Guide to Visiting Multnomah Falls: Top Tips

Visiting Multnomah Falls takes some planning, especially during busy seasons. As the second tallest year round waterfall in the U.S. it attracts over 2 million visitors a year. However, with a little planning you don’t need to be discouraged from visiting by all the chatter. In fact, I visited this iconic waterfall in the middle of a sunny Labor Day weekend with no problems at all.

Permit Requirements and Entrance Details

This is perhaps the most important part, so let’s get this out of the way. If you’re driving to the main parking lot off I-84 (Exit 31) during the busy season—from late May to the start of September—you’ll need a permit. These cost $2 and are timed for one-hour arrival windows.

Permits are available online through Recreation.gov, and are released 14 days in advance. So, you may see that you need to grab them right when they are released because they go fast. Even if you are trying to go on short notice, take a minute to check out availability rather than assume you’re too late. I was able to secure a 9-10 AM entry window with only a week’s notice (again, remember on a Sunday of a holiday weekend) however by the time I visited it was sold out.

There are reportedly 186 spots in the parking lot and having a timed entry permit does not guarantee parking (once you’re in you can stay as long as you’d like). When I arrived at about 9:10 am, the lot was about 70% full. When I left an hour later, there were still several spots available. The lot is an oval so if you can’t find a spot, just keep circling as there are people coming and going all the time.

If you don’t get a permit here are a couple of options;

• Aim to arrive before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM and you won’t need one.
• Take the Historic Columbia River Highway (Hwy 30), which doesn’t require a permit, but expect a daily fee reported to be between $5 and $20 and fewer spots (about 50). I don’t believe this is a good option due to limited parking.
• Take one of the shuttles (see below)

Keep in mind, construction near the highway might cause some detours or changes in parking access through 2026.

A couple other tidbits that I did not see mentioned elsewhere during my planning. The exit from I-84 is from the left lane (this also means that you merge back on into the passing lane!). Also, your permit is checked as you enter the access tunnel on foot. I was expecting the permit to be checked as I drove into the lot, but not so.

If you want to check parking availability before you go, Oregon’s TripCheck website has real-time updates. This can help you decide when to leave or if you should consider other options.

Zoom in on the TripCheck map and look for this camera and click on it to view a real time snapshot of the parking lot. Also, since eastbound traffic enters where you see the big white arrow on the pavement, the most likely spot for parking availability is on the left since traffic needs to circle all the way around the lot to reach this point (unless you are entering westbound, but most people seem to be coming from Portland).

Multnomah Falls Hours and Best Time to Visit

The falls and trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk, but the visitor center and lodge have set hours—typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Spring is ideal for high water flow and fewer people. Plus, wildflowers bloom along the trails then.

Summer is busiest with the warmer weather, but you’ll definitely need a permit and there will be more crowds.

Autumn offers cool weather and colorful leaves without the permit hassle.

Winter shows off beautiful ice formations but can have some trail closures because of snow or ice. Also note that highway I-84 had chain up areas as you leave east Portland so you may experience snow on the highway as well.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its changing weather, and this area is no exception. In summer, the area is busy but mostly dry and warm. Spring and fall bring rain and cooler days, so dress in layers and bring waterproof gear.

Directions from Portland & Transit options

Multnomah Falls is about 30 minutes east of Portland on I-84. Take Exit 31 if you want the main parking lot with the falls’ closest access. It’s the easiest and most reliable way to get there, especially since it has more parking than the older highway lot.

If you prefer the Historic Columbia River Highway, drive to Exit 35 and follow the signs, but expect fewer spaces and possible road work delays.

Public transportation is limited, but the Columbia Gorge Express bus runs during peak season for a shuttle from Portland. In 2025, a round trip fare is $10 and you don’t need permits. The shuttle makes multiple stops along the waterfall corridor.

The Waterfall Trolley is a hop on-hop off service that operates from Corbett, just east of Troutdale and stops at several waterfalls until reaching it’s turnaround spot at Ainsworth State Park. Crown Point Vista House, with stunning views of the Columbia River is included as one of the stops.

There are also private shuttles like the Sasquatch Shuttle that offer rides from Troutdale (eastern suburb of Portland along I-84) with free parking at the outlet mall. These services provide easy access along the gorge and can be a chill way to spend the day without driving. In 2025, a $5 fare gets you roundtrip transportation to Multnomah, but if you want more, check out their narrated Waterfall Tour which includes multiple waterfall stops as well as a visit to Crown Point Vista House.

Exploring Multnomah Falls On-Site

Ok, you’ve managed the logistics, now it’s time to actually see the falls.

When you get to Multnomah Falls, there are a few key spots that really stand out. You can catch great views from different angles, cross the famous bridge for a close-up look, and relax at the lodge, which has food and some handy visitor info.

Main Viewing Platforms and Photo Spots

The main viewing area is just a short walk from the parking lot. It’s paved and easy to get to, so I found it perfect for a quick photo and to soak in that initial view. The falls drop 620 feet in two tiers, and from the lower platform, you can see the big splash where the water hits the rocks. Even in the morning, this was crowded but most people were respectful, taking their photos and selfies, then moving out of the way for others to take a turn.

As you ascend the .2 miles to Benson Bridge, there are a couple of spots to rest that offer good views of either to falls, or the valley below.

My favorite shot was from the top of the stairs leading to the Benson Bridge trail:

Benson Bridge Experience

Benson Bridge is the iconic stone bridge that features in the iconic images of the fall. From there you get a close look at the falls from right above the lower tier. It’s about a 10-minute uphill walk from the main platform.

The path is paved, but in need of some repair so watch your step. I also had some concern that in some areas there were poles with low slung chains as the only barrier between you and tumbling down the hillside. Definitely not tall enough to break your fall.

The path switchbacks at a steady climb, but most people should be able to manage it. There are a few spots with benches if you need to rest. It is not feasible for a stroller or wheelchair as it starts with stairs, has uneven asphalt, and switchbacks at a moderately steep incline.

Standing on Benson Bridge, you feel almost surrounded by the falling water. It’s a great place to hear the roar of the creek and see the mist up close. There were plenty of people taking selfies or just enjoying the closeup view of the upper falls.

If heights are an issue, you may want to avoid stepping onto the bridge, but there is a landing area right before the bridge which provides a place to see the upper falls without stepping onto the bridge.

View of the upper part of the falls from Benson Bridge:

In the late 1800’s a wooden bridge existed in the spot where the stone bridge now sits. By the turn of the century it had disintegrated. In 1914, Columbia River Highway engineer Samuel Lancaster and lumber baron Simon Benson paused to admire the falls. Lancaster sketched rough construction costs for a viewing bridge on an envelope—and Benson immediately wrote a check for the full amount. That spontaneous act of philanthropy launched Multnomah Falls as the iconic natural wonder we know today.

Multnomah Falls Lodge and Visitor Center

The historic stone lodge amongst the trees looks like something from the pages of a fairy tale. It’s just off the main trail, and is perfect for grabbing a bite or finding out more about the falls and the Gorge. There is food & drink, restrooms, an interpretive center staffed by friendly volunteers, and a gift shop.

The visitor center has helpful tips about the trails and safety as well as displays about the history of the area.

Built in 1925 with local stone and cedar shingles, it was acquire by the US Forest Service in 1939. It’s design was intended to fit in with the architecture of the great National Park lodges.

Brief History

Multnomah Falls is the dramatic result of one of the area’s most catastrophic geological events. About 15,000 years ago, massive glacial outburst floods known as the Missoula Floods reshaped the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, including carving the basalt cliffs that now frame Oregon’s tallest waterfall. These weren’t ordinary floods—they were walls of water hundreds of feet high, carrying ice chunks the size of houses. Their effects can be seen in many parts of Washington and Oregon.

Columbia River tribes considered these falls sacred ground. Local folklore tells of a chief’s daughter who, during a devastating plague, sacrificed herself by leaping from the cliff to save her people, with the Great Spirit creating the waterfall as a monument to her courage. While I couldn’t authenticate how much of this tale is truly part of local indigenous legend, and how much of it was romanticized for tourists, it does appear in multiple second hand sources like tourism blogs.

The falls entered recorded history when Lewis and Clark paddled past on October 30, 1805, noting “small streams falling from the mountains.” That’s an understatement!

Accessibility and Safety Guidelines

Most main trails along the Waterfall Corridor are family-friendly. The base of Multnomah Falls has paved and fairly flat paths, which makes it easier for strollers and wheelchairs.

But some hikes, like the ones up to Benson Bridge or the longer loops, have stairs and uneven terrain. Wear good shoes, watch your step, and keep an eye on kids or pets.

Remember to stay on marked trails to protect the environment and avoid accidents. Some cliff edges can be steep and dangerous.

Popular Tours and Guided Experiences

If you want to learn more about the area or skip the parking hassle, guided tours are a solid option. Many local companies offer group hikes that cover several waterfalls in the corridor.

Guides often share stories about the Columbia River Gorge’s history, geology, and native plants. Some tours include transportation, so you don’t have to worry about driving or parking.

There are also bike tours for a more active way to see the waterfalls. These tours fit well with the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor vibe and let you get up close without a lot of walking.

Booking ahead is smart, especially in the busy season, to grab your spot and make sure you’re prepared.