Chasing Waterfalls

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of going to see the waterfalls in Oregon along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway.  Fall after fall is lined up for your viewing pleasure on this old, very narrow (sometimes one lane) highway.

Imagine crafting a national treasure on a landscape so beautiful that each viewpoint is protected and people come from all over the world to marvel at its perfection. This is the Historic Columbia River Highway. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or you know every inch by heart, each time you drive, bike, or hike along the Historic Highway, you begin the journey anew.

The Highway was left partially intact after Interstate 84 was built, with the middle section cut into pieces or partially destroyed. Efforts are underway to create vehicle-free paths for cyclists and pedestrians, transforming the abandoned sections into the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Timed Entry Tickets

Beginning May 20th 2022, you will now need to have a timed entry ticket for this highway for access to the falls. This ticket is $2 and found at the link below. The ticket does not guarantee parking, just access to the highway where all the falls are located.

Anyone (Oregon resident or visitor) arriving by personal vehicle or motorcycle needs a ticket. Anyone using guided tours or shuttle services are exempt (more below) and cyclists are also able to access these areas without a ticket. Note: vehicles over 35 feet are prohibited on the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Historic Columbia River Highway – From the west (Portland), the ticketed section begins at Exit 28. If you do not have a ticket and get off at this exit, you will be forced to return westbound via Highway 30 or Interstate 84 as the on-ramp will be blocked. From the east (Hood River), the ticketed section begins at Exit 35 near Ainsworth State Park.

Multnomah Falls – You are expected to park at exit 31 on Interstate 84 to access the falls. Unfortunately though, a Timed Use Permit reservation does not guarantee parking. The ticket does gain your group entry.

Parking at Multnomah Falls is scarse so I drove up the road about a 1/4 of a mile and parked at Benson State Recreation Area. There is a trail that I took from Fairy Falls to Multnomah. The trail is about 1/2 mile one way. There is one part that is a bit steep and can be muddy.

The Lodge Restaurant at Multnomah Falls was some of the best food I have ever had. Wonderful atmosphere and reasonable pricing.

Have a printed or digital copy of your Timed Use Permit available to be verified at the check-in area of either site.