so we were lucky to find parking spot, which  by the way, is located in the center divider on a left hand exit of the I-84 E, which is a little unexpected ( and not what Google Maps routes you to). I suggest coming here early if you want to avoid the crowds.  There appears to be a shuttle to take you there too, but you have to park offsite so it would take longer to reach the falls, soI much rather take my chances on parking.

Parking aside, if you aren’t a photographer, I don’t think the crowds is much of an issue because the crowds don’t hinder the view.  They do make trying to set up for a good shot a bit of challenge though.  Nonetheless, I was able to wriggle my way to find a decent composition.

I’m thankful I invested in a ND filter for this trip because I really needed it for this shot. Having a new camera and lens, I didn’t have any accessories, but I made a filter purchase a week before going to Oregon and that thing saved my photos.  While Oregon is known for being overcast, it was pretty bright that day.  There was a break in the clouds over the falls and the sun was directly bouncing on the water , which made any long exposure impossible.

The fun thing about long exposures and moving water is that silky, soft dreamy affect it gives, which is both picturesque and addicting to shoot.  For waterfalls though, and something as majestic Multnomah, I felt that too long of an exposure would have taken away from the “power” of it. I really wanted to keep that powerful effect.

This shot was .5 of a second.

That is one of my favorite things about being close to a waterfall, after all: to be humbled by the full force of nature and see both danger and beauty in one.