(Bridal Veil, OR – August 27th, 2020) –In partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Recreation.gov, the US Forest Service (USFS) implemented a reservation system to manage crowd size and provide assured public access to Multnomah Falls and the Multnomah Falls Historic Lodge. Reservations can be acquired either by visiting Recreation.gov or by reserving a seat on the Columbia Gorge Express. The Benson Bridge spanning the base of Multnomah Falls, the trail to the top of the falls, and the loop trail to Wahkeena Falls remain CLOSED.
“We’re dedicated to providing access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Multnomah Falls,” said Lynn Burditt, Forest Supervisor, “the new reservation system is one tool we are using to provide reliable and sustained access to this iconic location.”
Upon arrival at Multnomah Falls, visitors must use the I-84 parking lot at exit 31. There is no parking available along the Historic Highway by Multnomah Falls. Give yourself enough time to arrive within the 1-hour time slot reserved; early and late arrivals will not be granted access to Multnomah Falls. If all 186 spaces are filled, the parking lot gates will close until additional spots become vacant. If gates are closed, visitors must continue along I-84 and attempt to revisit once gates re-open and additional spots become available.
Due to the ongoing threat of COVID19 and considering the Federal, State and County guidelines, visiting Multnomah Falls requires visitors to wear face masks and to practice
social distancing. For information on COVID-19 and procedures and the US Forest Service, click here.
For additional information on Multnomah Falls and the Multnomah Falls Lodge, click here. For a detailed map of Multnomah Falls and the Lodge, click here.
To reserve a seat on the Columbia Gorge Express bus, visit www.ridecatbus.org or call 541- 386-4202 at least one day in advance. Operated by Columbia Area Transit, the bus service will stop in Portland at the Gateway Transit Center, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River. For riders visiting Multnomah Falls, bus drivers will provide a Multnomah Falls ticket that is valid for the time of their visit. To ensure the safety of its customers and staff, Columbia Area Transit requires all riders to wear a face covering on the bus.
For information on COVID-19 procedures and the Columbia Gorge Express, click here.