Visit
Multnomah
Falls
Multnomah Falls
In 2023 over two million people called on the country's second tallest waterfall (620 feet).
Located on the Historic Columbia River Highway visitors have been biking, hiking, and road tripping their way though Waterfall Alley for 108 years.
What to know
Do not get a permit for the freeway parking lot unless you're just passing through on a quick stop.
At the permit parking area you are limited to visiting just 1 of the 7 waterfalls.
If you are just passing through they can be purchased 2 weeks in advance of your visit and typically sell out so don't wait til the last minute. Simply visit rec.gov and search for Multnomah Falls, create an account, and purchase a ticket for the specific 1 hour window when you may arrive.
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Designed to share Waterfall Alley with the world it goes to Multnomah Falls and five other parks with huge named falls.
Part trail, part road, part shared it was an engineering triumph of it's time.
Best experienced on a bike it passes countless other falls, lookouts at wide river views, and meanders through diverse old growth forest.
Best ways to enjoy the falls
Charter a plane for an amazing aerial view! And for the rest of us...
Bikes, Shuttles, Tours, Picnics and Hikes
There are plenty of affordable ways to visit.
If everyone in your party is 16 or older you can rent ebikes to take on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail from Ebike Multnomah Falls. Their google reviews and my own experience riding here are that ebikes are a fun way to safely navigate the otherwise slow going route.
Biking, hiking, and road tripping have been favorites at Multnomah Falls for over 108 years.
Park and Ride
Waterfall Shuttle operates a convenient park and ride just 5 minutes from Multnomah Falls. Park in their secure lot, ride the shuttle to the Falls, get expedited entry (skip the line), and return to your car on the shuttle.
$15/person, kids under 3 are free, dogs are allowed
541 716 5411 -- Waterfallshuttle.com
60984 NE Frontage Rd Cascade Locks OR 97014
Ebike Multnomah Falls
In their reviews on Google, read them, people swear this is the absolute best way to see the Falls. You need to be at least 16 years of age but we've seen older and younger adventurers having a safe but unforgettable experience in the waterfall corridor on e-bikes.
Parking
The parking was designed for 100,000 visitors/year and we're now at 2.5 million visitors/year. Your chances of getting a parking spot are low but it's not impossible.
Other Waterfalls
Latourell Falls
Drive to Guy W Talbot State Park on NE Latourell Rd where you'll find ample parking for this beautiful waterfall. Just a short, easy, 5 minute walk from the parking area you'll find a breathtaking 290' tall waterfall where you can actually get up close and personal without crowds.
Keep this one on the down low, it's my favorite in the area but remains largely unknown. Amazing, easy hikes here too.
Only 5 miles from Multnomah Falls without the hassle of parking and crowds
Horsetail Falls
Not as sure of a bet as Latourell parking wise but very beautiful with great hikes and a swimming hole
Elowah Falls
Moderately challenging and scary hike to this waterfall but you get amazing views and you won't forget this epic falls.
Our recommendations
Drive the historic highway and see it all yourself, but not on the weekend. If you have to do it on the weekend do it before 10 am or after 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just want to see Multnomah and I don't want to spend any money to do it
A limited number of same day permits are available each day for FREE at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitors Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks.
Do I need a permit?
The three ways above in "our recommendations" do not require a permit. If you plan on driving to the I84 lot and taking your chances with parking you will need a permit to get in. See above to get one for free the day of your visit.
Where can I park to see the falls?
There is a lot in front of the waterfall on the historic columbia river highway 30 but it's full by 10am and manged by a lot attendant. About 1 in 10 cars who try to get a spot actually end of getting one, even then you'll wait 20 mins or more.
Submit a question!
Don't end up stuck in traffic, having a bad experience. Our mission is simply to help visitors to Oregon's most popular attractions enjoy their time in the Waterfall Corridor.
If there's one message we could get across it's this:
Don't waste all your time at Multnomah Falls, yes it's well known, yes it's amazing but there are 90 waterfalls in this magical place and you're missing out if you don't see more than Multnomah.
We will respond to all messages within 24 hours. You can also text us at 541 716 5411