Columbia River Gorge
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Walking/Hiking,
River
In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition used the Columbia and its craggy banks to reach the Pacific; these days, two smoothly-paved highways on the Oregon side would greatly simplify the explorers' epic journey. Interstate-84 parallels the achingly wide, cornflower-blue Columbia, wending past dense, dark forests and jagged, lavender-grey mountains. Beside the Columbia River Highway (which runs adjacent to I-84 from Troutdale to Dodson), the Gorge is webbed with hiking trails and more than 90 waterfalls, including the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls.
While it's possible to treat the Gorge as a day's trip out of Portland, the area makes an ideal weekend trip of itself; the Gorge provides opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, water sports and more. Oregonian highlights of the Gorge include the hand-hewn Timberline Lodge; Mt Hood, the highest mountain in the state; the windsurfing action and cozy taverns of downtown Hood River; wine tasting in the Pinot-focused Willamette Valley; the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center at The Dalles and the rafting rapids of the White Salmon River.
Latest Reviews
Review by Kelvin M, April 2013
Doing what: Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
This was a fun tour and our guide, Gunnar, was very knowledgeable about the city of Portland. Actually, I was the only person in the first half of the tour which took us through some of the quirky neighborhoods around Portland. We visited the Rose Garden and the Pittock Mansion which is perched on the bluffs of West Hills overlooking Portland. The weather was perfect that day and there were clear views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. After taking a lunch break, the second half of the tour picks up a group of two as we head out towards the Columbia Gorge. We make a stop at a sturgeon fish hatchery before visiting some of the many waterfalls the Gorge has to offer including the famous Multnomah Falls. Gunnar made sure we were able to spend quality time up close to some of the larger waterfalls. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Portland.
Review by Jack D, April 2013
Doing what: Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
Over the years my family and I have taken many guided tours of American cities. Often we use the Grayline company. I was very apprehensive about selecting another company but my concerns were unfounded. Our tour of Portland and the Columbia Gorge was outstanding! With no doubt our tour guide was the best we have ever experienced. She was helpful, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. She also had a passion for history which I really appreciated.
Review by Carolee R, April 2013
Doing what: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Wine Tour from Portland
The guide makes or breaks a tour, and our guide, Jeff, is A++++ No better way to have a guided experience - they have thought of all the details to make it special.
Practical Info
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