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Visiting Multnomah Falls in summer is one of the most popular things to do in Oregon, and for good reason. The towering 620-foot cascade is breathtaking under blue skies, and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge is lush and green. But summer also brings the biggest crowds, the warmest temperatures, and — since 2024 — a timed-use permit system that adds an extra planning step. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of a summer visit to Multnomah Falls.

Do You Need a Permit to Visit Multnomah Falls in Summer?

Yes. From late May through early September, the U.S. Forest Service requires a free timed-use permit to access the Multnomah Falls corridor between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Permits are released in batches on Recreation.gov, and they go fast — especially for weekend time slots. Each permit is valid for a specific two-hour arrival window, and you’ll need one for every person in your group age 16 and older.

If you’d rather skip the permit scramble, one easy option is to book a guided tour. Tour operators like Waterfall Shuttle include permit access as part of the experience, so you don’t have to worry about snagging a time slot or figuring out parking on your own.

Best Time to Visit Multnomah Falls in Summer

The key to a great summer visit is timing. The falls face west, so morning light is softer and the viewing area is mostly shaded. Arriving in the first permitted window of the day — typically 9:00 a.m. — means fewer people and cooler temperatures. By midday, the parking lot is full, the bridge is shoulder-to-shoulder, and the sun heats up the gorge.

If mornings don’t work for you, late afternoon and early evening visits can be just as rewarding. After 6:00 p.m., the permit requirement lifts, and the crowds thin out noticeably. The golden light that pours through the gorge around sunset makes for stunning photographs. Waterfall Shuttle’s popular Sunset Tour takes advantage of exactly this window — you get to see the falls in warm evening light without competing for space.

What to Expect: Weather and Temperatures

Summer daytime temperatures in the Columbia River Gorge typically range from 75°F to 95°F, but the microclimate around Multnomah Falls is noticeably cooler. The mist from the falls and the shaded canyon can drop temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees compared to Portland. It feels wonderful on a hot day, but it also means you should bring a light layer — especially if you plan to linger near the base of the falls or hike the trail to the top.

Rain is rare in July and August, but not unheard of. The gorge creates its own weather patterns, and a quick afternoon shower can roll through even on an otherwise sunny day. A packable rain jacket takes up almost no room and can save a trip.

Hiking Multnomah Falls in Summer

Most visitors walk the short paved path from the parking area to the iconic Benson Bridge, which spans the falls at the 69-foot mark between the upper and lower cascades. This walk is about five minutes and is accessible for most fitness levels.

For a bigger adventure, the trail continues from Benson Bridge to the top of the falls — a 1.2-mile climb that gains about 700 feet of elevation through a series of switchbacks. The trail is well-maintained but steep, and in summer it can get warm on the exposed upper sections. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and start early to avoid the midday heat. The views from the top, looking down at the falls and out across the gorge, are absolutely worth the effort.

Parking and Getting There

Parking is the single biggest challenge for summer visitors. The Multnomah Falls parking lot is small and fills up early — often before 9:00 a.m. on weekends. Overflow parking along the Historic Columbia River Highway is limited and can result in citations if you park illegally.

Many visitors find that taking a shuttle or guided tour eliminates the parking headache entirely. Waterfall Shuttle picks up from convenient locations and handles all the driving and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery instead of circling for a parking spot. It’s especially helpful for visitors who are unfamiliar with the area or traveling with kids or older family members.

Tips for Beating the Summer Crowds

Multnomah Falls sees over two million visitors per year, and a huge percentage of them come in June, July, and August. Here are a few strategies to have a better experience:

Visit on a weekday. Monday through Thursday visits are significantly less crowded than weekends. If your schedule allows it, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit can feel like a completely different place.

Go early or late. The first and last hours of the permit window are the quietest. Early birds get the most peaceful experience, while evening visitors get the best light.

Explore beyond the main viewpoint. Most visitors cluster around Benson Bridge and the base of the falls. Walking the upper trail, even just partway, puts you above the crowds. You can also explore other nearby waterfalls like Wahkeena Falls or Horsetail Falls, which are connected by trails and see a fraction of the foot traffic.

Bring the essentials. Sunscreen, water, a hat, and comfortable shoes will make your visit much more enjoyable. The gift shop at Multnomah Falls Lodge sells snacks and drinks, but bringing your own water bottle saves time and money.

Other Waterfalls to Visit While You’re in the Gorge

One of the best things about visiting Multnomah Falls in summer is how easy it is to turn it into a multi-waterfall day. Within a few miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can visit Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls — all stunning and all significantly less crowded. A waterfall-hopping itinerary is one of the best ways to spend a summer day in Oregon.

Plan Your Summer Visit

Multnomah Falls in summer is magical — the falls are flowing, the trails are open, and the gorge is at its most vibrant. With a little planning around permits, parking, and timing, you can have an incredible experience without the stress. And if you want to make it truly effortless, book a Waterfall Shuttle tour and let someone else handle the logistics while you take in one of the Pacific Northwest’s greatest natural wonders.