Multnomah Falls and Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permits
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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 to access federal lands adjacent to US 30/Historic Columbia River Highway between Bridal Veil (Exit 28) and Ainsworth (Exit 35)
The permits are two separate systems and are not interchangeable. There is no access for cars between the Exit 31 parking lot and the Historic Highway. There is a pedestrian walkway.
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 Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit will also provide access to Multnomah Falls for visitors using the US 30/Historic Columbia River Highway parking lot. This permit is not valid for visiting Multnomah Falls via the Exit 31 parking lot, which is not accessible by car from the Historic Highway. This permit does not guarantee you a parking space and parking is limited.
Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit: Access to Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84/Exit 31 only. This permit is recommended if you only want to visit Multnomah Falls. This permit does not guarantee you a parking space. There is no access for cars between the Exit 31 parking lot and the Historic Highway. There is a pedestrian walkway. This permit is not valid at the Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit check-in locations at Exit 28 and Exit 35.
If needed for your plans, you can reserve both permits. We recommend staggering your arrival times so you have time to enjoy your visit without missing your next arrival time.
Both Timed Use Permits are intended to improve the visitor experience and access to US Forest Service recreation sites by reducing congestion. The goal is to reduce congestion and improve safety with better access for emergency responders.
Learn more about the Waterfall Corridor improved access and view the map of the permit area.
Notifications and Alerts
Reservation Tip: Login to your account or create a new account before tickets go on sale. We recommend you book online to avoid delays. The Call Center does not have additional inventory for sale.
Timed use permits for access to the Historic Columbia River Highway between Bridal Veil and Ainsworth are no longer required.
Need to Know
- Entering the Area
Visitors arriving by private vehicle or motorcycle will be required to obtain a Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit or Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit. Please check the permit descriptions to ensure you reserve the correct permit – each permit accesses a different area.
Both Timed Use Permits will be required between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily from May 24th through September 5th, 2022. Please have the printed or digital copy of your Timed Use Permit available to be checked at the check-in area.
- Parking
A Timed Use Permit reservation does not guarantee parking.
- Length of Stay
You may stay longer than an hour, however if you leave after your time slot you will not be allowed to re-enter using the expired permit.
- Entrance Time
Please arrive as close to your one-hour time slot as possible, starting at the time indicated on the permit. You may not enter the site prior to your reservation and your permit becomes invalid one hour after the time indicated.
- Permit Reservation Requirement
Timed Use Permits must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Timed Use Permits will not be sold on-site.
Keep in mind, cell service is limited in and around Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor. We recommend you book your permit in advance of traveling to the area.
- Permit Reservation Limits
Visitors are allowed to purchase two Timed Use Permits per day for each tour. Visitors may purchase at total of two Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permits and two Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits.
- Shuttle and Transit Services
Timed Use Permits are not required if you choose to ride Sasquatch Shuttle, Gray Line Open-Air Waterfall Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley and Columbia Gorge Express Transit. By choosing o ne of these services, you can ensure access to Multnomah Falls or the Waterfall Corridor and the many recreation sites, viewpoints and trails without the hassle of driving and finding a parking space.
- Bicycles
Visitors arriving by bicycle will not be required to have a Timed Use Permit.
- Multnomah Falls
The Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit will provide access to Multnomah Falls for visitors traveling on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Access to Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84/Exit 31 parking lot will be required to obtain the Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit. Please read both permit descriptions carefully to ensure you reserve the desired permit.
- Waterfall Corridor Timed Entry Permit Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about the Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit please visit WaterfallCorridorPermit.org and ReadySetGorge.com.
Booking Windows
- Primary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are available 14 days in advance of the day of arrival at 7 a.m. PT on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 10th, permits will be available for May 24th arrivals; on May 11th, permits will release for May 25th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 5th.
- Secondary Booking Window: Timed Use Permits are also available 2 days in advance at 7 a.m. PT on a rolling daily window. Example: On May 22nd, permits will be available for May 24th arrivals; on May 23rd, permits will be available for May 25th arrivals. Timed Use Permits will be required from May 24th through September 5th.
Changes and Cancellations
- If you are unable to attend your permit reservation, please cancel your permit to allow others the opportunity to visit Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor.
- If you wish to modify your permit you must do so by midnight the day of arrival.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
5300 Historic Columbia River Highway Bridal Veil OR 97010
Phone Number
541-308-1700
