About the New Permit System
This summer, starting on May 10th 2022, officials in the Columbia River Gorge will launch a new permit system to allow visitors to drive through the particularly scenic section of the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Which Waterfalls require a Permit?
The section of the Columbia River Highway that will require permits is called the “waterfall corridor”. It features some of the most popular falls like:
- Multnomah Falls
- Wahkeena Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- A few addition falls through the Summer
Permits for the inaugural season, which begins May 24th, will go on sale on May 10th. Here’s what you need to know about summer plans in the Columbia Gorge.
Where will permits be required?
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, all cars traversing the scenic path between Bridal Veil and Ainsworth State Park – roughly between exits 28 and 35 on Interstate 84 – will need permits.
When will permits be required?
Between May 24 and September 5, 2022, the new timed-entry permits will be required from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Waterfalls that DO NOT Require Permits
The Vista House, Angels Rest trailhead, Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls will NOT require summer permits.
At check-in booths located on either side of the roadway, drivers will be asked to provide physical or digital verification of their permits. Visitors can stay in the region for as long as they want once they’ve passed through. However, parking at trailheads and vistas is not guaranteed, and current parking permits will be required.
How do you get a permit?
Timed-use Permits – Permits will be available online at Recreation.gov beginning Tuesday, May 10 at 7 a.m. for $2 per car. Permits will be available two weeks ahead of time.
Same Day Permits – A small number of free, same-day permits will be available in person at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
Permits will not be required for cyclists, public transportation, or tours. People trekking in the Columbia Gorge’s wide trail network or simply traveling along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail also don’t need permits.
Why are they requiring permits now?
The new Historic Columbia River Highway permits are a piece of a more long-term strategy to manage the traffic congestion in the Columbia River Gorge.
Officials said the new scenic highway permits were created to address issues such as cars parking illegally on the sides of the narrow highway, which are unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians and may obstruct emergency vehicle access in an area where search and rescue missions are common.
If you are looking for great waterfall hikes in the gorge that dont require permits this summer check Latourell Falls.
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