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 26th through September 1st, 2025. Timed Use Permits for access to Multnomah Falls, (I-84, Exit 31) will become available two weeks prior to your visit starting May 12, 2025. 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.
Directions
Direction to Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit area:
From Portland take Interstate 84 (eastbound) and follow signs to Multnomah Falls. Take exit 31 to access the parking lot for Multnomah Falls. On foot, follow the path under the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 to the entrance station. Continue on the path to Multnomah Falls. Please use caution crossing the Historic Columbia River Highway at the pedestrian crosswalk before entering the site.
From points east take Interstate 84 (westbound) and take exit 31 to access the parking lot for Multnomah Falls. Exit 31 westbound may be closed due to congestion especially on weekends and in the afternoons. Visitors would then be required to travel to Rooster Rock, exit 25 and circle back to approach exit 31 from Interstate 84 eastbound. On foot follow the path under the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 to the entrance station. Continue on the path to Multnomah Falls. Please use caution crossing the Historic Columbia River Highway at the pedestrian crosswalk before entering the site.
If you find yourself at the Bridal Veil (exit 28) check-in area turn around and proceed back to the I-84 exit 28 interchange and take the west bound on ramp. Follow signs to Rooster Rock State exit 25 and negotiate the interchange and take the east bound I-84 on ramp. Follow signs to Multnomah Falls exit 31 to access the parking lot for Multnomah Falls.
If you find yourself at the Ainsworth (exit 35) check-in area turn around and proceed to the exit 35 interchange and take the west bound on ramp to Portland. Take exit 31 to access the parking lot for Multnomah Falls. Exit 31 westbound may be closed due to congestion especially on weekends and in the afternoons. Visitors would then be required to travel to Rooster Rock, exit 25 and circle back to approach exit 31 from Interstate 84 eastbound.
