Columbia River Gorge
Multnomah Falls timed-use permits
When your date goes on sale, what to do if it's gone, and how to get there without one.
When does my date go on sale?
Pick the date you want, and see the day and time it becomes bookable.
Rule from Recreation.gov: Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit (read by hand), checked November 2, 2026. Confirm on the official site before you rely on it.
Driving to Multnomah Falls from I-84 (Exit 31) needs a timed-use permit from Recreation.gov from May 22 through September 7, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. One permit covers one vehicle; you can buy two a day, and there's a $2 transaction fee.
How the release works
- First release: permits for each day go on sale at 7 a.m. Pacific, 14 days before. Recreation.gov's example: on May 9, permits open for May 23.
- Second release: more permits for the same day go on sale at 7 a.m. Pacific, 2 days before. On May 21, permits open for May 23.
- You can buy two permits a day. Each covers one private vehicle and everyone in it.
- Have the permit printed or on your phone for the check-in area on the walkway from the parking lot.
The 2027 season
The Forest Service hasn't posted 2027 dates yet. In 2026, permits were required May 22 through September 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If 2027 starts on a similar date, the first permits go on sale about two weeks before it, in early May. The tool above uses 2026's season until 2027's is posted.
Sold out? Ways in anyway
Book through Recreation.gov first. It's the only place to reserve. If your date is gone:
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Free options first
- Free permits in person: the Forest Service hands out a limited supply of free timed-use permits at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
Go without a permit
- Ride a shuttle or transit: no permit is needed on Columbia Gorge Express, the Gray Line waterfall trolley, Sasquatch Shuttle and similar services.
- The Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30) doesn't need a permit in 2026, but its small paid lot at the falls fills fast and cars can't wait for a space.
- Go before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.: permits are only required between those hours.
Book a Gorge waterfall tour
No permit left? A tour or shuttle gets you to the falls without one. Check that the tour stops at Multnomah Falls before you book.
Stay near the Gorge
An early start beats the crowds. Sleep close to the west end of the Gorge.
Get the reminder by email
One email before the big Pacific Northwest dates (the Enchantments lottery in February, the first Multnomah Falls permit releases in May) and when an agency changes its booking rules. Nothing else.
Before any reminder, you'll get one email asking you to confirm. It comes from New England Reservations (hello@newenglandreservations.com), our sister site. Unsubscribe anytime. See the privacy policy.
When do Multnomah Falls permits come out?
Two waves, both at 7 a.m. Pacific on Recreation.gov: 14 days before the day you want, then a second batch 2 days before. In 2026 permits were required May 22 through September 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Can I visit Multnomah Falls without a permit?
Yes, a few ways. No permit is needed before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., outside the permit season, or if you ride Columbia Gorge Express or another shuttle or tour. In 2026 the Historic Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30) didn't need one either, though its small paid lot fills fast.
Are Multnomah Falls permits free?
The online permit has a $2 transaction fee. The Forest Service also hands out a limited number of free permits at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
Sources
- Recreation.gov: Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit (read by hand), checked November 2, 2026.
- USDA Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge NSA: Multnomah Falls, checked November 2, 2026.
Rules change. Always confirm on the official site before you rely on a date.