Multnomah Falls: permit, fees and hours
Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall, dropping 620 feet in two tiers above the Columbia River Gorge, with the Benson Bridge crossing between them a short paved walk from the parking area. From May 22 through September 7, 2026, parking at the main Exit 31 lot off I-84 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. requires a $2 timed-use permit sold on Recreation.gov starting two weeks before each date. Arrive outside that window, park at the historic highway lot, or come by bike or bus, and no permit is needed. It's the busiest stop in our waterfalls in Oregon guide by a wide margin.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45.576°N, 122.115°W, Multnomah County, Oregon, per USGS GNIS (GNIS-1802919) |
| Height | 620 ft total, in two tiers, Oregon's tallest waterfall |
| Nearest town | Corbett, Oregon |
| Access | Short paved walk, about 0.2 miles to the viewing platform and Benson Bridge |
| Fee | Free to view; $2 timed-use parking permit required for the main Exit 31 lot, May 22 – Sep 7, 2026, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily |
| Legal status | Public land, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
| Visitation | More than 2 million visitors a year, Oregon's most-visited natural attraction |
Permit, fees and hours
The falls themselves are free to view year-round. The $2 charge is specifically a timed-use parking permit for the main Exit 31 lot off I-84, in effect only from May 22 through September 7, 2026, and only between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily (Oregon Department of Transportation, Waterfall Corridor Permits). Permits go on sale on Recreation.gov two weeks ahead of each date and are tied to a specific arrival window.
You can skip the permit entirely a few ways: arrive before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., park at the historic Columbia River Highway lot instead of the Exit 31 lot, or arrive by bike or the Columbia Gorge Express bus. Oregon has adjusted its Gorge-area permit system more than once in recent years, so recheck the current rules before a summer trip rather than relying on last year's details.
The falls
Multnomah drops 620 feet in two tiers: a taller upper drop and a shorter lower drop, connected visually by the Benson Bridge, a stone footbridge that crosses the creek between them and gives the classic photo vantage point. A short, paved 0.2-mile walk from the parking area reaches the bridge and main viewing platform, no real hiking required for the standard view, though trails continue further uphill for those who want more of a workout. The scale and easy access are exactly why it draws more than 2 million visitors a year, more than any other natural attraction in Oregon.
How this guide was researched
This page was compiled from the Oregon Department of Transportation's Waterfall Corridor Permit program, USGS GNIS records and published visitor data. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Permit rules, hours and dates are reissued annually and change; verify the current season's requirements with ODOT and Recreation.gov before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to see Multnomah Falls?
Only for parking at the main Exit 31 lot, between May 22 and September 7, 2026, and only from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early or late arrivals, the historic highway lot, and visitors without a car skip the permit entirely.
What is the tallest waterfall in Oregon?
Multnomah Falls, dropping 620 feet in two tiers above the Columbia River Gorge.
How much does it cost to visit Multnomah Falls?
Viewing the falls is free. The $2 charge applies only to parking at the Exit 31 lot during the permit season and hours.
How long is the walk to Multnomah Falls?
About 0.2 miles on a paved path from the parking area to the Benson Bridge and main viewing platform.
Is there a free way to park near Multnomah Falls?
Yes. The historic Columbia River Highway lot has no permit requirement, and arriving before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. also avoids the Exit 31 permit.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.