A lake fed by underground springs, wetlands teeming with life, and a waterfall formed around 15,000 years ago: In Multnomah, water is part of the landscape, a habitat, and the story of the Earth. At the same time, trails lead to very different discoveries, from peaceful natural areas to museums and gardens.
Waterfront Destinations and Different Ways to Explore Them
At Blue Lake Regional Park, the namesake lake sets the tone. Several miles of trails wind through wooded picnic areas and wetlands, alongside an 18-hole Gold-level disc golf course. The trail network also leads to the Nichàqwli Monument. This brings outdoor activity and a cultural site together, without making them the same experience.
On the Columbia River, Chinook Landing Marine Park has six boat launch facilities. Its wetlands provide wildlife habitat, and accessible boardwalks add to the waterfront amenities. Government Island State Recreation Area offers a different experience: it can only be reached by boat. The main island has 15 miles of shoreline; its freshwater wetlands provide habitat for salmon, salamanders, bats, turtles, birds, and other wildlife.
Government Island also offers a glimpse into history: In the Vancouver–Portland area, the island was one of 14 landing sites used by Lewis and Clark. Its historical significance stands alongside the natural setting, rather than in place of it.
Protected Areas and Trails Through Green Spaces
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area protects important waterfowl habitat. Birdwatching, hiking, photography, and canoeing are among the activities available there. According to population counts, the area’s biodiversity includes at least 275 bird species, 37 mammal species, and 12 reptile and amphibian species. Visitors can therefore bring different interests to the same natural area.
At Wapato Access, a 2-mile trail circles the lake. A viewing platform and a bird observation shelter also offer views of the lake. You can reach the area by boat from Hadley’s Landing on the Multnomah Channel. Forest Park offers a different scale: it covers 5,200 acres and has more than 80 miles of trails. The Wildwood Trail, a 30-mile natural-surface hiking trail, runs through the park. The overall size of the trail network and the length of this individual trail offer two different points of reference for getting your bearings.
Cycling on rural roads is also popular in Multnomah County, especially on Sauvie Island, in the West Hills, east of Sandy, and in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. A clearly defined stretch of the Sandy River between Dodge Park and Dabney State Park has two designations: State Scenic Waterway and Federal Wild and Scenic River.
Gardens, Museums, and Local History
Multnomah County is home to Lan Su Chinese Garden, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), and the Oregon Historical Society. Lan Su Chinese Garden was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. Traditional Chinese tea is served daily at the garden’s Yun Shui Teahouse; check whether it is currently available before your visit.
At OMSI, visitors can test ideas, experiment, and collaborate in labs and exhibit halls. The Oregon Historical Society allows adult and community groups to book self-guided exhibit tours. Booking arrangements may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information before making plans. Founded in 1963, the Portland Japanese Garden offers a different way to explore cultural history than OMSI’s exhibits and hands-on activities.
The Oregon Zoo is a major local family attraction in Multnomah County. It’s accessible via MAX light rail and the underground Washington Park station. Check current transit connections before your visit.
Multnomah Falls: Geological History and Road Access
Multnomah Falls is 620 feet tall and located near Interstate 84 between Troutdale and Cascade Locks. The waterfall was formed by the Missoula Floods about 15,000 years ago. Multnomah Falls Lodge houses a gift shop, restaurant, and U.S. Forest Service information center. Vehicles and bicycles can reach the waterfall and lodge via the Historic Columbia River Highway—a direct road connection linking the attraction with the landscape along the route.
Explore more destinations: Gresham, Portland, Troutdale, Columbia County, Baker, Lane, Yamhill County, Clackamas.
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