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The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon cut through the Cascade Range by the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington just east of Portland. Basalt cliffs rise steeply from the water, and the western end is wet and densely forested while the eastern stretch turns dry, open and golden. Ice Age floods shaped much of the landscape, and the area is protected as a National Scenic Area.
The Historic Columbia River Highway, an early twentieth-century scenic road, links many of the classic stops. Vista House at Crown Point gives a sweeping first look up the river, and the waterfall corridor beyond includes Latourell Falls, Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls, and the two-tiered Multnomah Falls, the gorge's best-known sight. Farther east, Bonneville Lock and Dam has fish ladders where migrating salmon can sometimes be seen, and Eagle Creek Trail leads to the pool at Punch Bowl Falls. Cascade Locks sits beside the Bridge of the Gods.
The gorge works well as a day trip from Portland or as a slower base around Hood River, a town known for windsurfing, kiteboarding and the orchard and farm-stand circuit called the Fruit Loop. The Mosier Twin Tunnels make an easy walk or bike ride, and the Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena Crest fills with wildflowers in spring. Waterfalls run strongest in winter and spring.
WiserMap travel guideColumbia River Gorge Oregon Multnomah Falls and Hood RiverPlan a Columbia River Gorge trip: Multnomah Falls permits, Vista House, Eagle Creek, Bonneville Dam, Hood River's Fruit Loop, wildflower hikes and travel tips.Read the guide
An octagonal stone building from 1918 perched on a cliff high above the Columbia River along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It has a small museum, a gift shop and one of the most famous views of the Gorge stretching east. It is often very windy here, so hold on to hats, and visit in the morning for softer light.
Rowena Crest is a viewpoint above the looping curves of the historic highway in the drier eastern Gorge. Next to it, the Tom McCall Preserve has trails across grassy plateaus where wildflowers such as balsamroot and lupine bloom in spring. Watch for poison oak and ticks, and note that dogs are not allowed on the trails.
A tall, single-plunge waterfall that drops over a basalt cliff covered in bright yellow-green lichen, just off the Historic Columbia River Highway. A short paved path leads to the viewpoint, and a loop trail of about two miles passes the upper falls too. It is usually less crowded than Multnomah Falls.
The tallest waterfall in Oregon, dropping in two tiers with the graceful Benson Bridge spanning the lower falls. The historic 1925 stone lodge has a restaurant and visitor center. A steep paved trail climbs to a viewing platform at the top. Check whether timed permits are needed in summer, and arrive early.
Two more beautiful waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Wahkeena Falls tumbles down a series of cascades, and a loop trail links it with Multnomah Falls. Horsetail Falls drops right beside the road in a narrow plume shaped like a horse's tail. Both are good quick stops on a waterfall drive.
A hydroelectric dam on the Columbia River completed in the 1930s, with visitor centers where you can watch salmon and other fish climbing the fish ladders through underwater windows. The nearby fish hatchery has ponds with huge sturgeon, including a famous one named Herman. Fall is peak salmon season.
Cascade Locks is a small river town named for old navigation locks. The Bridge of the Gods, a steel toll bridge to Washington, is where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River. Sternwheeler sightseeing cruises leave from the town's marine park. Stop for local fish and chips by the river.
A classic Gorge hike that follows Eagle Creek along cliffside ledges, some with cables for handholds, past several waterfalls. About two miles in, Punch Bowl Falls pours into a round pool in a mossy basin. The trail reopened after the 2017 wildfire. Keep children close on the narrow ledges.
A car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway between Hood River and Mosier, now a paved trail for walkers and cyclists. It passes through two restored 1920s tunnels carved into basalt, with windows looking over the river. The route is about nine miles round trip. Bring water, as the eastern Gorge is hot and dry.
A huge volcanic rock on the Washington side of the river, the core of an ancient volcano. A narrow trail with many switchbacks, handrails and bridges climbs to the summit for wide views up and down the Gorge. It is under two miles round trip. A Washington Discover Pass is needed for parking in the state park.
A steep and popular hike on the Washington side of the Gorge that climbs about 2,800 feet to open meadows covered in yellow balsamroot flowers in spring, with views over the river to Mount Hood. The loop is about seven miles. Weekend hiking permits are required in the spring bloom season, so book in advance.
Hood River is a lively town known as a world capital of windsurfing and kiteboarding, with breweries, cafes and shops. The Fruit Loop is a scenic drive of about 35 miles through orchards, farm stands, cideries and wineries with views of Mount Hood. Blossoms peak in spring and fruit picking runs from summer into fall.
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