July 9, 2021 – In partnership with Columbia Area Transit, Oregon Department of Transportation and Recreation.gov, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a timed reservation system to manage traffic congestion in order to provide safe public access to Multnomah Falls and the Historic Lodge. Tickets are now available at Recreation.gov and reservations can be made up to two weeks prior to visiting Multnomah Falls.
“We are in alignment with our partners in our quest to ensure safe access to Multnomah Falls,” said Donna Mickley, Forest Supervisor. “This reservation system, coupled with multiple transit options, is a tool we are using to enhance access, reduce congestion and mitigate the associated safety issues at this iconic location.”
Beginning July 20, Timed Reservation Tickets will be required between 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
Visitors should Access Multnomah Falls and the Historic Lodge from the Interstate 84 parking lot at Exit 31. Parking or stopping in front of the Lodge on the Historic Columbia River Highway is not permitted.
Visitors are encouraged to allow enough time when traveling to arrive as close to the one-hour time slot as possible, starting at the time indicated on the ticket. Visitors will not be permitted to enter the site prior to the reservation time and the ticket becomes invalid one hour after time indicated.
Although the Timed Reservation System is designed to minimize parking lot closures, parking is not be guaranteed and the Exit 31 parking lot will close when the parking lot is full. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation TripCheck page to see near real-time images of the parking area (on the map, click on the RoadCam I-84 at Multnomah Falls Parking).
Timed Reservation Tickets are not required if visitors choose to ride transit. From Portland, visitors can catch the Columbia Gorge Express at Gateway Transit Center or in Troutdale. Visitors can also hop on the Sasquatch Shuttle or Gray Line Open-Air Waterfall Trolley from parking lots in the Gorge. By choosing one of these services visitors are ensured access to Multnomah Falls and may enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving and finding a parking space.
For more information on the Multnomah Falls Times Reservation Tickets go to: Recreation.Gov.
Source: U.S. Forest Service