Shady Creek Falls

Multnomah County, Oregon

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 177 ft (54 m)
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Access status: Roadside view from the Multnomah Falls I-84 parking lot
The walk: Viewed from the parking lot; no walk needed
Ground & access: Paved parking lot and underpass path.

Northwest Waterfall Survey: Shady Creek Falls

Shady Creek Falls is next to Multnomah Falls, on the small creek that the paved path crosses on the way to Multnomah Falls. It cannot be seen from the trails beside Multnomah Falls and is hidden by trees from south of the railroad tracks. The clearest view is from the Multnomah Falls parking lot between the lanes of I-84 (Exit 31). Visitors arriving on the Historic Columbia River Highway can walk through the underpass beneath the railroad and freeway into the rest area. Do not climb to the falls; the creek appears to supply water to Multnomah Falls Lodge.

Plan your visit

Multnomah Falls parking lot off I-84 Exit 31, view of Shady Creek Falls from the rest-area lot

Northwest Waterfall Survey says the falls are seen from the Multnomah Falls rest area parking lot between the lanes of I-84. No walking distance applies.

Paved parking lot and underpass path.

Where to start

Free parking area off I-84 Exit 31. When the lot is full, the entrance closes automatically. Timed-use permits are required for this lot in summer.

Timing & water

USFS lists Multnomah Falls as open year-round, day use only.

Before you go

USFS requires timed reservations to visit Multnomah Falls from late May through early September, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; online permits carry a $2 transaction fee, and a limited number of free permits are available in Troutdale and Cascade Locks.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Oregon

Waterfall location

Multnomah County, Oregon.

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