You Need a Timed-Use Permit to See the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls This Summer

Want to see the famous waterfalls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge this summer? Make sure you have a timed-use permit!

This new pilot ticket system is put in place by the U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Multnomah County.

Although the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is not a National Park Service site, its popularity is comparable to even the busiest of national parks.

Home to sensational views and stunning scenery, historic sites, countless waterfalls and numerous hiking trails, the Gorge welcomes millions of visitors each year.

The Gorge’s star attraction is Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, according to the Forest Service. Every year, over 2 million (!) people visit this spectacular two-tiered waterfall.

Now, the new timed-use permits will reduce some of the congestion that occurs in this ultra-popular area during summer. Another main goal is to improve access to Forest Service recreation sites, both for visitors and emergency responders alike.

By spreading out visitation more evenly throughout the day, the permits should provide “a more reliable, safe, predictable and enjoyable experience for all users visiting trailheads, waterfalls and viewpoints,” local news outlet KOIN said.

Read on to see the details of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls permits for the summer of 2022.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Timed-Use Permits 2022

Two different timed-use permits are in place for the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls.

One is for the popular 18-mile section of the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon, known as the “Waterfall Corridor.” The other timed-use permit is specifically for the Multnomah Falls parking lot off of I-84 (Exit 31).

Both permits are required from May 24 through September 5, 2022, between 9 am and 6 pm. They’re available on a per-vehicle basis; visitors can get a maximum of two permits per day. They cost $2 per vehicle and time slot.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that a Columbia River Gorge timed-use permit does not guarantee a parking spot. It will still be busy in the area, although visitation peaks throughout the day should be less steep.

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Corridor Timed-Use Permit

This could be considered the main Columbia River Gorge timed-use permit, simply because it covers the entire 18-mile Waterfall Corridor.

With this permit, you can access the amazing waterfall-lined section of the Historic Columbia River Highway between Bridal Veil (I-84 Exit 28) and Ainsworth State Park (I-84 Exit 35).

This includes the small Multnomah Falls parking lot at the Multnomah Falls Lodge, other beautiful Columbia River Gorge waterfalls like Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls and Horsetail Falls, and the Oneonta Trailhead.

For a visual overview of the Waterfall Corridor permit area, check out this map provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

While a timed-use permit is required when traveling with a private vehicle, you do not need one if you’re biking, visiting on a tour or taking public transit.

Public transportation is valid alternative to driving yourself. “A great way to visit the Waterfall Corridor is to take the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) bus from Gateway Transit Center in the Portland Metro Area (every 30 minutes), Cascade Locks, and Hood River directly to Multnomah Falls,” the Oregon Department of Transportation says.

You can get your Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Corridor timed-use permit here on Recreation.gov.

Multnomah Falls Timed-Use Permit (I-84)

This timed-use permit is useful for people driving I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge who want to stop at Multnomah Falls.

It only covers the sprawling Multnomah Falls parking lot at Exit 31. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk through a tunnel underneath the interstate to the Multnomah Falls viewing platform, trails and Lodge.

You can get your Multnomah Falls timed-use permit for the I-84 parking on here on Recreation.gov.