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51-488: The land surrounding the falls was developed by Simon Benson in the early-twentieth century, with a pathway, viewing bridge, and adjacent lodge being constructed in 1925. The Multnomah Falls Lodge and the surrounding footpaths at the falls were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Contemporarily, the state of Oregon maintains a switchback trail that ascends to a talus slope 100 feet (30 m) above

102-408: A 400-ton boulder, loosened by erosion, fell 225 feet (69 m) from the face of the waterfall into the upper cascade pool, above Benson Footbridge. It caused a 70-foot (21 m) splash of water and gravel to wash over the footbridge, causing minor injuries to twenty members of a wedding party that happened to be on the bridge posing for photos at the time. On January 9, 2014, a falling rock damaged

153-562: A Norwegian-born American businessman and philanthropist who was active in the city of Portland, Oregon . Simon Benson was born Simen Bergersen Klæve in the valley of Gausdal in Oppland county, Norway. He was one of seven children in the Berger Iversen family. His eldest brother Jon immigrated to the United States in 1861, followed by his sister Mathea in 1865. In 1867, his parents and

204-492: A bridge at the falls to allow visitor access. This bridge, named the Benson Footbridge, spans the lower falls at a height of 105 feet (32 m), and provides an expansive view of the upper falls. On Labor Day 1915, Benson donated over 1,400 acres (570 ha) of land which included most of the falls as well as nearby Wahkeena Falls , to the city of Portland. The Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company subsequently donated

255-674: A farm hand and later worked in logging camps and sawmills. At the age of 24, he opened a general store in Lynxville, Wisconsin . It did well until it was destroyed by fire three years later. Then 27, he was completely broke and now had a wife, Esther Searles, and son Amos to care for. Having heard about abundance of the timber in the Northwest and with his experience working in the woods and sawmills of Wisconsin, Benson moved his family to Portland, Oregon in 1880. Simon and Esther had two more children, Alice and Caroline, before Esther died in 1891 after

306-799: A group of businessmen who encouraged the building of the Columbia River Highway . When citizens of Hood River County voted a $ 75,000 bond levy to construct the portion of the highway that would run from the Multnomah County line to Hood River, Benson purchased the entire bond issue within a month because the bonds were not selling. In the early 1920s, Benson moved to southern California to retire, but gradually became active in business again, buying and developing land and managing business properties. He died in Los Angeles, California in August 1942. Benson

357-574: A group of businessmen who encouraged the building of the Columbia River Highway . When citizens of Hood River County voted a $ 75,000 bond levy to construct the portion of the highway that would run from the Multnomah County line to Hood River, Benson purchased the entire bond issue within a month because the bonds were not selling. In the early 1920s, Benson moved to southern California to retire, but gradually became active in business again, buying and developing land and managing business properties. He died in Los Angeles, California in August 1942. Benson

408-400: A long fight with tuberculosis. In 1894 Simon married Pamelia Loomis, and they had two children, Gilbert and Chester. Riding through two personal cycles of prosperity and poverty before his third and lasting success, Benson went into the business of logging near Clatskanie, Oregon and Oak Point, Washington , downstream from Portland, buying up tracts of timber wherever he could. He introduced

459-400: A long fight with tuberculosis. In 1894 Simon married Pamelia Loomis, and they had two children, Gilbert and Chester. Riding through two personal cycles of prosperity and poverty before his third and lasting success, Benson went into the business of logging near Clatskanie, Oregon and Oak Point, Washington , downstream from Portland, buying up tracts of timber wherever he could. He introduced

510-483: A number of changes to Northwest logging, including the donkey steam engine which replaced the oxen that had previously been used to haul logs. He later built the famous Benson seagoing rafts which could carry up to six million board feet (14,000 m³) of timber, cutting the cost of transporting logs to markets in California . In 1898, he moved his family and his business headquarters back to Portland. The family lived in

561-431: A number of changes to Northwest logging, including the donkey steam engine which replaced the oxen that had previously been used to haul logs. He later built the famous Benson seagoing rafts which could carry up to six million board feet (14,000 m³) of timber, cutting the cost of transporting logs to markets in California . In 1898, he moved his family and his business headquarters back to Portland. The family lived in

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612-587: A portion of the bridge walkway and concrete railing, leading the Forest Service to close the bridge until repairs were completed. In September 2017, the lodge was threatened by the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge, which resulted in the lodge and fall access being closed to the public. The lodge reopened on November 29, 2017, though the U.S. Forest Service announced that footpath access to

663-653: A public park. Subsequently, the land was divided to become the Wahkeena Falls Recreation Area, Benson State Park, and Multnomah Falls Recreation Area. Benson also paid for the masonry footbridge across Wahkeena Falls and the reinforced concrete arch pedestrian bridge over the lower Multnomah Falls. In 1905 Benson donated the Forestry Building at the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland. The building

714-423: A public park. Subsequently, the land was divided to become the Wahkeena Falls Recreation Area, Benson State Park, and Multnomah Falls Recreation Area. Benson also paid for the masonry footbridge across Wahkeena Falls and the reinforced concrete arch pedestrian bridge over the lower Multnomah Falls. In 1905 Benson donated the Forestry Building at the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland. The building

765-596: A rented house for two years until Benson decided to build a new home at the corner of SW Park and Montgomery. This is the home known as the Simon Benson House . Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it was later saved from city condemnation and restored by the Friends of Simon Benson House and moved to the Portland State University (PSU) campus at SW Park and Montgomery in 2000. It houses

816-419: A rented house for two years until Benson decided to build a new home at the corner of SW Park and Montgomery. This is the home known as the Simon Benson House . Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it was later saved from city condemnation and restored by the Friends of Simon Benson House and moved to the Portland State University (PSU) campus at SW Park and Montgomery in 2000. It houses

867-527: A steeply-pitched cedar -shingled gable roof with dormers and large chimneys. In the early through the mid-twentieth century, the lodge provided both meals and lodging to travelers. Contemporarily, it provides meals, a gift shop, and an interpretive center. The lodge and footpaths were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. In contrast to other falls along the Gorge, the Multnomah Falls area

918-501: A stop at Multnomah Falls on their railway, which spanned from Portland to Pasco, Washington ; this stop continued to operate until World War II , and included a timber bowstring truss bridge that spanned the falls at the present bridge's location. Around 1891, the bridge was reinforced, but was dismantled in 1899. On January 28, 1915, Samuel C. Lancaster recommended to the Progressive Business Men's Club of Portland that

969-450: A trail be built from the base of Multnomah Falls extending to the top of Larch Mountain . The Club raised several hundred dollars to finance the trail, and Portland financier Simon Benson and his son Amos S. Benson pledged an additional $ 3,000. The United States Forest Service appropriated a total of $ 1,500 and agreed to survey and build the trail in addition to the lookout on Larch Mountain. Benson financed Italian stonemasons to construct

1020-581: A visitor's center and is home to the PSU Alumni Association. Now a wealthy man, Benson's interests expanded beyond the timber industry. In 1912, he began building a fine hotel because he felt it was needed in Portland to attract tourists and more commerce to the city. It was modeled on the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, a brick structure with the same type of French mansard roof. It opened in 1913 and

1071-408: A visitor's center and is home to the PSU Alumni Association. Now a wealthy man, Benson's interests expanded beyond the timber industry. In 1912, he began building a fine hotel because he felt it was needed in Portland to attract tourists and more commerce to the city. It was modeled on the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, a brick structure with the same type of French mansard roof. It opened in 1913 and

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1122-565: Is accessible via Interstate 84 east of Troutdale, Oregon , and is a "designated scenic area" by the state of Oregon. The falls are the most-visited natural recreation area in the Pacific Northwest , with over two million annual visitors. The rest area and tunnel under the road (as well as the Union Pacific Railroad tracks) allow Interstate travelers from either direction to stop and visit the falls. Columbia Area Transit operates

1173-523: Is buried at River View Cemetery in Portland. Benson is well remembered for his philanthropy. He has been quoted as having said: "No one has the right to die and not leave something to the public and for the public good." Benson purchased a 400-acre (1.6 km ) tract of land in the Columbia River Gorge , which included Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls , and deeded it to the City of Portland for

1224-414: Is buried at River View Cemetery in Portland. Benson is well remembered for his philanthropy. He has been quoted as having said: "No one has the right to die and not leave something to the public and for the public good." Benson purchased a 400-acre (1.6 km ) tract of land in the Columbia River Gorge , which included Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls , and deeded it to the City of Portland for

1275-603: Is listed as the 156th tallest waterfall in the United States by the World Waterfall Database (this site does not distinguish between seasonal and year-round waterfalls). The World Waterfall Database disputes claims that Multnomah Falls is the fourth-tallest waterfall in the United States, which has been claimed in such sources as the Encyclopedia of World Geography (2013). Underground springs from Larch Mountain are

1326-495: The Columbia Gorge Express to Portland and Hood River. During the summer season and holidays the parking lot along the freeway access can fill up very quickly which prompts a gate to come down and a reader board sign along the freeway before the offramp flashes that the parking lot is full. Several tour providers offer a variety of ways to access Multnomah Falls from ebike rentals to waterfall shuttles that stop at all of

1377-632: The Portland School District $ 100,000 to help fund the building of a polytechnic school. Finished in 1918, the school was first used for the training of soldiers for World War I. It was re-opened to high school students in January 1919 and renamed Benson Polytechnic . In 1921, after moving to Beverly Hills, California , Benson deeded the city of Portland nine acres overlooking the Willamette River between North Greeley and Going Streets. The land

1428-457: The Portland School District $ 100,000 to help fund the building of a polytechnic school. Finished in 1918, the school was first used for the training of soldiers for World War I. It was re-opened to high school students in January 1919 and renamed Benson Polytechnic . In 1921, after moving to Beverly Hills, California , Benson deeded the city of Portland nine acres overlooking the Willamette River between North Greeley and Going Streets. The land

1479-414: The Columbia River Gorge in 1805. In an October 30 journal entry, Lewis notes: passed Several places where the rocks projected into the river & have the appearance of having separated from the mountains and fallen into the river, small niches are formed in the banks below those projecting rocks which is common in this part of the river, Saw 4 Cascades caused by Small Streams falling from the mountains on

1530-638: The Lard. The origin of the falls' naming is unclear; scholar Lewis A. McArthur, in Oregon Geographic Names , suggested that S. G. Reed, a prominent mercantile clerk in Portland and native of Massachusetts , may have been the first to apply the name with the idea of popularizing sites along the Columbia River for steamboat excursions. Beginning in 1884, the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company operated

1581-645: The creation story from the Multnomah tribe (from whom the falls take their name), the waterfall was formed after a young woman sacrificed herself to the Great Spirit to save a Multnomah village from a plague by jumping from the cliff, and the Multnomah peoples were saved. After her death, water began to flow from above the cliff, creating the waterfall. The falls were noted in the journals of explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis during their expedition through

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1632-503: The falls and continues through the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge to Starvation Creek . In 1991, a wildfire damaged over 1,600 acres (650 ha) near the falls, and resulted in the closing of Perdition Trail, a hiking trail that branched off the main trail to the falls' observation deck. The trail is permanently closed and deemed unsafe for passage. On Labor Day in September 1995,

1683-516: The falls' edge, providing visitors a bird's-eye view of the Columbia Gorge and also of "Little Multnomah", a small cascade slightly upstream from the "upper" falls, which is not visible from ground level. There are a number of trail junctions along the footpaths ascending to the falls' observation deck, which allow access to a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail loop to other nearby waterfalls. The Mark O. Hatfield Memorial Trail , one of several, starts at

1734-404: The falls, and descends to an observation deck that overlooks the falls' edge. The falls attract over two million visitors each year, making it the most-visited natural recreation site in the U.S. Pacific Northwest . The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower falls of 69 feet (21 m), with a gradual 9 foot (3 m) drop in elevation between

1785-674: The first of Portland's sister cities; one at the Maryhill Museum of Art in the Columbia River Gorge; and since 2012 one in Pendleton, Oregon . Conservationist Francis J. Murnane was instrumental in preserving the bubblers, his first successful project. Benson was chosen to represent Oregon at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in 1915, as the state's "First Citizen." In 1916, Benson gave

1836-429: The first of Portland's sister cities; one at the Maryhill Museum of Art in the Columbia River Gorge; and since 2012 one in Pendleton, Oregon . Conservationist Francis J. Murnane was instrumental in preserving the bubblers, his first successful project. Benson was chosen to represent Oregon at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in 1915, as the state's "First Citizen." In 1916, Benson gave

1887-515: The land at the base of Multnomah Falls contingent upon their agreement that a lodge would be constructed at the site the same year. Late that year, architect A. E. Doyle , who designed Portland's Meier & Frank Building , was commissioned by the city to design the Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was completed in 1925. The lodge, built in a "Cascadian" architectural style using native split fieldstone laid irregularly. The building features

1938-448: The oldest son and daughter. Simon Bergersen was 16 when he arrived in the United States. After arriving in the United States, the family had taken out naturalization papers, changed their family surname to "Benson" and proceeded to become United States citizens . Benson first went to work as a farm hand and later worked in logging camps and sawmills. At the age of 24, he opened a general store in Lynxville, Wisconsin . It did well until it

1989-486: The rest of the family also followed – landing first in New York City , and then traveling to Black River Falls, Wisconsin , to join the oldest son and daughter. Simon Bergersen was 16 when he arrived in the United States. After arriving in the United States, the family had taken out naturalization papers, changed their family surname to "Benson" and proceeded to become United States citizens . Benson first went to work as

2040-576: The two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet (189 m). The two drops are due to a zone of more easily eroded basalt at the base of the upper falls. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon . It is credited by a sign at the site of the falls, and by the United States Forest Service, as the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. However, there has been some skepticism surrounding this distinction, as Multnomah Falls

2091-622: The waterfall would remain closed until an indeterminate date due to concerns over landslides . The trail to the Benson Bridge reopened in June 2018, while the remaining trails along upper Multnomah Creek and to Wahkeena Falls, the top of Larch Mountain , Devil's Rest , and Angel's Rest were repaired and reopened in November 2018. A five-ribbed spandrel bridge, the Multnomah Creek Bridge,

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2142-504: The waterfalls near Multnomah Falls A paved foot trail leads to Benson Footbridge, a 45-foot (14 m)-long footbridge that allows visitors to cross 105 feet (32 m) above the lower cascade . After a viewpoint of the upper falls, the trail continues to ascend to an elevation of 785 feet (239 m); it consists of eleven switchbacks which reach a forested talus slope 100 feet (30 m) above the falls. The trail then descends to an observation deck (elevation 660 feet (200 m)) overlooking

2193-479: The year-round source of water for the waterfall, augmented by spring runoff from the mountain's snowpack and rainwater during the other seasons. This spring is the source of Multnomah Creek. Multnomah Creek drains into Benson Lake approximately 1,300 feet west of the bottom of the falls. The waterfall formed around 15,000 years ago at the end of a hanging valley , and was created by the Missoula floods . According to

2244-473: Was active in the city of Portland, Oregon . Simon Benson was born Simen Bergersen Klæve in the valley of Gausdal in Oppland county, Norway. He was one of seven children in the Berger Iversen family. His eldest brother Jon immigrated to the United States in 1861, followed by his sister Mathea in 1865. In 1867, his parents and the rest of the family also followed – landing first in New York City , and then traveling to Black River Falls, Wisconsin , to join

2295-473: Was built in 1914 to bring what is now the Historic Columbia River Highway across Multnomah Creek below the falls. It is 67 feet (20 m) long and is a contributing structure in the highway's listing on the National Register of Historic Places , and in its designation as a National Historic Landmark . Simon Benson Simon Benson (September 9, 1851 – August 5, 1942) was

2346-419: Was destroyed by fire three years later. Then 27, he was completely broke and now had a wife, Esther Searles, and son Amos to care for. Having heard about abundance of the timber in the Northwest and with his experience working in the woods and sawmills of Wisconsin, Benson moved his family to Portland, Oregon in 1880. Simon and Esther had two more children, Alice and Caroline, before Esther died in 1891 after

2397-573: Was known as the Oregon Hotel. For sixteen months it lost money and finally Benson took over management, at which time it became known as the Benson Hotel . Benson later built the Columbia Gorge Hotel near Hood River in 1921. He brought Henry Thiele , later owner of his own famous restaurants in Portland, to be its head chef. Benson was also an enthusiastic supporter of good roads and among

2448-402: Was known as the Oregon Hotel. For sixteen months it lost money and finally Benson took over management, at which time it became known as the Benson Hotel . Benson later built the Columbia Gorge Hotel near Hood River in 1921. He brought Henry Thiele , later owner of his own famous restaurants in Portland, to be its head chef. Benson was also an enthusiastic supporter of good roads and among

2499-410: Was later dedicated as Madrona Park. The Simon Benson Award was created in 1999 to honor the region's contemporary pioneers of philanthropy. Portland State University's Simon Benson Award honors philanthropists who have made a lasting impact in the region. Simon Benson Simon Benson (September 9, 1851 – August 5, 1942) was a Norwegian-born American businessman and philanthropist who

2550-729: Was the largest wooden building at the time and it burnt down in 1964. The interior was copied in the Glacier Park Lodge . Simon Benson was a tee-totaler and he wanted to discourage his workers from drinking alcohol in the middle of the day. In 1912, Benson gave the City of Portland $ 10,000 for the installation of twenty bronze temperance fountains for clean drinking water. These fountains, known as " Benson Bubblers ", are still in use in downtown Portland. Today there are 52 Benson fountains, most in Portland but also one in Sapporo, Japan (since 1965),

2601-574: Was the largest wooden building at the time and it burnt down in 1964. The interior was copied in the Glacier Park Lodge . Simon Benson was a tee-totaler and he wanted to discourage his workers from drinking alcohol in the middle of the day. In 1912, Benson gave the City of Portland $ 10,000 for the installation of twenty bronze temperance fountains for clean drinking water. These fountains, known as " Benson Bubblers ", are still in use in downtown Portland. Today there are 52 Benson fountains, most in Portland but also one in Sapporo, Japan (since 1965),

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