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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Multnomah Falls Travel Guide

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Multnomah Falls

Visitor Guide

Table of Contents

Permit Details

  • Permits are needed to get from the I-84 parking lot to Multnomah Falls May 24th to September 2nd between 9am and 6pm
  • Permits do not guarantee parking in the I-84 lot. Parking is first come first serve.
  • The parking lot automatically closes with a physical barricade when the lot is full.
  • There are free and fun ways detailed below for how to visit without a permit.

Permit System Reviews

Visit For Free, Without a Permit

  • 365 days a year the I-84 lot does not require a permit before 9am or after 6pm. You can park at 8:59 and stay all day.
  • Park at Guy W Talbot Park in Latourell and enjoy a beautiful 6 mile bike ride to Multnomah Falls, passing several more major falls along the way.
  • Park at Wahkeena Falls and hike .6 miles to Multnomah Falls.

Best Ways to Visit Multnomah Falls

The Columbia River Gorge is home to 77 massive waterfalls cascading on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls is the most popular but make sure and see at least a couple of the others while you’re in the area.

Self-Guided Tour With Your Own Car/Bike

Follow a digital tour guide and see all the best waterfalls without getting stuck in traffic or wasting money on permits. The guide shows you how to navigate around parking and traffic issues and details which hikes are best for you. 

Hourly E-Bike Rental

Enjoy getting to Multnomah Falls with an e-bike rental, plenty of time to explore the falls, skip-the-line admission, free parking for your car and a bike lock so you can do hikes make this easily the most convenient way to see Multnomah Falls. 

$99 – 3.5 Hours – Free Parking

Rent E-Bike

Waterfall Shuttle Tour

The Waterfall Shuttle gets a front row spot at every waterfall on the Historic Highway. Local guides lead small groups on short hikes to the best waterfalls in the Gorge. Park for free and hop on the shuttle at 18188 NE WIlkes Road in the Gorge or select your hotel for pickup/dropoff in Downtown Portland. No waiting for shuttles, getting stuck in traffic, or other BS. Just a fun and accessible way to see the Gorge. Wheelchairs, strollers, and dogs are allowed.

$79 — 3.5 Hours — Free Parking or Pickup/Dropoff Downtown

Book Waterfall Shuttle

E-Bike Multnomah Falls Self-Guided Tour

Hike and bike the Gorge waterfalls using a throttle powered ebike to zip between the 6 major waterfall parks. The e-bike gets you to 5 roadside waterfalls and the adventurous can hike to 7 more. Park the bike at each waterfall (lock included) and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Must be at least 16 years of age. 

$99 – $139 — 3.5 Hours – 8 Hours — Free Parking near Multnomah Falls

Book E-Bike Tour

Sunset Waterfall Tour

This is our favorite because the sunset over the Gorge is a once in a lifetime amazing experience and the timing of this tour being later in the day avoids the crowds at Multnomah. Your guide leads a small group to 6 waterfalls where short hikes get you the best views. Meet the tour at 18188 NE WIlkes Road in the Gorge and park for free or get picked up and dropped off at your downtown Portland hotel. 

$79 — 3.5 Hours — Free Parking or Downtown Pickup/Dropoff
 
Book Sunset Waterfall Tour

The Historic Columbia River Highway - The Columbia River Gorges' Crown Jewel

The Historic Columbia River Highway was built in 1915 to showcase the Columbia River Gorge to the world. 110 years later the most spectacular section from the Crown Point Vista House to Horsetail Falls is still accessible to both motorists and cyclists. This is one of the last remaining sections accessible to cars as the rest of the route is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. It’s a very slow, scenic route with 7 easily accessible waterfalls in only 9 miles. The highest concentration of waterfalls in North America brings tourists from around the world to marvel at this elegant feat of engineering. Designed in 1912 for an open air experience e-bikes are the perfect way to get the full waterfall chasing experience without the hassle of trying to find a spot in the small parking lots at each of the falls.

Collect moments, not things

Multnomah Falls Visitor Guide

As Oregon’s most celebrated waterfall, Multnomah Falls these 6 waterfalls parks are connected by the Historic Columbia River Highway which was built to highlight these and more waterfalls. With bridges crossing chasms and dramatic views around every corner. An extensive hiking trail system in the area provides excellent recreational opportunities and a chance to find solitude in hidden fern-covered canyons away from the hustle and bustle.

2.5 MILLION

VISITORS PER YEAR

620' TALL

HEIGHT OF THE FALLS

5.4 MILES

DIFFICULT HIKE - 1600 ELEVATION

Multnomah Falls Sign

HOW TO HAVE AN AMAZING

Multnomah Falls Experience

  • Hike 4.8 miles up 1500 vertical feet and see 5 stunning backcountry waterfalls!
  • Visit all 6 major waterfalls located within a 5 mile radius of Multnomah Falls on the scenic
biway.
  • Explore waterfall alley, America’s highest concentration of waterfalls, on an Ebike tour to
7 waterfalls including: Multnomah, Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, Bridal Veil & Pony Tail.
  • Join a guided hiking tour to Multnomah Falls and the 5 other major waterfalls
  • Must See Waterfalls: Multnomah, Latourell, Wahkeena, Horsetail, Bridal Veil, Pony Tail

Columbia River Gorge

Must See Waterfalls

Multnomah Falls

Latourell Falls

5 miles east on the historic highway and 1/4 mile easy hike

Bridal Veil Falls

3 miles east on the historic highway and a 2/3 mile moderate hike

Pony Tail Falls

2 miles west on then historic highway and a .8 mile tough hike

Falls Creek Falls?

Falls Creek Falls?

Not in the corridor, 53 minutes away is my favorite falls in the area. A remarkably easy 3.5 mile hike to the most beautiful waterfall around. I recommend hiking Falls Creek and riding electric bikes on the scenic highway through the waterfall corridor near Multnomah Falls
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E-bike rental multnomah falls

Visit us just down the road, rent an e-bike, and skip ALL the lines! Plus, see dozens more waterfalls on your way that most people miss.

E-Bike Tours

Waterfall Shuttles

Drive Yourself

No permits required

Front row parking

recommended by travel oregon

digital guide to hikes and secret spots

immersive open air experience

tour all 6 waterfalls + state parks

passionate local guide

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141 reviews from
What a fun & efficient way to see multiple spectacular falls! No fighting traffic or circling for the few parking spots - in & out of each site easy peasy. The route is super simple to follow, and the bikes are easy to operate. Everything we needed to know was explained to us. Highly recommend these guys!
Ebiking the falls is the way to go!
This is a highly recommended experience. The waterfalls are amazing, the weather was a little cold, but that made it more than perfect to ride. We stopped at each site, walked around on the paths and took lots of pictures. We had lunch at the Lodge and everything was delicious. Personnel from Ebike Multnomah Falls are the best, they gave us the bikes, clearly explained everything, and treated us very kindly. Thanks guys!!
E-bikes are the best way to visit the waterfalls!!
What a place it’s simply magnificent to see and everyone is so friendly. There’s people from across the world visiting this place and the U.S off course. It’s lovely to see after my last visit the fire damage is recovering well. If you ever in Oregon it’s a must visit place.
Love this place, it’s a must visit!👌🏾
Easily one of the coolest things we’ve ever done/seen! The Ebike make seeing the falls so easy! The scenery was unreal, the bikes were thrilling - would recommend this tour to anyone! Wear hiking shoes & bring water!
Amazing views and incredibly fun
Best way to see the waterfalls and avoid the traffic/parking too. We had the an amazing time and loved seeing the waterfalls this way!
Best way to see the Falls
We were in Oregon for only 5 days but even with all the grandeur and beauty of the state our experience with your company tops the list. Our guide Mino was outstanding as a guide and even more so as a person. I will highly recommend the tour to everyone.
Best of Oregon

Why is E-Biking to Multnomah Falls so popular?

The Best Gear

E-bikes upgraded with powerful batteries, cushy seats and giant water bottle holders. We earn our 4.9 star rating by listening to customer feedback and delivering beyond what's expected.

The Gorge Views

The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Three State Parks and countless waterfalls are all accessed from the comfort of America's first scenic biway.

Without a Permit

Skip the stressful permit and parking situation and park for free at our convenient location three miles West of Multnomah Falls.

Learn more
Learn more

Multnomah Falls FAQ

01.

What’s the Parking situation at Multnomah Falls?

There is very limited parking and it's first come first serve even with a permit. Alternatives are renting an ebike or taking a tour.

02.

How long does it take?

We recommend spending 3-4 hours exploring the Waterfall Corridor rather than just visiting Multnomah Falls. Just Multnomah Falls is 1 hour without hiking to the top and 3 if you hike up to the top.

03.

Can you see Multnomah Falls without hiking?

Yes, the best view is from the bottom right by the road.

04.

How long is the hike?

You can see the falls without hiking. The hike to the top is tough and takes a few hours.

05.

Are the Multnomah Falls trails open?

Yes, the trails to the bridge and beyond are currently open.

06.

What are the other waterfalls?

Horsetail Falls, Pony Tail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperds Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, and Latourell Falls are all easy access within a few miles. There are more waterfalls up the trail from these if you're willing to hike a bit.

07.

What is the Best Way to see the falls?

If you want to do more than see it from the freeway we suggest renting an Ebike from ebike Multnomah Falls or taking a tour. Either way you can see everything the area has to offer.

08.

Can you explain The Permit System?

Yes, permits are required during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They can be purchased online at rec.gov but only go on sale two weeks prior to the travel date. They cost $2 and allow you to access the falls from the I84 parking lot. This route does not allow access to any other waterfalls which is why we recommend using the Historic Highway.

09.

Can you swim at Multnomah Falls

No, but Horsetail Falls is a good place to do so. So is Bridal Veil Falls.

Explore the Falls without the Hassle

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Itineraries

Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire day to commit to experiencing the Columbia River Gorge and the Waterfall Corridor, these itineraries will help you plan your outing in this beautiful area.
1 Hour Or Less Itinerary
1-2 Hour Itinerary
2-4 Hour Itinerary
Full Day Itinerary
Car Free Itinerary
Best Short Hikes
Best Day Hikes
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while walking along mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
To make the most of your short time take a walk passing two beautiful waterfalls while walking along mostly paved paths through scenic forests full of old growth, burn, and birds.
Rent an electric bike and see 3-4 waterfalls from the country’s first scenic byway. Hike to the Top of Multnomah Falls and back down 2.2 miles roundtrip this is a steep hike that takes up to two hours. Most people complete the hike in 90 minutes. (Closed through Nov ’21 for repairs)
Drive from exit 28 to exit 35 (or in reverse) and see 7 miles of the historic highway by car. Expect delays as the road is windy, slow, and full of cyclists and tourists taking their time.
If you try this at a peak time you will spend more time looking for parking than anything else. Go when it’s raining or early or late in the day.
Simply stop at each of the well labeled state parks on the route and follow the signs to the waterfalls. There are 4 to see and a 5th you can hike to. That’s Ponytail falls which you hike to from Horsetail Falls.
Adding a couple hours to your trip opens up a plethora of opportunities to see more waterfalls and take advantage of local offerings such as coffee and fresh produce.
Do the 5 mile moderate hike shown below and see 6 waterfalls and sweeping gorge views. Simply keep going past the top of Multnomah Falls, visit epic viewpoints and waterfalls, and make right turns to get back to your car. (Closed through Nov ’21 for repairs)
Drive from exit 18 to exit 35 (or in reverse) and see 17 miles of the historic highway by car.
If you try this at a peak time you will spend more time looking for parking than anything else. Go when it’s raining or early or late in the day.
Here are the stops to make:
Troutdale, cute old town with great coffee.
Farm Stands! Excellent food and farm products. Don’t miss the Corbett Country Market for the last gas.
Womens Forum, viewpoint
Crown Point Vista House, viewpoint
Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Multnomah Falls
Horsetail Falls

Full Day Itinerary

The dream! To have a full day in waterfall alley. Here’s how I’d do it from Portland, it works in reverse just as well if you’re coming from Hood River.
Start from exit 18 off 1-84 and drive along the Sandy River to Corbett Country Market for gas and fresh hot local snacks.
Continue to some farm stands that you’ll spot along the road. After the stands enjoy what you got at the women’s forum and crown point vista house.
Pack a lunch from the market, the farm stands, or. if coming from Hood river in Cascade Locks.
Carry on down to Latourell Falls where you’ll do a 2.5 mile easy hike to spot native species, old growth cedar and fir, and two waterfalls.
Get on your bikes and ride! Meet your ebike rental  and ride to the relaxing and peaceful scenic highway to the rest of the waterfalls. If you didn’t bring lunch get some at the lodge. Pizza and hot dogs are available easily there too.
Return to your car and go get dinner!
McMenamins Edgefield if going to Portland. and Gorges Beer Co if going to Hood River from Portland

Car Free Itinerary

Be wary of ride share, there are typically only 1 way trips to the falls and no drivers to take you home.
If you’re arriving car free you’ll take the CAT bus to the main Multnomah Falls parking lot.

Car Free 1 hour or less

You have time to see Multnomah Falls, hike to the bridge, turn around and take the trail to Wahkeena Falls and take the trail back to the bus stop.

Car Free 2-4 hours

Walk to Multnomah then pickup an e bike from E-Bike Multnomah Falls (click here for reservations) for $60 to tour waterfalls on the scenic highway for 2.5 hours.
Do this 5 mile moderate hike and see 6 waterfalls and sweeping gorge views.

Best Short Hikes

1. Latourell Falls Loop, starting from a 250 foot cascading beauty a beautiful path follows a bubbling creek to a waterfall in the hills. I love the old growth cedar and Douglas fir on these easy 1 hour hike.
2. Upper Horsetail Falls, simply park at Horsetail falls and walk up the switchback to a beautiful overhanging waterfall. The path actually cuts underneath the basalt cliff waterfall for about 100 yards. Easily done in 45 minutes.
3. Angels Rest, a bit longer and harder without any waterfalls this 2-3 hour hike climbs to a beautiful precipice with the best gorge views you can get in the area.

Best Day Hikes

1. Up for 5 hours of tough hiking? It’s worth it to climb from Multnomah Falls to Sherrard Point. Many waterfalls along the picturesque trail and views of 5 volcanos from the top! One volcano per hour of hiking with bonus waterfalls. Can’t beat that!
2. Simply hike to the top of Multnomah Falls and make right turns til you get back to the parking lot and you’ll complete a beautiful 2-3 hour waterfall hiking loop through Wahkeena Falls.
3. Beat the crowds to 4 waterfalls and the only way to access epic Oneonta Gorge by hiking up from horsetail falls and once again making rights till you get back to the road. Expect 2-3 hours but allow time to explore on this one.

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