Portland Tour FAQs
Find answers about Gray Line of Portland tours, the Waterfall Trolley, the Rose City Trolley, the Gorge Explorer, and Waterfall Express transportation from Portland.
Plan Your Portland or Columbia River Gorge Tour With Confidence
Use the links above to jump to the FAQ section that matches your tour. For the fastest booking experience, review your tour details, boarding location, schedule, and transportation options before you arrive.
General FAQs
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
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You operate different websites; are they all the same company?
Yes! We operate in several different locations. You can find us as Gray Line of Portland, Northwest Trolley Tours, Northwest Sightseer, and the Waterfall Trolley.
Why should I book directly through your website instead of third parties like Viator or Get Your Guide?
Booking directly through our company has several benefits. We guarantee you the best price available. We also have the most generous terms and conditions. Finally, if there is a problem with your booking, we can work directly with you instead of having to work through a 3rd party and their interests. It’s much simpler and you’ll get to work with a real local person, guaranteed.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, we do! Gift cards can be purchased here.
Do you offer group rates?
Yes, we offer group rates for parties of 10 or more! Please call 503-241-7373 or email us at [email protected] with your party size and date and we will help you make a reservation.
I would like to charter a trolley or bus for a private event. Who should I contact?
Please fill out THIS FORM with the essential details, and we will be in touch. You can also e-mail us at [email protected]
Are tours ever canceled for inclement weather or other reasons?
Tours will not be cancelled due to rain. If, for some unexpected reason, there is a change or cancellation to your tour, we will do our best to contact you by email and/or phone.
I have additional questions. Who can I contact?
You can always e-mail us at [email protected]. For specific phone numbers to address your concern based on your location, view our contact page.
Waterfall Trolley FAQs
1. We have Forest Service reservations, doesn’t that include a parking spot reservation??
No, it does not. If you drive the Historic Highway, you will find that parking will be difficult if not impossible to find. At best, you have a 20% chance of getting a parking spot. During peak hours, the probability is much lower. An all-day pass on the Waterfall Trolley gets you a parking spot in Corbett and an opportunity to view the Waterfall Corridor at your own pace.
2. How bad is the Multnomah Falls and Waterfall Corridor parking situation?
It really is your best option to ride the Waterfall Trolley and enjoy a relaxing day without the parking hassle. 2.5 million people visit Multnomah Falls each year, most between June 1 and September 15. There are 186 parking spaces in the I-84 lot between the east and westbound lanes. There are 54 parking spaces on the Historic Highway in front of Multnomah Falls Lodge (These are very expensive). These 240 spaces fill up by 9 am if not sooner. At the freeway lot, there are gates that are closed when the lot is full. Traffic in front of Multnomah Falls Lodge can back up for 20 minutes as people try to turn into the lot with 54 spots. The best way to avoid the parking hassles that are now part of a trip to Multnomah Falls and/or the waterfall corridor is to exit I-84 at Exit 22. Turn south and proceed uphill to the town of Corbett, 1.5 miles away. Bear right at the top of the hill and drive a quarter of a mile to our parking lot at the Corbett Grade School. At the parking lot, you will find free parking with the purchase of Waterfall Trolley ticket(s). The Waterfall Trolley provides you with an opportunity to see the sites, hike the trails, and view the scenery without worrying about parking.
3. Can I just ride the Trolley to Multnomah Falls? Do I have to get off?
Plenty of our guests ride round-trip and enjoy a beautiful trolley tour. You can also ride the trolley just to the Multnomah Falls from any of our stops and back with the purchase of an all-day hop-on hop-off pass on the trolley for $37 adult, $19 youth (6-12), and children (1-5) are free.
4. Can I buy a trolley ticket when I get to Multnomah Falls?
Yes, you can, if you are one of the lucky ones to get a rare available parking space or if you arrive on public transit. Make sure you have a cell connection and buy your ticket at www.waterfalltrolley.com. You can also scan the QR code on our Trolley Stop signs or on the Trolley. Show the Waterfall Trolley driver the voucher you get on your phone, and they can issue tickets at any stop. Trolley Drivers cannot accept payments of any kind. If you do not have a cell connection, please visit our sales booth in Corbett. The advantage of buying a Waterfall Trolley ticket online in advance is that you are assured a parking spot in Corbett, a seat on the trolley when it leaves Corbett, and your ticket includes the reservation with the US Forest Service to see Multnomah Falls.
5. How long is the trolley ride?
If you do not get off the trolley, it takes 1-1/2 hours to do the round trip, actually 94 minutes to be exact. The all-day pass entitles you to get on and off the trolley to sightsee or hike.
6. How long does it take to get to Multnomah Falls?
If you begin at our parking lot in Corbett, it takes approximately 33 minutes for the trolley to take the scenic highway to Multnomah Falls, eastbound, seeing two waterfalls en route.
7. When is the last trolley loop of the day?
Our last trolley loop leaves Corbett at 4:00 pm. If you do not catch the trolley on the last loop to return to the parking lot, you will need to make your own accommodations to return.
8. Do the trolleys stop in the same location every time?
Yes, if going in the same direction. The eastbound stops are all on the south side of the road. The Westbound stops are all on the north side of the road (river side) and sometimes as far as 200 feet away from the eastbound stops. Look for the “Shuttle Loading” paint on the pavement and/or the green “Trolley/Shuttle Loading Zone” A Frame signs at each stop location. Trolleys never leave a stop before their departure time.
9. Are there restroom facilities at each stop?
Here are the facilities at each of our stops
Stop 1 – Corbett: Porta Potty, no running water, but hand sanitizer is available
Stop 2 – Crown Point: full bathroom facilities, volunteer-staffed
Stop 3 – Latourell Falls: enclosed toilets, no running water
Stop 4 – Bridal Veil Falls: full bathroom facilities
Stop 5 – Angels Rest: no bathroom facilities
Stop 6 – Wahkeena Falls: enclosed toilets, running water
Stop 7 – Multnomah Falls: full bathroom facilities
Stop 8 – Triple Falls: no bathroom facilities
Stop 9 – Horsetail Falls: no bathroom facilities
Stop 10 – Anisworth State Park: no bathroom facilities unless you are camping there
10. What are my food options along the route?
Here are the Waterfall Trolley stops with food facilities:
Stop 2 – Crown Point: Vista House – In the basement, there is a coffee bar with snacks. It is open 10 to 3 on Thursdays through Saturdays. Volunteer-run, so it may not be open on a particular day.
Stop 7 – Multnomah Falls: Full restaurant and outdoor snack bar facilities
11. Are there picnic areas at various stops?
There are picnic tables at Stop 3 Latourell Falls (upper and lower areas), Stop 4 Bridal Veil Falls, and Stop 6 Wahkeena Falls.
12. What waterfalls are visible without getting off the trolley?
Here are the waterfalls visible from the trolley:
Stop 3 – Latourell Falls
Stop 4 – Bridal Veil – westbound only
Stop 6 – Wahkeena Falls – partial view
Stop 7 – Multnomah Falls
Stop 9 – Horsetail Falls
Enroute – Sheppard’s Dell – westbound only
13. How long is the hike to get a view or picture of each waterfall?
Here are the hike times to view each waterfall:
Stop 3 – Latourell Falls: 2 to 7 minutes from 2 different viewpoints
Stop 4 – Bridal Veil Falls: 10 to 15 minutes
Stop 5 – Angels Rest: To Coopey Falls – 25 to 30 minutes
Stop 6 – Wahkeena Falls: 20 minutes to the bridge at the base of Upper Wahkeena Falls
Stop 7 – Multnomah Falls: 3 minutes to view the base of the lower and upper falls. 10 to 15 minutes to Benson Bridge to base of the upper falls.
Stop 8 – Triple Falls:
Stop 9 – Horsetail Falls: 1 minute
Other falls require short to long hikes. Please refer to our Trail Guide or US Forest Service trail maps at the trailheads.
14. Are strollers allowed on the trolley?
Yes, strollers are allowed. We generally fold them up and store them in the back near where ADA guests are accommodated.
15. Are pets allowed on the Waterfall Trolley?
As a courtesy to other guests, only dogs up to 30 pounds are allowed on the trolleys and then only on a space available basis.
16. We want to ride the Waterfall Trolley, but are in downtown Portland and have a car. How do we get there?
Find your way to I-84 Eastbound. Stay to the left as the freeway splits several times leaving Portland, and follow the signs to Cascade Locks. Get off at Exit 22, Corbett, approximately 22 miles east of downtown. Turn right at the top of the off-ramp and follow the first sign to Vista House. At the top of the 1.5-mile hill, continue to follow the signs to Vista House and bear right at the uphill Y. We are located in the Corbett Grade School parking lot.
17. What are the Waterfall Trolley’s accessibility limitations at its stops?
Gray Line Oregon and its Waterfall Trolley service work to ensure our services in the Columbia River Gorge offer equal access to all individuals regardless of their abilities. We treat all of our guests with the same dignity. Each of our trolleys is wheelchair lift-equipped and has the capacity for two wheelchairs. Please give us 24 hours’ notice when requiring wheelchair space. The historic highway was designed well before ADA accessibility guidelines were considered, and thus, many of the stops are not designed for wheelchair access. The accessibility of our stops varies greatly on this US Forest land designated as a National Scenic Area. For the best information as to the accessibility of the various stops, see these websites:
US Forest Service General Information
Corbett: Our parking lot is an elementary parking lot and is able to accommodate the loading of ADA guests.
Latourell Falls and Guy W. Talbot State Park (Latourell Falls Trailhead)
Angel’s Rest (unpaved trail with 10-15% average trail grade)
Horsetail Falls (parking area accessible, trail is unpaved and steep)
18. Do you offer transportation to the Waterfall Trolley from Portland?
We offer the Waterfall Express service, which uses our Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge tour coach for the transportation out to Multnomah Falls. From there, you can board the Waterfall Trolley with your all-day pass for a great day of sightseeing.
19. Does Uber or Lyft service your Corbett parking lot?
As of 2025, Uber does serve our departure point in Corbett at Corbett Grade School. We cannot confirm Lyft’s service. However, the Waterfall Express service from Portland is easier, costs the same or less for two guests, and is a much nicer trip with a guided tour on a deluxe motorcoach.
20. We don’t have a car, can’t take the Waterfall Express from Portland, and don’t want to use a rideshare service. How do we get there?
A: If you are in downtown Portland, take the TriMet MAX train to the Gateway Transit Center. There board the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) Columbia Gorge Express bus to Multnomah Falls. Buy your GLO1M trolley ticket at www.waterfalltrolley.com and board the trolley with your all day pass at Multnomah Falls. The MAX train operates regularly every 15-20 minutes. In 2026 the CAT Columbia Gorge Express bus operates from the Gateway Transit Center nine times a day, but only 6 of the departures work with the Waterfall Trolley schedule. Those departures from the Transit Center are at 7:20, 8:50, 10:20, 11:50,1:20 and 2:20 and take approximately 35 minutes to reach the freeway parking lot at Multnomah Falls. See https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/, and make sure to click on the Portland to Hood River tab for the correct schedule.
21. Help! I can’t find the trolley. I might be lost?
Call us at 503-241-7474
Portland “Rose City Trolley” FAQs
Where can I buy a ticket and board the Rose City Trolley?
Tickets are available online or in person. Our ticket booth and primary boarding location is at 846 SW Park Avenue. Look for the Gray Line Pink Sales Booth at Director Park, which is across from the southwest rear corner of the Nordstrom store on SW Broadway. You can also board the trolley at any of our stops by showing the driver your ticket voucher. Please visit our ticket booth at stop 1 to exchange your voucher for a hop-on/off sticker when you arrive.
How long is the Rose City Trolley route?
If you choose to just ride the complete loop without hopping on/off, the route is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Our first departure is at 10 am and the last loop starts at 4 pm.
Where can I park in Downtown Portland?
The nearest parking lot to our stop 1 loading area is the City-operated Smart Park on SW 10th between SW Yamhill and SW Morrison. The sales booth is on Director Park, 2 blocks away. The rates are $1.80 to $2.00 per hour with a $15 all day rate. We are also close to light rail and bus transit stops, and am an easily walkable distance from most downtown hotels.
How frequently does the Trolley stop? Where can I find the stop schedule?
The tour includes a driver guide and GPS-triggered narration and only stops long enough at each of the ten stops to load or unload guests. The guests have 45 minutes at each stop before they can board the next trolley. HERE is a link to the current stop schedule.
Do you have suggestions for how to spend my time touring Portland?
HERE is our guide to touring Portland with the Rose City Trolley.
I want to ride the Rose City Trolley and the Waterfall Trolley! Do you have combination tickets available?
Vistas, Falls & Gardens – Deluxe Combination Tour with Multnomah Falls and Pink Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley – This tour includes an all-day pass on the Portland Hop-On Hop-Off Pink Trolley Tour and a Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour. For more information, see those tour pages.
What days of the week does the Rose City Trolley operate?
We operate every day of the week except Tuesday. Our season is May 23rd through September 13th.
Is there a handicapped wheelchair lift on the Trolley?
All of the Portland and Waterfall trolleys are equipped with a wheelchair lift. Please provide us with 48 hours’ notice if a wheelchair lift is required.
Gorge Explorer Tour FAQs
What tour options are there on the Gorge Explorer?
There are four options with the Gorge Explorer: A Gorge Explorer- Waterfall Trolley Combo, a Gorge Explorer -Rose City Trolley Combo, the Gorge Explorer for the Day, or the Gorge Explorer Half-day AM or PM. You can find more information on the Gorge Explorer HERE.
Are there restrooms at the stops and on board the motorcoach?
Restrooms are available at each stop. There is also a restroom on the motorcoach.
Is there a handicapped wheelchair lift available?
With 48 hours’ notice, we can provide a coach that is equipped with a wheelchair lift. Please provide us with this notice if a wheelchair lift is required.
How long is the Gorge Explorer Tour?
The Gorge Explorer leaves at 8:30 am from our Gray Line Pink Trolley Ticket Booth at 846 SW Broadway. It leaves Multnomah Falls on the return at 4:10 pm. Depending on traffic, it will return to Portland around 5:30 pm.
Where do I board the tour?
The Gorge Explorer leaves from our Pink Trolley Ticket Booth at 846 SW Broadway in Portland. You can easily walk to this location from most downtown hotels. The nearest parking lot to our loading area is the City-operated Smart Park on SW 10th between SW Yamhill and SW Morrison. The sales booth is at Director Park, 2 blocks away. The rates are $1.80 to $2.00 per hour with a $15 all day rate. We are also close to light rail and bus transit stops.
Where can I eat lunch?
Feel free to bring your own, or lunch is available for purchase at the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
How far is Multnomah Falls from the coach stop?
The Lodge and lower falls are wheelchair accessible from the bus parking area with paved walkways. The Lodge is approximately 500 feet from the coach parking area, with the lower falls viewing area another 300 feet beyond the Lodge. The falls are easily visible from the Lodge, so the additional 300-foot walk is not required to view the falls.
What days of the week does the Gorge Explorer operate?
The Gorge Explorer operates Thursday through Sunday, May 23rd through September 13th. Not all tour options may be available on all days.
Where can I park in Downtown Portland?
The nearest parking lot to our stop 1 loading area is the City-operated Smart Park on SW 10th between SW Yamhill and SW Morrison. The sales booth is on Director Park, 2 blocks away. The rates are $1.80 to $2.00 per hour with a $15 all day rate. We are also close to light rail and bus transit stops, and are an easily walkable distance from most downtown hotels.
Waterfall Express Tour FAQs
What is included with the Waterfall Express Tour?
This tour involves a motorcoach transfer to Multnomah Falls Lodge to board the Waterfall Trolley. A full day pass on the Waterfall Trolley is included in the fare. A return transfer to Portland is included and departs from the Waterfall Trolley terminus in Corbett on the west end of the waterfall corridor.
Are there restrooms at the stops and on board the motorcoach?
Restrooms are available at Multnomah Falls Lodge. Some of the Waterfall Trolley stops have public restrooms as well. There is also a restroom on the motorcoach.
Is there a handicapped wheelchair lift available?
With 48 hours’ notice, we can provide a coach that is equipped with a wheelchair lift. Please provide us with this notice if a wheelchair lift is required.
How far is Multnomah Falls from the coach stop?
The Lodge and lower falls are wheelchair accessible from the bus parking area with paved walkways. The Lodge is approximately 500 feet from the coach parking area, with the lower falls viewing area another 300 feet beyond the Lodge. The falls are easily visible from the Lodge, so the additional 300-foot walk is not required to view the falls.
How long is the Waterfall Express Tour?
The Gorge Explorer leaves at 8:30 am from our Gray Line Pink Trolley Ticket Booth at 846 SW Broadway. It leaves Multnomah Falls on the return at 4:10 pm. Depending on traffic, it will return to Portland around 5:30 pm.
Where do I board the tour?
The Gorge Explorer leaves from our Gray Line Pink Trolley Ticket Booth at 846 SW Broadway in Portland. You can easily walk to this location from most downtown hotels. The nearest parking lot to our loading area is the City-operated Smart Park on SW 10th between SW Yamhill and SW Morrison. The sales booth is at Director Park, 2 blocks away. The rates are $1.80 to $2.00 per hour with a $15 all day rate. We are also close to light rail and bus transit stops.
Where can I find out more about the Waterfall Trolley part of the tour?
You can view the Waterfall Trolley FAQ above, or visit the tour page HERE.
Where can I eat lunch?
Feel free to bring your own, or lunch is available for purchase at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. There is a snack bar and restaurant available at the Lodge.
What days of the week does the Waterfall Express run?
The Waterfall Express operates Thursday through Sunday, May 23rd through September 13th.
Still Have Questions?
Our team can help you choose the right tour, confirm boarding details, or answer questions about Portland sightseeing, Multnomah Falls transportation, and Columbia River Gorge waterfall tours.
Tour Contact Information
Gray Line of Portland:
503-241-7373
Waterfall Trolley:
503-241-7474
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