Multnomah Falls, other Columbia Gorge trails reopen after extended COVID-19 closures
Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall and most visited outdoor showcase, announced that it would open with some major tweaks to the visiting experience.
Other waterfall trails in the Gorge are also to reopening today.
The reopening of Multnomah will take place in a phased manner, with limits on the number of people allowed to visit at once.
The reopened will proceed as follows:
“We are dedicated to providing access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Multnomah Falls,” said Lynn Burditt, the forest supervisor, “through aligning with all state and CDC safety guidelines, addressing safety concerns, and connecting people with this natural and historic treasure.”
Face coverings will be required to enter and social distancing will be enforced at the recreation site.
While the Multnomah Falls Recreation Area and the Historic Lodge will be open, Benson Bridge spanning the base of Multnomah Falls as well as the trail to the top of the falls and the loop trail to Wahkeena Falls will remain closed, officials said.
In addition to Multnomah, a handful of other Gorge trails that had remained close will reopen, the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said.
Oregon State Parks in the Gorge that are reopening include: Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Angel’s Rest, Guy Talbot, Tooth Rock, John Yeon and Ainsworth (open for camping) state parks. Horsetail Falls trails and the Wahkeena Trail will be open to the Larch Mountain Trail, though parking near Wahkeena Falls will be limited, officials said.
Sites expected to stay closed include: Vista House at Crown Point, Benson State Park.
When limited access to Multnomah Falls begins, the Historic Columbia River Highway will also reopen between Bridal Veil and Ainsworth. The road will be open for driving, however, parking will not be available along the Historic Highway by Multnomah Falls.
Parking and access?
The I-84 parking lot for Multnomah Falls will re-open but high demand means the gates at the eastbound entrance will close when the limited parking spaces fill up.
Crossing arms will close the eastbound entrance to the lot when the 186 spaces are filled, and travelers must observe these closures.
If the gates are closed, no parking will be available, and visitors will have to return to the Falls at another time. Westbound access will be closed to prevent back-ups on the freeway.
The I-84 parking lot will remain open if no safety concerns stem from traffic congestion issues.
The Columbia Gorge Express bus will not stop at Multnomah Falls during this first phase of reopening. When the Forest Service implements its Falls reservation system, the Columbia Gorge Express will begin serving Multnomah Falls and will not stop Rooster Rock State Park at any time in 2020.