Friends of Multnomah Falls keeps Visitor Center open following federal cuts

Published 5:00 am Thursday, March 20, 2025

A federal cutback will reduce the U.S. Forest Service’s presence at the most popular tourist destination in Oregon, leaving the work of volunteers more vital than ever before.

Seasonal parks employees across the country had their jobs cut, including more than 250 in Oregon and Washington. Because of that, the Forest Service is only able to periodically station a ranger at Multnomah Falls, in the Columbia River Gorge. Their presence will be on the weekends, from April to October, and even that could be spotty.

In the past the Rangers played a key role in keeping all of the visitors safe and informed — Multnomah Falls remains under a crush of tourism, especially during the summer months when parking lots get jammed and highways backed-up. They not only kept things moving, but also spent time in the Visitor Center.

Now that task falls upon Friends of Multnomah Falls, a nonprofit volunteer group that cares for the site. Those dedicated volunteers will ensure the Visitor Center remains open four hours per day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) throughout the year.

Anyone who volunteers with Friends of Multnomah Falls earns a NW Forest Pass after 16 hours of service. They are able to volunteer as little as one day per month with flexible hours. Learn more at friendsofmultnomahfalls.org