Updated: April 15, 2024
A permit is required to visit from May 24, 2024 through October, and becomes available online only two weeks in advance of your travel date on rec.gov. Summer dates sell out fast so mark your calendar if you want to secure one.
Luckily there are ways to visit without a permit:
1., An E-Bike is the recommended way to see the waterfalls. Get a front row spot at each of the 6 major waterfalls allowing you plenty of time to explore each of the parks and various viewpoints surrounding the falls. E-bikes start at $60 and you can make a reservation on their website.
2. The Multnomah Falls Tour from Waterfall Shuttle visits the 6 major falls in a 3.5 hour guided waterfall walking tour. Six short hikes (1/4 mile) take you to the waterfalls and the Crown Point Vista House. We highly recommend their Sunset Tour if it’s not sold out.
Did you know?
Multnomah Falls is the tallest of 77 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls located on The Historic Columbia River Highway.
Read on for all our suggested itineraries and things to do at Multnomah Falls
There is very limited parking and it's hard to come by on a nice day or on the weekend. Alternatives are renting an ebike or taking a tour.
We recommend spending 3-4 hours exploring the Waterfall Corridor rather than just visiting Multnomah Falls.
Yes, the best view is from the bottom right by the road.
You can see the falls without hiking. The hike to the top is tough and takes a few hours.
Yes, the trails to the bridge and beyond are currently open.
Horsetail Falls, Pony Tail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperds Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, and Latourell Falls are all within a few miles.
If you want to do more than see it from the freeway we suggest renting an Ebike from Ebike Multnomah Falls or taking a tour. Either way you can see everything the area has to offer.
Yes, permits are required during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They can be purchased online at rec.gov but only go on sale two weeks prior to the travel date. They cost $2 and allow you to park your car in front of Multnomah Falls using the I84 parking lot. This route does not allow access to any other waterfalls which is why we recommend using the Historic Highway.
No, but Horsetail Falls is a good place to do so.
Explore beyond Multnomah Falls and enjoy these points of interest all within a few short miles of the iconic waterfall.
Take a hike under a hanging waterfall cave! Simply go to Horsetail Falls and take the .8 mile round trip hike up to Upper Horsetail Falls.
Dip your feet in and take a swim at Horsetail Falls a popular swimming hole.
Do what Julie’s family did and ride an Electric Bike to 7 waterfalls!
Tour the Country’s First Scenic Byway which runs from Troutdale to the Dalles. I’d recommend leaving I-84 at exit 18 from Portland and driving the Byway to Ainsworth State Park at Exit 35 from 1-84 (works in reverse if coming from Hood River)
Stand under a 250′ tall waterfall and feel the powerful energy of Latourell Falls near Mile 26 of the Scenic Byway
On the way back to Portland stop at the most epic viewpoint, the Crown Point Vista House
See old growth trees and 2 waterfalls on a beautiful and moderate 2.5 mile nature hike from Latourelll Falls. This is one of my favorite hikes in all of the PNW.
Learn about the Geography and see how 17 million year old lava flows define the geography of the region on a Tour from Ebike Multnomah Falls.
Falls Creek Falls? Not in the corridor, 53 minutes away is my favorite falls in the area. A remarkably easy 3.5 mile hike to the most beautiful waterfall around. I recommend hiking Falls Creek and riding electric bikes on the scenic highway through the waterfall corridor near Multnomah Falls
Whether you've only got an hour or an entire day to commit to experiencing the Columbia River Gorge and the Waterfall Corridor, these itineraries will help you plan your outing in this beautiful area.
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while walking along mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while cruising along mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
Adding a couple hours to your trip opens up a plethora of opportunities to see more waterfalls and take advantage of local offerings such as coffee and fresh produce.
The dream! To have a full day in waterfall alley. Here’s how I’d do it from Portland, it works in reverse just as well if you’re coming from Hood River.
Start from exit 18 off 1-84 and drive along the Sandy River to Corbett Country Market for gas and fresh hot local snacks.
Continue to some farm stands that you’ll spot along the road. After the stands enjoy what you got at the women’s forum and crown point vista house.
Pack a lunch from the market, the farm stands, or. if coming from Hood river in Cascade Locks.
Carry on down to Latourell Falls where you’ll do a 2.5 mile easy hike to spot native species, old growth cedar and fir, and two waterfalls.
Get on your bikes and ride! Meet your ebike rental and ride to the relaxing and peaceful scenic highway to the rest of the waterfalls. If you didn’t bring lunch get some at the lodge. Pizza and hot dogs are available easily there too.
Return to your car and go get dinner!
McMenamins Edgefield if going to Portland. and Gorges Beer Co if going to Hood River from Portland
Be wary of ride share, there are typically only 1 way trips to the falls and no drivers to take you home.
If you’re arriving car free you’ll take the CAT bus to the main Multnomah Falls parking lot.
1. Latourell Falls Loop, starting from a 250 foot cascading beauty a beautiful path follows a bubbling creek to a waterfall in the hills. I love the old growth cedar and Douglas fir on these easy 1 hour hike.
2. Upper Horsetail Falls, simply park at Horsetail falls and walk up the switchback to a beautiful overhanging waterfall. The path actually cuts underneath the basalt cliff waterfall for about 100 yards. Easily done in 45 minutes.
3. Angels Rest, a bit longer and harder without any waterfalls this 2-3 hour hike climbs to a beautiful precipice with the best gorge views you can get in the area.
1. Up for 5 hours of tough hiking? It’s worth it to climb from Multnomah Falls to Sherrard Point. Many waterfalls along the picturesque trail and views of 5 volcanos from the top! One volcano per hour of hiking with bonus waterfalls. Can’t beat that!
2. Simply hike to the top of Multnomah Falls and make right turns til you get back to the parking lot and you’ll complete a beautiful 2-3 hour waterfall hiking loop through Wahkeena Falls.
3. Beat the crowds to 4 waterfalls and the only way to access epic Oneonta Gorge by hiking up from horsetail falls and once again making rights till you get back to the road. Expect 2-3 hours but allow time to explore on this one.