Located just 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is a National Scenic Area that stretches over 80 miles long at depths of up to 4,000 feet serving as the border between Oregon and Washington. It is home to the highest concentration of waterfalls in the United States and in this blog, we’re taking you on an epic day trip through this stunning landscape! Starting in Portland we’ll wind our way through breathtaking scenery, majestic waterfalls, and hidden gems along one of Oregon’s most scenic drives, the Historic Columbia River Highway. Along the drive, we'll discover the must-see stops, top hikes, and where to grab a bite as we explore iconic spots like Multnomah Falls, Vista House, and Hood River. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just in it for the gorgeous views, we hope this guide helps you plan the perfect day in the Columbia River Gorge!
⬇️ Check out our Columbia River Gorge video for a closer look at our time! ⬇️
For the best Tours, Tickets, and Experiences in and around the Columbia River Gorge check out these offers from our friends at GetYouGuide!
⬇️ Our picks for the Best Tours & Experiences in the Columbia River Gorge ⬇️
⬇️ Our picks for the Best Columbia River Gorge Day Trips from Portland ⬇️
When visiting the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll likely be staying nearby in Portland, so here are some of our hotel recommendations!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Nines
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotel Eastlund
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Stomping Grounds Coffee House
(21825 NE Halsey St)
This local gem serves high-quality coffee, espresso drinks, delicious chai lattes, and fresh-baked pastries in a cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place to start your Columbia River Gorge adventure. Their breakfast sandwiches and quiches are wonderful and their chai lattes are incredible!
Other options:
▪️ Good Coffee (336 E Historic Columbia River Hwy)
▪️ Le Petit Café Troutdale (151 SW 257th Dr)
9:30 AM: Road Trip and Explore the Columbia River Gorge
* = stops that we made on our visit
After fueling up at Stomping Grounds Coffee House, it’s time to dive into the Columbia River Gorge! As we said earlier, this area has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the US, and with 83 waterfall trails and numerous scenic viewpoints, there’s no way you can fit it all into a single day trip, so we’ve narrowed the list down to the most awe-inspiring and manageable stops for day trippers like us! Our goal was to get to all of these in a day, but we fell a bit short of that, so we’ve bolded the stops that we were able to fit in.
▪️ *Vista House: Built in 1918, this iconic observation point is perched atop Crown Point featuring sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge 733 feet below making it a must-visit stop on your Columbia River Gorge road trip.
▪️ *Latourell Falls: This stunning 249-foot waterfall is the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge and is known for its dramatic plunge over a basalt cliff. The Latourell Falls Loop Trail is a scenic 2.4-mile loop that takes you through lush forests, past both the upper (134-foot) and lower falls (249-foot), offering incredible views. And if you don’t want to hike the entire loop, you can make the short walk to the bottom of the lower falls which is more than worth the effort. There’s also a viewing platform for those that just want to get a view from afar… But we recommend taking the trail to the base of the falls if you can.
▪️ *Bridal Veil Falls: This picturesque two-tiered waterfall cascades gracefully amidst lush greenery. In order to see the falls, you’ll need to take the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, a 0.6-mile round trip leading to a close-up view of the falls. Beware, this trail is 0.3 miles of descent on the way in and 0.3 miles of ascent on the way out. In addition to the Bridal Veil Falls Trail, you have the Overlook Loop Trail, a 0.5-mile paved pathway with magnificent views of the Columbia River. The area also features a grassy picnic area and a bathroom.
▪️ Wahkeena Falls: Named after the Yakama word for "most beautiful", Wahkeena Falls is a captivating 242-ft. cascade that flows in a series of tiers. The Wahkeena Falls Trail is a moderate 0.4-mile round-trip hike, leading to a close-up view of the falls and connecting to longer trail networks for adventurous hikers. This is one of the stops we didn’t have time to get to, so let us know your experience if you get to go!
▪️ *Multnomah Falls: Attracting more than 2 million visitors each year, Multnomah Falls is without a doubt the most famous waterfall (and Natural Tourist Attraction) in the Pacific Northwest, and at 620 feet, it’s also the state's tallest waterfall. The breathtaking falls plunge in two stunning tiers offering awe-inspiring views from every angle. The area features multiple hiking options, including the short 0.2-mile paved trail to Benson Bridge for a closer look, the more challenging 2.4-mile round-trip hike to the top of the falls which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the gorge, or you can connect to a longer network of trails if you want to extend your hike. In addition to the easily accessible views and more challenging hikes, the area has a visitor center with a mini museum where you can learn more about Multnomah Falls’ history, a cafe, a gift shop, and restrooms. This area has gotten so popular over the years that reservations are required to visit Multnomah Falls from late May through early September daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Get a timed reservation permit online for a $2.00 transaction fee. You can also pick up a free timed-use permit (supply limited) at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
▪️ *Horsetail Falls: A stunning 176-foot waterfall that resembles a flowing horse's tail, easily visible from the scenic making it a popular stop along the drive. The Upper Horsetail Falls Trail is a short but steep 0.4-mile one-way hike (0.8-mile round trip) leading to the enchanting Upper Horsetail Falls (AKA Ponytail Falls), where you can walk behind the cascade for a unique perspective. This short, rewarding trail offers lush scenery and a magical waterfall experience making it well worth the effort.
▪️ Elowah Falls: This serene, 213-foot waterfall cascades into a mossy basalt amphitheater. The Elowah Falls Trail is a 1.6-mile round-trip hike that winds through a beautiful forest with peaceful views of McCord Creek along the way. If you would like to extend your adventure, you can continue on to Upper McCord Creek Falls, adding an extra 1.4 miles round trip. This scenic extension takes you to a beautiful, double waterfall making it a worthy addition to your hike..
▪️ Wahclella Falls: nestled in a lush, moss-covered canyon, Wahclella Falls is a breathtaking 2-tiered waterfall with the lower falls being a 60-foot horsetail waterfall plunging into a beautiful, blue-green pool. The Wahclella Falls Trail is a moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike that offers a scenic adventure through a slot canyon, passing babbling creeks, and vibrant greenery. The trail culminates in a spectacular view of the falls, where the lower cascade plunges into a serene pool, making it a worthy stop on your road trip. In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire burned especially hot in the Tanner Creek watershed that feeds into Wahclella Falls, so it’s not recommended to hike the area during or within 48 hours of heavy rain and snow events, as these can trigger flash floods, tree fall, and landslides. Risks will remain elevated for up to 10 years after the fire.
▪️ Bonneville Dam: Constructed between 1933 and 1938, the Bonneville Dam is a historic hydroelectric dam and engineering marvel. Visitors can explore its interactive exhibits at the visitor center, watch fish navigate the fish ladders, and learn about the dam’s role in renewable energy and river management.
▪️ Bridge of the Gods: The Bridge of the Gods is a historic cantilever bridge spanning the Columbia River Gorge, connecting Oregon and Washington (crossing costs $3/vehicle). Offering stunning views of the river and surrounding cliffs, it’s a popular spot for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail and a gateway to the region’s natural beauty. Steeped in local legend and history, it’s both a functional crossing and an iconic landmark of the gorge. This is another spot we wish we could have made it to on our day trip, so let us know if you get to visit!
2:00 PM: Lunch at Twin Peaks Drive-In (1734 Tucker Rd)
Not to be confused with Twin Peaks breastaurant, Twin Peaks Drive-In is a classic roadside spot serving up hearty, delicious comfort food with a retro vibe. It gets its name from being able to see both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams from the patio on a clear day. Nobody seems to know exactly when this Hood River gem originally opened, but the consensus is that it was sometime in the 1950s and they haven’t changed how they make each burger fresh to order, without skimping on serving sizes. The burgers are juicy, the fries are crispy, the milkshakes are creamy, and the sauces are housemade… What more can you ask for?? Oh! And it’s located across the street from a small, airport, so if you’re an aviation enthusiast, it’s a great place to grab a bite and plane watch! And if you have a little extra time, check out the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, a nonprofit museum dedicated to displaying restored cars & planes from the '20s & '30s in 2 hangars.
Other Options:
▪️ Riverside (1108 E Marina Dr)
▪️ Lake Taco (606 Oak St)
3:15 PM: Visit Local Winery
The Columbia River Gorge is a unique and thriving wine region, celebrated for its diverse microclimates and wide range of wine varieties. Situated along the Columbia River, the area's steep slopes and varied soils create ideal growing conditions for both cool- and warm-climate grapes, allowing for an impressive variety of wines in a relatively small area. With that knowledge, it’s only fitting to sample some of this prestigious wine when visiting, plus it pairs nicely with the ::spoiler alert:: sailboat cruise you’re about to take on the Columbia River! There is no shortage of wineries and tasting rooms to choose from in Hood River, but we recommend Cascade Cliffs Winery (211 Oak St) as they’ve been producing wine in the Columbia River Gorge for more than 3 decades, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that their Rosata is quite tasty! So grab a bottle and make your way to Gorge Sail Ventures! P.S. Don’t worry about glasses, they provide them on the boat.
3:50 PM: Arrive at Gorge Sail Ventures (Peninsula, E Port Marina Dr)
Hood River is known for its steady winds and stunning scenery, and Gorge Sail Ventures takes full advantage of both on this 2-hour adventure! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned sailor, this excursion offers an exhilarating way to experience the Columbia River Gorge through the art of sailing. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics with hands-on lessons, or simply relax while taking in breathtaking views of the river and surrounding cliffs. It’s a unique and memorable way to explore the gorge’s natural beauty from the water and remains one of the key highlights of our visit the the Columbia River Gorge. Book your tickets HERE and tell Captain Joe we sent you!
6:30 PM: Sunset Picnic in the Park
If you’re like us and have some leftover wine after your sailboat cruise, then this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Hood River’s non-existent open container laws by enjoying your leftovers at a local park with sunset views along the Columbia River. We chose a grassy, waterfront lawn in the Hood River Event Site Park, but there are numerous waterfront parks to choose from all with equally peaceful views.
7:30 PM: Dinner at Double Mountain Brewery (8 4th St)
This beloved craft brewery is known for its innovative beers, laid-back vibe, and commitment to quality. Specializing in bold, flavorful ales and lagers, the brewery is a hotspot for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. And no worries if you’re not a drinker at all! They also offer house-made sodas like root beer and ginger ale that are to die for! Their cozy taproom also features a menu of mouthwatering wood-fired, New Haven style pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, along with hearty salads and seasonal specials making it the perfect way to wrap up your epic day in the Columbia River Gorge!
Other options:
▪️ Full Sail Brewing Company (506 Columbia St)
▪️ pFriem Family Brewers (707 Portway Ave #101)
9:00 PM: Drive back to Portland
If you’re basing out of Portland for this adventure like we did, all that’s left to do is make the 1-hour drive back to the city! And if you’re staying overnight in Hood River, take the night to relax and maybe take a stroll around Hood River’s quaint downtown. Even though many of the shops and galleries close early, it’s a good opportunity to unwind from an adventure-packed day.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your visit to the Columbia River Gorge, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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