Your Perfect Day Trip to Multnomah Falls: Quick Facts
Ready to chase waterfalls? This quick guide has everything you need to know for a seamless day trip from Portland to the magnificent Multnomah Falls. Here are the essential details at a glance.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Portland | ~30 miles (48 km) |
| Drive Time | 30-45 minutes (without traffic) |
| Average Visit Duration | 45 minutes – 2 hours |
| Estimated Cost | $15 – $75 per person |
| Permit Required? | Yes, for parking during peak season (details below) |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays in Spring or Fall; before 9 am |
The Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permit: What You MUST Know for 2025
The single most important part of planning your trip is understanding the Timed Use Permit system. Getting this wrong can mean being turned away. Here’s the breakdown to ensure a smooth visit.
A Timed Use Permit is a required reservation to park a personal vehicle at the main I-84 parking lot (Exit 31). It is designed to manage crowds during the busiest times.
- When is it required? Typically from late May through early September, between 9 am and 6 pm daily. Always check the official Forest Service website for the exact 2025 dates before you go!
- How to book: You must book your permit in advance via Recreation.gov. There is a non-refundable $2 reservation fee. These permits are released in batches and can sell out weeks in advance, so book early!
Worried about snagging a permit? Don’t be! There are fantastic ways to visit without one.
3 Ways to Visit Multnomah Falls Without a Permit
- Take the Columbia Gorge Express Bus: This is the easiest and most stress-free option. The bus drops you right at the entrance, no permit needed.
- Book a Guided Tour: Many private shuttle and tour companies from Portland have their own permits, bundling your visit with other Gorge highlights.
- Go Off-Hours or Off-Season: Arrive before 9 am or after 6 pm during the summer, or plan your visit anytime outside of the late May to early September window.
How to Get from Portland to Multnomah Falls
Just a short drive from the city, reaching this natural wonder is easy. You have three main options, each with its own benefits. Compare them below to find your perfect fit.
| Method | Time | Cost (per person) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving (Personal Car) | 30-45 mins | $5-$10 (gas) + $2 (permit) | Most flexible | Parking is difficult, permit required |
| Public Transit (Bus) | 45-60 mins | ~$10 (Day Pass) | No parking/permit stress, affordable | Runs on a fixed schedule |
| Guided Tour/Shuttle | Varies | $50 – $100+ | All-inclusive, often includes other stops | Least flexible, most expensive |
Option 1: Driving Directions and Parking
If you value flexibility, driving is a great choice. You have two routes:
- The Fast Route (I-84 E): Take I-84 East from Portland to Exit 31. This leads directly to the main parking lot where the Timed Use Permit is required.
- The Scenic Route (Historic Hwy 30): For a slower, more breathtaking drive, take the Historic Columbia River Highway. This road winds past other stunning waterfalls like Latourell and Bridal Veil. Note: Parking along this highway is extremely limited and not a reliable alternative to the main lot.
Option 2: Taking the Columbia Gorge Express
Our top recommendation for a hassle-free trip! The Columbia Gorge Express bus departs regularly from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland. For around $10, you get a day pass that lets you hop on and off along the Gorge. Best of all, it drops you at the front door of the Multnomah Falls Lodge, allowing you to completely bypass the permit system and parking headaches.
Top 5 Things to Do at Multnomah Falls & in the Waterfall Corridor
While the falls themselves are the main event, the surrounding area is packed with history, hikes, and more spectacular views. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.
- Marvel at the Main Viewpoint: Just a short, flat walk from the parking lot or bus stop, the lower viewing platform offers the classic, postcard-perfect view of the falls in all its 620-foot glory. This area is fully ADA accessible, making it perfect for everyone.
- Walk Across the Benson Bridge: Feel the mist on your face! A 0.2-mile paved (but steep) path with several switchbacks takes you to the iconic Benson Bridge, which spans the gap between the upper and lower cascades. Built in 1914, it offers an incredible perspective on the power and scale of the waterfall. This is a must-do for the best photos.
- Hike to the Top of the Falls: For the adventurous, continue past the bridge for a 1.1-mile uphill hike to the top viewing platform. With 11 switchbacks, it’s a moderately strenuous trek that rewards you with a unique birds-eye view of the water plunging into the canyon below. Always check the trail status on the Forest Service website before you hike.
- Explore the Historic Lodge: Step back in time at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Built in 1925, this beautiful stone building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, you’ll find a charming gift shop, clean restrooms, an information center, and a full-service restaurant.
- Bonus: Explore Other Nearby Waterfalls: Multnomah is just one gem in the “Waterfall Corridor.” Don’t leave without seeing a few others!
Don’t Miss These Waterfalls Just Minutes Away
- Wahkeena Falls: A lovely, cascading waterfall that’s just a short 0.5-mile hike from the Multnomah Falls parking lot. A great two-for-one stop!
- Latourell Falls: Known for its dramatic single plunge over columnar basalt rock covered in vibrant yellow-green lichen. It’s one of the first major waterfalls you’ll encounter on the Historic Highway.
- Bridal Veil Falls: An easy, family-friendly walk through a lush forest leads to a delicate, beautiful waterfall.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day in the Columbia River Gorge
Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, here’s how you can structure your adventure. Pick the itinerary that best fits your travel style!
| Time | Full-Day Explorer Itinerary | Half-Day Express Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Leave Portland, drive scenic Historic Hwy 30 | Leave Portland, take I-84 directly |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Multnomah Falls (beat the crowds!) | Arrive at Multnomah Falls |
| 9:00 – 10:30 AM | View falls, hike to Benson Bridge & top | View falls, walk to Benson Bridge |
| 10:30 – 12:00 PM | Visit nearby Wahkeena & Latourell Falls | Depart Multnomah Falls |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks | Lunch in Troutdale (Sugarpine Drive-In) |
| 2:00 PM | Stop at Vista House at Crown Point for photos | Head back to Portland |
| 4:00 PM | Arrive back in Portland | Arrive back in Portland |
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants Near Multnomah Falls
All that exploring will work up an appetite. Luckily, the area has some fantastic dining options, from historic lodges to casual breweries.
Multnomah Falls Lodge Restaurant ($$-$$$)
- Best for: A historic, sit-down meal with a window seat looking out at the falls.
- Cuisine: Classic Pacific Northwest dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sugarpine Drive-In (Troutdale) ($-$$)
- Best for: A delicious and quick lunch or gourmet soft-serve ice cream on your way to or from the Gorge. A local favorite!
- Cuisine: American, Sandwiches, Ice Cream.
Thunder Island Brewing Co. (Cascade Locks) ($$)
- Best for: A casual post-hike beer and burger with absolutely epic views of the Columbia River and the Bridge of the Gods.
- Cuisine: Pub Fare.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Visit
A little local knowledge goes a long way. Keep these tips in mind for the best possible experience.
- Check Conditions Before You Go: The Gorge is a dynamic environment. Always check the official Forest Service website for trail closures and ODOT TripCheck for road conditions, especially due to wildfires or landslides.
- Wear a Rain Jacket: Even on a sunny day, the powerful spray from the falls can get you wet. Plus, Oregon weather can change in an instant. A waterproof layer is a must.
- Go Early or Late: It’s worth repeating! The secret to avoiding the biggest crowds is to arrive before 9 am or after 4 pm.
- Use the Restroom at the Lodge: This is the only public facility right at the base of the falls.
- No Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty or non-existent cell service. Download your maps and screenshot your Timed Use Permit before you leave Portland.
What to Pack Checklist
Pack light, but pack smart. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for your day trip.
- [ ] Comfortable shoes with good grip (the paths can be slippery)
- [ ] Rain jacket or waterproof layer
- [ ] Reusable water bottle
- [ ] Camera and/or smartphone
- [ ] Small backpack for your essentials
- [ ] Snacks for the trail
- [ ] Printed or screenshotted copy of your Timed Use Permit!
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Day Trip Cost?
A trip to Multnomah Falls can be incredibly affordable or a more comfortable splurge. Here’s a sample breakdown for one person.
| Expense | Budget Traveler (per person) | Mid-Range Traveler (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $10 (Bus Pass) | $7 (Gas/Permit) |
| Food & Drink | $20 (Packed Lunch/Snacks) | $45 (Restaurant Lunch) |
| Activities | $0 | $0 |
| Souvenirs | $0 | $15 |
| TOTAL | ~$30 | ~$67 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much time do you need at Multnomah Falls?
For most visitors, 30-60 minutes is enough to see the falls from the lower platform and walk to the Benson Bridge. If you plan to hike to the top, explore the lodge, and enjoy the scenery, allow for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I go to Multnomah Falls without a reservation?
Yes, you absolutely can! To visit without a Timed Use Permit, you can: 1) Visit during the off-season (typically early September to late May) or outside the permit hours of 9 am-6 pm. 2) Take the Columbia Gorge Express bus. 3) Book a trip with a licensed tour operator.
What is the best time to visit Multnomah Falls?
For the best experience, visit on a weekday in the spring (March-May) for the most powerful water flow and lush green scenery, or in the autumn (September-October) for beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds. The best time of day is always before 9 am or after 4 pm.
What movie was filmed at Multnomah Falls?
Multnomah Falls was famously featured in the 2008 movie Twilight, where it served as a backdrop for a conversation between Bella and Edward. It also made an appearance in the 1997 Kevin Costner film The Postman.
TLDR: Just the Essentials for Your Trip
In a hurry? Here are the three most critical things to remember for your 2025 trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls.
- You need a permit to park a car during peak season (summer, 9am-6pm). Book it on Recreation.gov weeks in advance.
- The best way to go is the Columbia Gorge Express bus from Portland. It’s cheap, easy, and requires no permit.
- Go early! Arrive before 9 am to beat the crowds and have the best experience.
