Do I need a permit?
All personal vehicles using the Waterfall Corridor to access the federal lands will need a Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp (Exit 28) to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35) from May 24 to Sept. 5, 2022. If you’re traveling by bike, tour bus or by transit, no permit is needed. Angel’s Rest Trailhead and Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint are not within the permit area. See more information about visiting Multnomah Falls only below.
Getting your permit
Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permits will be available online at www.recreation.gov for a $2 transaction fee. There will also be a limited amount of in person same-day permits for no fee. Recreation.gov will post online permits 2 weeks prior to the visit date.
How much does a permit cost?
There will be a $2 transaction fee for permits obtained online. No other costs are associated with the Timed Use Permit.
How long can I stay?
If you have a permit, once you arrive during your designated time slot, you can stay as long as you like. Parking is not guaranteed.
How does the Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit system work? What if I miss my window?
Each permit lists a time slot. Arrive at either end of the Waterfall Corridor at one of two check-in points (just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp at Exit 28 or Exit 35 at Ainsworth State Park) anytime during that time slot. If you arrive after your permit time slot, please consider going by shuttle, public transit or tour instead.
Once you arrive, you can stay as long as you like.
Is this a parking permit?
This permit allows you to use your personal vehicle to access federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor. Oregon State Parks and U.S. Forest Service sites in the Waterfall Corridor do not require parking permits. Parking is not guaranteed anywhere along the Waterfall Corridor. Only park in marked parking spots. See more information on parking below.
What is a personal vehicle?
Your personal (or rented) car or motorcycle is a personal vehicle, including vans and pickups. Ride-sharing vehicles such as Uber and Lyft are also considered personal vehicles. Recreational vehicles and trailers are also personal vehicles, but must be less than 35 feet long to safely navigate the winding, narrow highway.
I have multiple people in my car. How many permits do I need?
Permits accessing federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor are per vehicle, not per person. You only need one permit per vehicle.
Can I purchase more than one permit?
You only need one permit per vehicle. If your party has multiple vehicles, you can purchase up to two permits, though parties with multiple vehicles may have trouble finding parking at the same location along the Waterfall Corridor. For multiple trips, you can purchase permits for different days and times up to two weeks in advance.
What happens if I show up without a permit? Can I reserve a permit last minute?
All personal vehicles need a permit to access federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp (Exit 28) to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35). There are several options for obtaining a permit once you arrive at the Waterfall Corridor:
- If permits are still available for the day of your visit, get your permit online. Note that cell service within the corridor can be limited. Please remember to travel with care and do not use your cell phone while driving.
- A limited amount of permits will be available for same-day pick up at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
- If permits are not available, consider visiting by shuttle, public transit or tour instead.
Do I need to print my permit?
You can show the receipt for your online permit on a mobile device or provide a printed copy.
Can I visit the whole corridor?
Your Waterfall Corridor Timed Use Permit allows you to visit federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor and stay as long as you would like. If you leave the Waterfall Corridor area where permits are required outside of your designated time slot, you cannot visit the federal lands again without another valid permit.