The falls are the tallest in the state of Oregon at a total of 620 feet and by far the most famous and well-visited of the 77 Columbia Gorge falls on the Oregon side. No visit to the Portland area is complete without seeing Multnomah Falls. The name is probably derived from a native american word, ‘nematlnomaq,’ meaning ‘downriver.’
Note: Permits are now required for the parking area. They may be obtained from the USDA website. Permits are also required for
Between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022, the Timed Use Permit will be required for personal vehicles to access federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week, between the Bridal Veil off-ramp (I-84 Exit 28) and Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35). Learn more here.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area requires Timed Use Permits to access two separate areas:
- Multnomah Falls (I-84/Exit 31)
- The Waterfall Corridor between Bridal Veil (Exit 28) and Ainsworth (Exit 35)
Starting May 24th through September 5th, permits will be required from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. A Timed Use Permit reservation does not guarantee parking. Permits will be available on a per vehicle basis and visitors will be limited to 2 permits per day.
Depending on your travel plans, reserve one or both permits:
Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit: The Forest Service in partnership with Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Parks Recreation Department, and Multnomah County are piloting Timed Use Permits to access the Waterfall Corridor between Bridal Veil (Exit 28) and Ainsworth (Exit 35). The Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit will provide access to US Forest Service sites including Wahkeena Falls recreation area, Oneonta Trailhead, and Horsetail Falls recreation area. The permit will also provide access to Multnomah Falls for visitors using the Historic Columbia River Highway parking lot. This permit does not guarantee you a parking space.
Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit: Access to Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84/Exit 31 only. This permit does not guarantee you a parking space.