Understanding Multnomah Falls Transportation Amidst Highway Construction
Planning a visit to the majestic Multnomah Falls? It’s essential to be aware of ongoing transportation changes due to a significant Federal Government construction project on the Westbound Viaduct of the Columbia River Historic Highway 30. This project, which commenced in October 2024 and is expected to continue until May 2025, is currently impacting access and parking, particularly around Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls.
Historic Highway 30 Closure and Its Impact on Your Visit
The Columbia River Historic Highway 30 is currently CLOSED at Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls. This closure is a direct result of the federal construction project and is causing considerable traffic adjustments in the area. For visitors aiming to reach Multnomah Falls, understanding these closures is crucial for a smoother journey.
The Recommended Route: Interstate-84 Parking (Exit 31)
For the most direct and efficient Multnomah Falls Transportation, especially during this construction period, it is highly recommended to utilize the Interstate-84 Multnomah Falls parking area (Exit 31). This exit is a “left-hand exit” leading directly into the parking area, providing the most reliable access point to the falls.
Avoiding Traffic Congestion via Ainsworth Exit (Exit 35)
While the Ainsworth Exit (Exit 35) off Interstate-84 might seem like an alternative, visitors attempting to use the Historic Highway 30 from this exit are encountering significant traffic congestion. This route is often backed up for miles, leaving vehicles stuck with limited or no turnaround options for extended periods, sometimes up to an hour. Therefore, choosing Exit 35 is strongly discouraged during the construction.
Accessing I-84 Exit 31 Parking from Eastbound I-84
On particularly busy days, the gates at the eastbound ramp of Exit 31 parking might be closed due to capacity. Should you encounter this, simply continue on I-84 eastbound to Exit 35. From Exit 35, you can then re-enter I-84 westbound to access the freeway parking lot via the westbound ramp, which remains ungated.
Live Parking Updates and Official Operators
To get real-time updates on parking availability at the Interstate-84 Multnomah Falls Parking area, you can view the live feed provided by Oregon Travels: https://www.oregontravels.com/_roads/nw_I-84_at_Multnomah_Falls_Parking_2732.html#google_vignette.
It’s important to note that Multnomah Falls Company, Inc. is not responsible for parking operations. Parking on the Historic Highway, opposite Multnomah Falls Lodge, is managed by Sasquatch Shuttle (http://www.sasquatchshuttle.com), while the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) operates the Interstate-84 parking area (Exit 31) (https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Pages/index.aspx).
By understanding these Multnomah Falls transportation adjustments and choosing the recommended parking at Exit 31, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to this iconic natural wonder during the ongoing highway construction.
