Hiking in the Cascade Locks & Multnomah Falls Campgrounds: trails, map and practical info

The Cascade Locks and Multnomah Falls area is one of the most iconic stretches of the Columbia River Gorge, sitting right along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon. Whether you're looking to set up a base camp for a few days of exploring or you just need a place to sleep after a long day on the trails, the campgrounds in this corridor put you right in the middle of some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest.

This area draws hikers, road trippers, and outdoor families year after year — and for good reason. You've got the thundering drop of Multnomah Falls on one end, the charming small town of Cascade Locks on the other, and dozens of trailheads in between. Staying at one of the campgrounds here means you can hit the trails early, before the day-use crowds roll in.

The Setting

The Columbia River Gorge carves a dramatic path between Oregon and Washington, and the Cascade Locks and Multnomah Falls corridor sits right at the heart of it. The landscape is defined by basalt cliffs, dense old-growth forest, and the constant presence of the Columbia River below. Waterfalls are everywhere — Multnomah is the headliner, but Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, and Horsetail Falls are all within easy reach of the campgrounds in this zone.

Cascade Locks itself is a small river town with a real history tied to the Columbia. The town grew up around the locks built in the late 1800s to help boats navigate the river, and that heritage is still visible today at the Marine Park. It's also the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail's Oregon section — a fact that gives the town a certain energy, especially in summer when thru-hikers pass through.

Campgrounds in the Area

The campgrounds scattered between Cascade Locks and Multnomah Falls vary in style and feel, giving you options depending on what kind of experience you're after.

• Ainsworth State Park — Located near the western end of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Ainsworth puts you within walking distance of Horsetail Falls and close to several other waterfall trailheads. It's a well-maintained Oregon State Parks campground with both tent and RV sites.
• Cascade Locks Marine Park Campground — Right in town, this campground sits along the riverbank at Marine Park. It's a convenient base if you want easy access to the PCT, the Bridge of the Gods, and the town's small shops and restaurants. The river views are a bonus.
• Eagle Creek Campground — One of the most storied spots in the Gorge, Eagle Creek sits at the trailhead for the Eagle Creek Trail, which follows a spectacular canyon carved by the creek. Note that access and conditions in this area have been affected by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, so it's worth checking current status with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area before you go.

Hiking Access

This is really the main draw. Staying in this corridor means you're within a short drive — or in some cases a short walk — of a remarkable concentration of trails.

• Multnomah Falls Trail — The most visited natural site in Oregon. The paved trail to the top of the upper falls is short but steep, and the views from the bridge and the overlook are worth every step. Go early to avoid the crowds.
• Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls Loop — A classic Gorge loop that connects two major waterfalls through forest and along ridgelines. A solid half-day hike.
• Eagle Creek Trail — When open, this trail is one of the most dramatic in the entire Gorge, following a narrow canyon with multiple waterfalls and a famous tunnel carved through the rock. Check current conditions and closures before planning a trip here.
• Pacific Crest Trail — The PCT passes right through Cascade Locks, and you can pick it up at the Bridge of the Gods trailhead for day hikes heading north into Washington or south into Oregon's Gorge section.
• Beacon Rock State Park — Just across the river in Washington, Beacon Rock offers a short but steep trail to the top of a massive basalt monolith with sweeping views of the Gorge.

What to Know Before You Go

The Columbia River Gorge is a busy place, especially from late spring through early fall. A few things worth keeping in mind:

• Timed-entry permits — The Multnomah Falls area has implemented timed-entry permits during peak season. If you're planning to drive to the falls, check the current permit requirements through Recreation.gov well in advance.
• Fire history — The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned a significant portion of the Gorge's Oregon side. Recovery has been ongoing, and some trails and areas remain closed or have changed significantly. Always check with the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area or Oregon State Parks for current trail conditions.
• Weather — The Gorge has its own microclimate. It can be windy, wet, and cool even in summer. Layers and rain gear are smart even on sunny days.
• Campground reservations — State park campgrounds in Oregon book up fast, particularly on summer weekends. Reserve through Oregon State Parks well ahead of your trip.
• Northwest Forest Pass / Day-use fees — Depending on which trailheads and facilities you use, you may need a Northwest Forest Pass or be subject to day-use fees. Check requirements for each specific site.

Getting There

The Cascade Locks and Multnomah Falls area is easily accessible from Portland via Interstate 84 east. Cascade Locks is at Exit 44, and Multnomah Falls has its own exit (Exit 31) with a large parking area — though that lot fills quickly on busy days. The Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) runs parallel to I-84 and connects many of the waterfall viewpoints and trailheads along a scenic two-lane road that's worth driving on its own.

During peak season, the Columbia Gorge Express bus service runs from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland directly to Multnomah Falls, which is a genuinely good option for avoiding parking headaches and reducing your footprint in a heavily visited area.