Troutdale to Multnomah Falls: Distance and Route

Troutdale, Oregon (the "Gateway to the Gorge") sits 12 miles (19 km) west of Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge.

Driving (Historic Columbia River Highway / US-30 / I-84)

• Time: 20–25 minutes (off-peak); 40+ min (summer weekends).
• Route: Exit Troutdale → Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) scenic route (crown jewel: Crown Point, Vista House, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls) → Multnomah Falls. Or I-84 Exit 31 direct (less scenic).
• Parking: Multnomah Falls lot fills by 9 AM summer; timed-entry permit required May–Sept (recreation.gov). Shuttle from Gateway Transit Center (Portland) available.

Transit

• Columbia Gorge Express (seasonal): Gateway Transit Center → Multnomah Falls (30 min). Connects to TriMet MAX Blue Line.
• Amtrak: Portland → Hood River (stops at Multnomah Falls? No—nearest stop is Hood River, 20 mi east).

Bike

Historic Highway has bike lanes; 12 mi, ~600 ft gain. Popular day ride from Portland (add 16 mi via Springwater Corridor + I-84 path = 28 mi RT).

Troutdale Extras

• McMenamins Edgefield – Hotel, golf, distillery, concerts, pools.
• Outlet mall, Harlow House Museum, Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets.
• Base for: Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge (permit), Women's Forum Overlook.