Permit Required For Columbia River Highway's Waterfall Corridor

GRESHAM, OR — Almost as well-known as the beautiful corridor of waterfalls along the Columbia River Highway are the monumentally long lines of traffic required to drive through to see them. Especially during the summer.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has a plan to make it better.

Starting Tuesday, permits are required to drive the highway — between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. — from Vista House to Ainsworth State Park. Permits are $2 and are only required for passenger vehicles. If you walk, bike, hike or take public transportation, no permit is needed.

"The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most iconic and popular destinations," Multnomah County Commissioner Lori Stegmann said in a news release. "But for both residents and visitors the traffic congestion has contributed to frustration and long waits.

"With this permit pilot program our goal is to provide easier access while improving the safety and experience for those traveling through the Gorge’s majestic beauty. The benefit of a pilot program is that we can modify it as needed to enhance its effectiveness and ensure it works for residents and visitors alike."

The new system runs through Sept. 5.

The permits are for specific time slots.

ODOT hopes the new system will ease congestion along the route. While people are encouraged to book online up to two weeks ahead of time, some permits will be available same day.