The Basics
Columbia River Gorge Travel Basics
The Gorge is a National Scenic Area, not a national park, so there is no general entrance fee. A few individual stops do have their own rules, though. Multnomah Falls requires a timed use permit for the main I-84 lot (Exit 31) between 9am and 6pm from late May through early September. The permit costs $2 and can be booked through Recreation.gov up to 14 days ahead.
That permit is only for that particular lot. You do not need it if you arrive by bike, on foot, or on the Columbia Gorge Express bus. As of 2026, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil, and Angel's Rest also charge an Oregon State Parks day-use parking fee ($10 in-state, $12 out of state). Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls are still free to park at.
You will probably use both I-84 and the old Historic Columbia River Highway. They run alongside each other and connect in a few places, making it easy to switch routes as you work through the waterfalls. Check the road status before you leave, since parts of the historic highway sometimes close for construction or seasonal issues.
The Highlights
Things to Do
Start at the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. It is an easy pullout and one of the best places to get a wide view of the Gorge. A few minutes farther along, Vista House at Crown Point has another great view, plus a small museum inside its century-old stone building.
Further east, stop at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks even if you are not driving across it. It is the Pacific Crest Trail's river crossing and an impressive piece of old steel construction. You can walk onto the bridge from the pedestrian side for the view without paying the car toll.
Then keep going to Hood River, the main town in the Gorge. It is known for windsurfing on the river and has a surprisingly good concentration of breweries.
Outdoors
Best Waterfalls & Hikes
Latourell Falls is a good early stop. A short paved walk leads to the lower viewpoint, where the water drops over a cliff covered in bright green lichen. The 2.3-mile loop continues to a second viewpoint above the falls if you want to stretch the stop into a real hike.
Multnomah Falls is the famous one: a two-tiered, 620-foot waterfall with a footbridge partway up. It is worth seeing, but plan ahead in summer. You need the timed permit for the I-84 lot, and having a permit gets you through the entrance without guaranteeing that a parking spot will be waiting.
Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls are a good choice when you want a shorter hike. The round trip is 0.8 miles with about 300 feet of elevation gain, and the trail goes behind Ponytail Falls for a view you do not get from the road.
Base Camp
Where to Stay
Hood River is the easiest base if you are staying more than a day. It has the most restaurants, breweries, and places to stay, and it keeps you close to both the waterfall corridor and the wine and fruit orchards south of town. Cascade Locks is smaller and quieter, with a better location for the falls. Troutdale, at the western end of the Gorge, makes sense if you are coming from Portland and want to get an early start.
Eat Well
Best Food to Eat
In Cascade Locks, Thunder Ridge Brewing is an easy place to stop for a beer after the waterfall loop. It has river views and a relaxed feel, so it works well when you want to sit down for a while instead of rushing to the next stop.
In Hood River, Full Sail Brewing is the classic casual brewery meal. For something more filling than pub food, go to Grasslands Barbecue. Double Mountain Brewing is the move when you want pizza, and it is an easy dinner plan in the middle of town.
Spend Smarter
Ways to Save Money
- Go outside the late May through early September permit window if you can. That is the simplest way to avoid the timed use fee.
- Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls are free to park at, and you can walk between several falls along the Historic Highway rather than paying at every stop.
- To see Bridge of the Gods without the toll, leave the car and walk onto the bridge from the pedestrian side.
Local Tip
Book the Multnomah Falls Permit Early
Permits are released in two waves, 14 days ahead and 2 days ahead, both at 7am Pacific time. The popular slots disappear quickly. If Multnomah Falls is a must-see for your summer trip, set an alarm and book as soon as the window opens instead of hoping something will still be available later.
If you miss the timed permit, the smaller Historic Highway lot is the backup. It does not require a timed permit, but it costs $20 instead of $2, so I would only use it if the regular summer slots are gone.
