The parking lot off the historic Columbia Highway is privately owned. The owners have had this parking fee plan since last year’s off-season.
Corbett, Oregon. Tourists were not too happy about the news.
The site is privately owned and operated by Sasquatch Shuttle, a provider of parking and transportation services to the Columbia River Gorge region. Co-owner Alan Dayley told KGW the instrumentation machine was installed last Tuesday and was up and running on Thursday. He said parking fees range from $5 to $20, depending on the time and day.
Dailey said last season we came to the parking lot and monitored it and helped direct traffic flow. We saw an opportunity to be able to utilize this as a premier parking area and be able to offer a cheaper and more convenient option at Bridal Veil.
Sasquatch Shuttle also owns and operates parking lots at Bridal Veil. Starting in May, visitors can park in the Bridal Veil parking lot for $5 and take a free shuttle directly to Multnomah Falls. Dayley told KGW this new parking fee will fund their free shuttle, which will run approximately every 30 minutes.
“Free shuttle service between the Bridal Veil parking lot and the Multnomah Falls parking lot is part of our transportation strategy,” Sasquatch Shuttle co-owner Kent Krumpschmidt said in a news release Monday. A key component. “By providing this free service, our goal is to reduce traffic congestion along the scenic highway while allowing visitors to seamlessly enjoy the stunning beauty of Multnomah Falls. “
Dayley said they have been discussing this new parking fee idea since the 2023 off-season. Of course, this means parking can be chaotic during peak season.
KGW’s Daisy Caballero asked Dayley how they arrived at this price point. He said they looked at other rates in different parking areas across the country.
“We’re providing an opportunity for people who want to cross the street. We’re really hoping that the price might deter people from parking here and looking for more affordable options because they’re right there,” Dailey said.
When asked if a $20 parking day-use pass was too expensive, Daley didn’t mince words.
That’s a good question, no. Otherwise we wouldn’t charge that much,” he said. “Parking is $10 now and in the off-season and $20 in the peak season.
KGW spoke with several visitors who shared their thoughts on parking charges. While some people are open to the idea, most aren’t excited.
“If the shuttle service means more people can enjoy and experience it, I think that’s pretty fair. But the fact that it’s an all-day parking fee feels a little weird. It would be better if it was hourly,” said Johnny Le, a visitor from Seattle.
Yeah, I just think it should be free,” said visitor Bailey St. Aubin from Utah. “There are a lot of things in the world that we have to pay for… You have to pay for everything everywhere you go.
“I see both sides of the coin, I guess, but it’s sad. I understand why it might curb congestion, but I doubt it. I think it might be the norm,” said Karen Duncan.
$20 is too expensive to avoid congestion,” said Atul Gutel, another visitor from Seattle. “I disagree, $10 is reasonable. Beyond that it’s too much.
As for the legality of the new parking fees, both the U.S. Forest Service and Multnomah County are reviewing it. But the owners don’t think it’s illegal.
“We believe our payment machines do not require a license,” an attorney for Sasquatch Shuttle said.
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