Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Overview of the Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit
Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic and visited natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest with more than 1.3 million visitors stopping by to take in the views. This is also one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods. Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies but is usually highest during winter and spring. A timed-use permit is in place during the busiest months of visitation to alleviate overcrowding.
A timed use permit is required to access Multnomah Falls between May 24, 2024 and September 2, 2024 (from Exit 31 off of Hwy. 84). The Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit provides access for one private vehicle and for its occupants visiting the Multnomah Falls Lodge and area and is required when visiting Multnomah Falls via Exit 31. The permit check-in location is on the walkway between the parking lot and Multnomah Falls.
Please note, a Timed Use Permit reservation does not guarantee parking. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck webpage to see updated images of the Exit 31 parking area for real-time capacity. (click I-84, then Multnomah Falls Parking).
When are Permits Required?
Timed Use Permits will be required between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily from May 24 through September 2, 2024 and are able to be reserved on Recreation.gov on an hourly basis.
Reservation Details and Permit Limits
- Timed Use Permits are released in two waves. The first round of permits is released 14 days in advance of the day of arrival (primary booking window). The second round of permits is released 2 days in advance of the day of arrival (secondary booking window).
- Primary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are available 14 days in advance of the day of arrival at 7 a.m. PST on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 10th, permits will be available for May 24th arrivals; on May 11th, permits will release for May 25th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 2nd, 2024.
- Secondary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are also available 2 days in advance at 7 a.m. PST on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 24th, permits will be available for May 26th arrivals; on May 25th, permits will be available for May 27th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 2nd, 2024.
- Visitors may purchase two Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits per day.
- A limited number of permits will be available for pickup without a fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum .
Please note: Timed Use Permits will not be required on the Historic Columbia River Highway/U.S. 30 in 2024. However, this route is extremely congested in the warmer months and parking is limited at the small lot along the Historic Highway/U.S. 30 at Multnomah Falls. A concessionaire will be operating this lot on a first-come, first-served basis. There are six ADA parking spots at this lot for those with valid ADA placards. When the parking lot is full, vehicles will not be allowed to stop or wait for an open space.
Riding an e-Bike to Multnomah Falls? E-bike parking is not allowed in the Multnomah Falls Plaza. Please plan to park your e-bike in another location off of the plaza.
Tour Operator?
If you are a tour operator with questions please reach out to the US Forest Service at (541) 308-1700 for more information.
Need to Know
- Summary of Timed Use Permit Access to Multnomah Falls
Visitors arriving by private vehicle or motorcycle will be required to obtain a Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit when parking in the (I-84) parking lot at Exit 31. Please check the permit descriptions to ensure you reserve the correct permit.
Timed Use Permits are required between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily from May 24th through September 2nd, 2024. Timed Use Permits for access to Multnomah Falls, (I-84, Exit 31) will become available two weeks prior to your visit starting May 10, 2024. Please have the printed or digital copy of your Timed Use Permit available to be checked at the check-in area. One permit is required per vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged.
- Parking
A Timed Use Permit reservation does not guarantee parking. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck webpage to see updated images of the Exit 31 parking area for real-time capacity (click I-84, then Multnomah Falls Parking).
- Length of Stay
You may stay longer than an hour. However, if you leave after your one-hour time slot you will not be allowed to re-enter using the expired permit.
- Entrance Time
Please arrive as close to your one-hour time slot as possible beginning at the time indicated on the permit. You may not enter the site prior to your reservation and your permit becomes invalid one hour after the time indicated.
- Permit Reservation Requirement
Timed Use Permits must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Timed Use Permits will not be sold on-site.
Keep in mind, cell service is limited in and around Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor.
You can reserve a permit up to two weeks prior to your visit. The U.S. Forest Service office in Hood River and the Multnomah Falls Visitor Center do not have additional permits for purchase.
We recommend you book your permit in advance of traveling to the area. - Permit Reservation Limits
Visitors are allowed to purchase two Timed Use Permits per day for each tour.
A limited number of permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis without a fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale, Oregon and at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks, Oregon.
- Shuttle and Transit Services
Timed Use Permits are not required if you choose to ride Columbia Gorge Express Transit , Gray Line Open-Air Waterfall Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley , Sasquatch Shuttle, or others. By choosing one of these services, you can ensure access to Multnomah Falls, the Waterfall Corridor and the many recreation sites, viewpoints and trails without the hassle of driving and finding a parking space.
- Bicycles
Visitors arriving by bicycle will not be required to have a Timed Use Permit.
- E-bike Parking
Riding an e-bike to Multnomah Falls? E-bike parking is not allowed in the Multnomah Falls Plaza. Please plan to park your e-bike in another location off of the plaza.
- Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about the Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit please visit ReadySetGorge.com.
Booking Windows
- Primary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are available 14 days in advance of the day of arrival at 7 a.m. PT on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 10th, permits will be available for May 24th arrivals; on May 11th, permits will release for May 25th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 2nd.
- Secondary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are also available 2 days in advance at 7 a.m. PT on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 24th, permits will be available for May 26th arrivals; on May 25th, permits will be available for May 27th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 2nd.
Changes and Cancellations
- If you are unable to attend your permit reservation, please cancel your permit to allow others the opportunity to visit Multnomah Falls.
- If you wish to modify your permit you must do so by midnight the day of arrival.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
5300 Historic Columbia River Highway Bridal Veil OR 97010
Phone Number
541-308-1700
