Multnomah Falls is a year-round wonder. It’s Oregon’s tallest waterfall, and with its location just 30 minutes east of Portland, it’s a popular day trip from the city. When you’re taking the Sasquatch Shuttle, it’s also a convenient and easy trip. Rather than worrying about navigating the summer timed-parking permit system and crowded lots, you can simply hop on the bus, forget your troubles and enjoy the scenery.
Sasquatch Shuttle operates a fleet of buses offering an express park-and-ride option straight to Multnomah Falls, as well as a Waterfall Loop tour experience that takes you to several magnificent falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway Waterfall Corridor. Here’s how to make use of this pet-friendly and accessible shuttle service for a car-free trip with stunning views.
See Waterfalls, Historic Buildings and Iconic Views
To begin your tour, start at the Sasquatch Shuttle home base located at the Columbia Gorge Outlets in Troutdale, about 16 miles east of Portland. You’ll find ample parking, including space for larger vehicles such as RVs and charging stations for electric vehicles.
Next you have the choice of either hopping on the express shuttle straight to Multnomah Falls or planning a more in-depth sightseeing experience for the day. There are two daily guided Waterfall Loop tours, boarding at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Once on board, you can sit back, relax and soak it all in as you pass craggy basalt-rock walls topped with lush greenery and canyons carved out by cascading waterfalls. Along the way, the expert-narrated tour will share the natural and cultural history of this unique area.
The first stop on the two-and-a-half-hour tour is the Vista House at Crown Point, perched 700 feet above the Columbia River and offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorge. This historic icon, open to visitors since 1918, gives guests a chance to take in the dramatic landscape as the river winds through steep canyon walls. Inside the sandstone structure (open Friday through Monday), visitors can marvel at the turn-of-the-century architecture, featuring Alaskan marble and intricate stained-glass windows — an elegant contrast to the raw beauty just beyond its doors.
Next up, stop at Latourell Falls to watch the 224-foot waterfall cascade down rock columns dressed up in vibrant yellow-green lichen. Farther down the road, you’ll pass right over the top of Bridal Veil Falls, and get a sneak peak of Wahkeena Falls along the way to Horsetail Falls.
See Multnomah Falls and Take a Hike
Once you’ve been introduced to a sampling of the marvels along the waterfall corridor, it’s time for the main event. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet down from Multnomah Creek on Larch Mountain. Broken up by two different tiers, the falls create a double cascade with the iconic arched Benson Bridge, built in 1914, adding to the enchanting view. As one of the most-frequented natural areas in the Pacific Northwest, parking is often stressful and time-consuming at Multnomah Falls. During the summer months, a timed-entry permit is required. Making use of the Sasquatch Shuttle express option or enjoying the Waterfall Loop tour eliminates worrying about parking and access, so you can simply focus on taking in the views.
Visiting Multnomah Falls offers multiple options for adventure in one stop. For a casual experience, wander the paved viewing deck and take photos while gazing up at the falls. Then visit the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925 and celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, to grab a bite and a drink in the restaurant (don’t miss the locally made bourbon made just to commemorate its 100th birthday). For something lighter, stop by the espresso stand for a latte, or curb a sweet craving with a freshly baked giant chocolate chip cookie or a swirled soft-serve ice cream cone from the snack bar. The Lodge also houses a visitor center, where you can learn more about the history and natural elements of the area and the falls — and stop in at the gift shop.
Feeling more active? Lace up your hiking shoes and head for the Benson Bridge for a closer look at the falls, from there you can choose to continue up the steeper, paved trail that climbs just over 1 mile up to the viewing platform at the top. This will offer a look at Multnomah Creek, where the falls begin and plunge down the basalt rock face. Or roll up the more accessible fully paved 0.2 mile trail to Benson falls.
Cruise With Views and Eat at Food Carts
If you’d like to stay longer, plan to take the Multnomah Falls Express, which runs every at 60-minute intervals and during busy times as frequent as every 30-minutes, with the last pickup at 5:30 p.m. to return to the outlet mall parking lot in Troutdale. Plus, new double-decker buses offer incredible views from the top.
For those who take the waterfall tour, you’ll receive a $20 credit to use in the Sasquatch Adventure store to shop for souvenirs, including mugs, beanies and T-shirts. Or, if you’re hungry after a day of adventures, you can use the credit for a bite at nearby Fairview Food Plaza, also known as The Fork. Just two miles west of Sasquatch Shuttle’s home base, it’s a casual dining experience with indoor seating and over 15 different food carts to choose from serving smashburgers, sushi, burritos, pho and much more along with local beer and cider on tap.
