30 miles · 30 minutes · I-84 East
Portland to Multnomah Falls
It's 30 miles east of downtown Portland and takes 30 minutes in light traffic. In summer that becomes 60 minutes plus a $2 timed-entry permit for parking. Here's what to know.
The short version
- Distance
- 30 miles east of downtown Portland
- Drive time
- 30 min light traffic · 60 min summer weekends
- Route
- I-84 East → Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls)
- Parking permit
- Required Memorial Day–Labor Day, 9am-6pm ($2 at recreation.gov)
- Parking lots
- Historic Highway (smaller, permit) · I-84 (larger, free shuttle)
- Entry fee
- Free for the falls; $5/day at trailhead lot
- Without a car
- Columbia Gorge Express bus from Gateway TC, $5
Step-by-step driving directions
- From downtown Portland, take I-84 East (also called the Banfield Expressway near downtown). It runs along the Columbia River.
- Drive 28 miles east. You'll pass Troutdale, Corbett, and start seeing the gorge open up around mile 17.
- Take Exit 31 — signed “Multnomah Falls.” The exit is on the LEFT side of the highway (it's a special median exit that goes into a center-island lot).
- Show your timed-entry permit at the parking attendant (May–Sept, 9am-6pm).
- Park, cross the pedestrian bridge over I-84, you're at the lodge.
No permit? No problem. Stay on I-84 past Exit 31 to Exit 35 (Ainsworth State Park) — there's a free shuttle stop there that runs to Multnomah every 20 min. Or use the Columbia Gorge Express bus.
The scenic alternative — Historic Highway
Instead of I-84 straight to Multnomah, take the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) and chain together 5 waterfalls. Adds 1-2 hours but worth it.
- Exit I-84 at Exit 18 (Lewis & Clark State Park / Crown Point)
- Follow signs for Crown Point / Vista House — first stop, view of the entire gorge
- Continue east on US-30 (Historic Highway): Latourell → Bridal Veil → Wahkeena → Multnomah → Horsetail
- Return to I-84 at Exit 35 to drive back to Portland
Permit reservation walkthrough
- Go to recreation.gov, search “Multnomah Falls”
- Pick your date and a 1-hour arrival window (e.g. 10am-11am)
- Pay $2 per vehicle (not per person)
- You can stay as long as you want once parked — the slot is for arrival, not departure
- Reservations open ~14 days in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends
Questions visitors ask
How long does it take to drive from Portland to Multnomah Falls?
30 minutes in light traffic, 45-60 minutes during summer weekends. Distance is 30 miles east of downtown Portland via I-84 East. Take exit 31 (signed Multnomah Falls). The fall is visible from the highway as you approach.
Do I need a permit to park at Multnomah Falls?
Yes, during peak season — typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9am-6pm. Reserve a timed-entry permit at recreation.gov for $2. Without it you get turned away at the parking entrance. Outside peak hours / season, parking is first-come.
Is there parking at Multnomah Falls?
Yes, two lots. The Historic Highway lot (closer, fills first, requires permit in summer) and the I-84 lot (larger, free shuttle to the falls, no permit needed even in summer). The I-84 lot is the smarter choice on busy days.
What's the best time of day to visit Multnomah Falls from Portland?
Arrive before 9am or after 5pm to avoid both the timed-entry requirement and the crowds. Weekday mornings in shoulder season (March-May, October) are ideal. Sunset light hits the upper falls beautifully.
Can I get to Multnomah Falls without a car?
Yes. The Columbia Gorge Express bus runs from Gateway Transit Center in Portland to Multnomah Falls (and beyond to Cascade Locks) roughly hourly in summer. $5 one-way. Avoid all parking hassle. Schedule at columbiagorgeexpress.com.
What else can I see on the way?
The Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) parallels I-84 and passes Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Crown Point Vista House — all within the same 30-mile drive. Add 1-2 hours to stop at each. See our full Columbia Gorge waterfalls guide for the driving order.
Is Multnomah Falls free to visit?
Yes, no entry fee. The timed-entry parking permit (when required) costs $2. If you don't have a US Forest Service Northwest Forest Pass for the trailhead lot, day parking is $5 cash.
How long should I plan to spend at Multnomah Falls?
Minimum 30 minutes — walk to Benson Bridge (the iconic photo spot, 0.2 mi up) and back. Full Multnomah Falls trail to the top is 2.2 mi round trip, 700 ft elevation gain, allow 90 min. The 5-mile Wahkeena-Multnomah loop hits 5 waterfalls and takes 3-4 hours.