Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Corridor: How to Plan Your Visit

The Waterfall Corridor in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is home to dozens of magical waterfalls, including well known one's like Multnomah Falls and Horsetail Falls. Locals and visitors flock to this area year round to admire the cascading water, hike the trails, and enjoy a meal in nearby communities like Troutdale, Corbett, and Cascade Locks.

However, because of the popularity of this area, especially in the summertime, access to the Waterfall Corridor requires some planning to make for a safe, and stress free experience. Below are your options for planning your next visit to the Waterfall Corridor.

Only planning to visit Multnomah Falls? Learn more about Multnomah Falls Timed Use Permits here.

Option 1: Take a Shuttle

Want to skip the hassle of parking, traffic, and permits? Are ticket reservations already full? Another way to access Multnomah Falls and the Waterfall Corridor is via one of the many shuttle systems in the Gorge. There are multiple direct shuttles to Multnomah Falls or hop-on, hop-off shuttle options for the entire Waterfall Corridor area. Or, you can take the Columbia Gorge Express which stops in Portland, Troutdale, at Multnomah Falls, in Cascade Locks, and in Hood River. Timed entry permits are not required for any part of the Waterfall Corridor if you arrive via one of the shuttles.

Book a Bus or Shuttle

Option 2: Go by bike

Hop on a bike to explore the Waterfall Corridor. One of the best ways is go with a guide like E-Bike Multnomah Falls. They provide everything you need including a free place to park and you can scoot your way past any traffic on the Historic Highway.

Book a bike

Option 3: Personal Car

If you decide the best way to travel the Waterfall Corridor is with your own car, plan your trip in advance. Try to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend. Get their early in the day too. Arriving before 9am will give you your best chance to find parking. And don't forget, if you plan to go to Multnomah Falls you will need to book a timed entry permit in advance during the high season (from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend.

Reserve a Permit

Are you a tour operator bringing a group to Multnomah Falls? If so, you may not need to book timed-entry permits. Reach out to us for more information about the process.