Columbia River Gorge Hwy

Would you please explain what a 'timed entry' permit is, and why they have it?

Columbia River Gorge

This is it I believe.

IDman wrote:
Would you please explain what a 'timed entry' permit is, and why they have it?

IDman wrote:
Would you please explain what a 'timed entry' permit is, and why they have it?

To limit traffic. Sort of like Disneyworld where you can get a fast pass (or timed entry permit} for a specific ride where you are assigned a time framed window you can enter.

Sounds like it is just another fee for being there! Haven't been to Disney for 20 years so don't know (or care) how they handle crowds.

IDman wrote:
Sounds like it is just another fee for being there! Haven't been to Disney for 20 years so don't know (or care) how they handle crowds.

FYI

The new permits are an effort to curb crowds along the scenic highway, which gives access to famous landmarks like the Vista House, popular hikes at Angel’s Rest and Wahkeena Falls, as well as viewpoints at several other waterfalls, including Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls.

“This is a modest step to help address an increasingly serious problem,” Hamilton said. “Everybody knows how bad the congestion has been getting in the gorge, especially in the waterfall corridor.”

From what I read, the pass is not needed to travel the historic roadway but addresses day use fee facilities.

This pass allows the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle use of the recreation facilities at day use fee sites administered by the U.S. Forest Service within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

I understand what a permit is. I don't however, know what a "timed entry" permit is. Do they only allow you so many minutes? Do they give you a required exit time? Hope someone will explain the "timed entry" aspect. Thanks!

IDman wrote:
I understand what a permit is. I don't however, know what a "timed entry" permit is. Do they only allow you so many minutes? Do they give you a required exit time? Hope someone will explain the "timed entry" aspect. Thanks!

The pass is to limit traffic on the Historic Columbia River Highway. This is the main access to many of the water falls in the Columbia Gorge on the Oregon side. The HCRH as it is know is the old highway narrow and in many ares very twisty. They also had a reservation system last year for the parking lot for Multnomah Falls off of I84. This area is very popular and gets extremely crowded during summer. This permit is separate from the US Forest Service permit.
Current permit information