How to Use the Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit System in 2024
Permit season for Multnomah Falls is around the corner again. The good news is that the system is similar to last year. If you visited in 2023, you know the drill. The only change is that the small lot across from Multnomah Falls now charges (quite a lot) for parking. If it’s your first time visiting, don’t worry, I got you. Read on for details on how to reserve your timed entry permit for Multnomah Falls, plus some tips and tricks from a local. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor in 2024.
Multnomah Falls
When are Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permits required in 2024?
May 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
7 days/week, 9 AM - 6 PM
Outside of these dates and times, you do not need a permit.
Why are Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permits required?
The goal of the Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit is to increase safety and reduce crowding at Multnomah Falls and the roads around it. The US Forest Service and Oregon Department of Transportation are hoping to prevent dangerous back-ups on Interstate 84 and make the area around Multnomah Falls safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Upper tier of Multnomah Falls
Do I need a timed entry permit to see Multnomah Falls?
Whether or not you need a timed entry permit to visit Multnomah Falls depends on where you park. There are two parking lots for Multnomah Falls: one directly off Interstate 84 and another off the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Parking option #1 (requires permit, more parking): From I-84 (coming from either direction), take Exit 31, which leads directly to a parking lot for Multnomah Falls.
To use the parking lot for Multnomah Falls off I-84, you will need a Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit ($2) in the summer of 2024.
This parking lot is the larger of the two lots for Multnomah Falls and is more likely to have parking spots available during busy times.
The permit does NOT guarantee a parking spot, only the permission to park in the lot if there is room available.
This parking lot does not connect to the Historic Columbia River Highway and the viewpoints for the other waterfalls of the Waterfall Corridor like Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls. To see these waterfalls, you’d return to I-84 and take either Exit 28 or Exit 35 and drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway.
You can hike to the base of Wahkeena Falls from Multnomah Falls. It’s about 0.5 miles each way. See the end of the article for more about hiking.
Parking option #2 (more expensive, pay for parking on site, fewer parking spaces): Take the Historic Columbia River Highway to reach the smaller parking lot across from Multnomah Falls.
You do not need to reserve a permit in advance to park in this lot but you do need to pay for parking.
This privately owned parking lot was free up until the spring of 2024. The owners installed payment machines and now charge up to $20 for parking. Many locals, including myself, are unhappy with this change.
This parking lot is small and fills up quickly during popular times.
Do I need a timed entry permit to see the Waterfall Corridor?
No. In 2024, you do not need a permit to visit the Waterfall Corridor (the stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway from Exit 28 to Exit 35). This area required a permit in 2022 but no longer does, even during peak season. The parking lots in the Waterfall Corridor (other than Multnomah Falls) are free, including Wahkeena Falls, the Oneonta Gorge trailhead, Horsetail Falls, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Angel’s Rest. It may be difficult to find parking in these places at busy times.
View from the Benson Bridge that crosses Multnomah Falls
How much does a Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit cost?
It costs $2 to get a Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit. There are options for limited free same-day permits at Troutdale’s Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
When can I reserve a permit?
You can reserve a Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit up to 2 weeks in advance. You can reserve same day, too, if they are available.
The US Forest Service releases a first round of permits two weeks in advance at 7 AM and then a second round 2 days in advance at 7 AM. The largest number of permits will be available just after release times.
How do I get a Multnomah Falls Time Entry Permit?
1) To reserve a Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit, create an account through recreation.gov. It’s best to create an account first before searching. If you search first, you’ll have to start all over after creating the account.
2) Search for and select the permit you want.
3) Choose your date and time.
4) Provide payment information and confirm booking.
5) You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation information.
Lower tier of Multnomah Falls from the Benson Bridge
How do I use the permit?
Show your Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permit at the check-in station on your way into the parking lot. The rangers can help answer questions if problems arise.
Permits have a one-hour window for arrival. If you arrive outside the window, the permit is no longer valid.
You can stay longer than one hour. The hour window on the permit is for arrival only. There is no limit on how long you can stay after you arrive as long as you don’t stay overnight. However, if you leave the parking lot, you will still need to be in the arrival window to re-enter.
Is there a limit on how many permits I can reserve?
Yes, you can reserve up to 2 time slots per day. You will want to use this option if you plan to leave the parking lot and return later in the day. Most visitors will just need one permit.
Viewpoint beneath Wahkeena Falls
Other tips and tricks:
When you book a permit, you will be able to see how many are left at each time. I found it helpful to know which times are the most popular. The distribution is not very surprising. These are trends I noticed:
The 11 AM - 12 PM time is generally the most popular, followed by the 12 PM - 1 PM time.
The least popular times are early in the morning and at the end of the day.
When should I go to Multnomah Falls to avoid the crowds and find a parking spot most easily?
Here are my best tips for avoiding the crowds at Multnomah Falls:
Go early. I am not a morning person, so I cringe at this suggestion even as I write it. Nor am I alone in my feelings. Arriving early (before, say, 8:30 AM as a ballpark) is the best strategy to avoid the crowds, especially on summer weekends. If you’re interested in hiking, going early will also ensure you have enough time for some of the longer trails.
Go late. There will be other people around in the evening, but it’s nothing like the midday crowds. Long summer days mean if you arrive at 6 PM there is time to see the Waterfall Corridor and even tackle a short hike before dark.
Go on a weekday. Earlier or later in the day will still be better than midday.
Go in a season other than summer. As a bonus, the waterfalls will look their best from late fall through early spring. Check conditions before visiting in winter since the area sometimes gets snow and ice.
Oneonta Tunnel
Do I need a permit if I’m not coming by car?
No. Multnomah Falls Timed Entry Permits are only required for passenger vehicles using the parking lot.
If you are biking, taking public transit, or hiking to Multnomah Falls, you do not need a permit.
Can I take public transit to Multnomah Falls?
Yes. Columbia Area Transit (CAT) runs between the Gateway Transit Center in Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, and Cascade Locks. A day pass is $15. Learn more about it here.
What else should I know about visiting Multnomah Falls for the first time?
Look for restrooms and a water bottle filling station on the bottom floor of the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Multnomah Falls.
The trail to the viewpoint at the base of Multnomah Falls is flat, even, and paved. There are a few stairs to continue on the trail to Benson Bridge and the top of the falls.
Viewpoints are fenced and family-friendly.
Where can I hike near Multnomah Falls?
So many places! This area has phenomenal hikes but be aware that they are popular and often crowded. Here are a few of my favorites:
Multnomah Falls hike: take the paved trail up the hill from the base of Multnomah Falls, across Benson Bridge, and to a platform at the top of the falls. It’s about a 2-mile out-and-back hike.
Wahkeena Falls - Multnomah Falls loop hike: follow this 5-mile loop hike starting from either Multnomah Falls or Wahkeena Falls. This hike is waterfall city, with six official waterfalls along its route.
Wahkeena Falls to Fairy Falls: start at the base of Wahkeena Falls and head uphill to admire all its tiers. Stop at Lemmons Viewpoint, which overlooks the Columbia Gorge, then continue to reach the ethereal Fairy Falls for a 2-mile out-and-back hike.
Ponytail Falls hike: start at Horsetail Falls for an easy 0.8-mile out-and-back hike to enchanting Ponytail Falls.
Continue past Ponytail Falls to see two more waterfalls and the wild and weird contours of the Oneonta Gorge by making the 4.2-mile out-and-back hike to Triple Falls.
For details and more suggestions, take a look at my guide to 10 Great Waterfall Hikes near Multnomah Falls.
Enjoy your trip to Multnomah Falls!
With love,
Emma
Vista House at Crown Point
Looking for more to do near the Columbia Gorge? Check out some of these places nearby:
International Rose Test Garden
Or, try out these ideas in and around Portland:
