Columbia River Gorge: Top Hikes, Waterfalls, and More
The Columbia River Gorge is a treasured part of the Pacific Northwest. Visit to find iconic waterfalls, beautiful views, adorable towns, and great hiking and biking trails.
While it’s not a national park, it was one of the very first federally protected national scenic areas and the very first scenic byway. It’s incredibly gorgeous and is the perfect destination for a quick road trip or extended weekend getaway.
Below you’ll find information on each:
Getting to the Columbia River Gorge
Disclosure: We’ve included affiliate links with recommended hiking gear in this post. If you click through and buy something, we’ll receive a small portion of that sale. You won’t be charged more, and we haven’t been paid by any of these retailers to share their information. These are all our genuine preferences.
Getting to the Columbia River Gorge
The heart of the Columbia River Gorge is just 45 minutes away from Portland and the PDX airport, and three and a half hours from Seattle.
While it’s possible to use the Columbia Gorge Express buses to reach the sights on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge and the waterfall corridor, we prefer having our own vehicle to explore as we please.
Best time to visit
With temperate weather, the gorge is a great spot to visit all year. The waterfalls flow year-round and many of the best hiking and biking trails are also accessible no matter the season.
Spring (best for wildflowers)
March to May
Spring is our favorite season to visit the Columbia River Gorge because the winter snowmelt and end of the seasonal rains means the waterfalls are at their highest flows. To top it off, wildflower season begins in March and usually reaches peak bloom at the beginning of May — meaning you’ll find hillsides full of balsamroot and lupine with beautiful views of the gorge as their backdrop.
Summer (best for water activities)
June to late September
If you’re into spending time on the water, visit the gorge during the summer months. This is when the area is most crowded, but you can’t beat the sunny weather!
Fall (best for fall foliage)
Late September to October
You’ll find beautiful fall colors on the winding drives along the gorge and the hikes amongst the hills. Waterfalls reach peak flows late in fall as it turns to the rainy season again.
Winter (best for crowds)
November to February
The gorge sees four million visitors annually, most of which visit during the spring and summer. Visit during winter to have a much quieter, albeit likely rainy, trip. See our advice on what to pack here – there’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor wardrobe choices.
Multnomah Falls
Of the 90 waterfalls on the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah is the most well-known. At 620 feet high, it’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the 434th tallest in the world.
Permits
Between late fall and early spring, it’s possible to visit without a permit, but it’s so popular in the summer that you have to purchase a $2 permit for each vehicle you’ll have there in advance, or ride the Columbia Gorge Express there.
Permits don’t guarantee parking, so be patient finding a spot if you choose this option. Permits are timed, so you cannot enter before your reservation time, and they’re non-transferable.
If you want to drive yourself but can’t get a permit, visit before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m., outside the regulated hours.
Hike Multnomah Falls
It’s possible to hike to the top of Multnomah Falls. It’s a 2.6-mile hike with 813 feet of elevation gain. Please do take caution and heed the guardrails.
Best hikes
Oregon
Angel’s Rest
Coming in at 4.5 miles round trip, this one is steep and a bit rocky, with great views. Make it a longer loop (10 miles) by hiking to Devil’s Rest.
Tom McCall Preserve
Hike here in spring to view fields of wildflowers with views of the Columbia River Gorge (4.8 miles). The balsamroot flowers that grow here are heliotropes, meaning that the blooms follow the sun, so they’re always perfectly positioned for photos.
Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls
This is a great hike for a cloudy day, especially since it’s exposed. You’ll see multiple waterfalls as you hike along the river on this 12-mile out and back. It’s rocky, with some narrow paths, so wear good shoes. Turn around a few miles into the trail at Punchbowl Falls for a shorter hike.
Wahkeena Falls Loop
Start at the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead, and as you hike along the 5.1-mile loop, you’ll pass by multiple waterfalls, with Multnomah Falls as the finale. The last half mile of this loop is along the road, but it didn’t feel unsafe to us.
Wahclella Falls
This is a great and easy two-mile hike. It’s popular, but beautiful!
Latourell Falls
Although you’ll find Latrouell Falls just a few minutes into the trail, do the two-mile loop to see the Upper Falls as well.
Lower falls at Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
This is another easy, 0.5-mile round trip hike that’s worth the quick stop.
Horsetail and Ponytail Falls
Grotto Falls is a short hike (0.9 miles) with a fun reward — walking behind a waterfall! Pack your raincoat because you will get wet.
Washington
Dog Mountain
This is Washington’s most famous spring wildflower hike – so popular that you need permits to hike it on weekends and holidays between April 29th through June 19th, when the balsamroot and lupine bloom. It is a strenuous six-mile hike, so be prepared to earn your views here!
Hamilton Mountain/Rodney Falls
Hike two miles round trip to Rodney Falls or continue further to log 7.5 miles round trip to reach the summit of Hamilton Mountain. We love how lush and forested the first portion of this hike is. Once you get to the top of the hike, we enjoyed taking the longer, less traveled route mentioned in the hike’s trip description to make the hike a loop.
View of Beacon Rock from Hamilton Mountain
Beacon Rock
Hike to the top of this basalt column (two miles roundtrip) to experience one of Washington’s most unique trails. It’s not for those with a fear of heights as the trail winds around the rock with steep drop-offs. Look for falcons nearby — part of the rock is closed to protect their nests.
Lyle
If the weather is looking foul along the Columbia Gorge, head to the town of Lyle for better odds of nice weather. You’ll notice the landscape is much drier here, so stay on the trail to avoid ticks and beware of rattlesnakes. Hike Coyote Wall or the Lyle Cherry Orchard.
Coyote Wall
Best activities
Water sports
Wind sports
Try a windsurfing, kiteboarding, or a wing lesson between April and October. Hood River is known as a world-renowned spot for wind sports, so if you’re brave enough, take a lesson with Brian’s Kiteboarding & Windsurfing.
It’s also tons of fun to watch the kiteboarders along the Columbia as well. Grab a picnic lunch and head to the Spring Creek Hatchery State Park along the Oregon side or The Hook in Washington to have the best views.
White water rafting
White water rafting on the White Salmon River is a favorite activity of ours. It’s a class IV ride, with the option to go over a waterfall! We highly recommend the Wildwater River Guides. Although they raft rivers throughout the summer in Washington, rafting the White Salmon River is only available during August.
Kayaking and paddle boarding
If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the water, consider renting kayaks, paddle boards, and wetsuits from Brian’s Kiteboarding & Windsurfing.
Boat tour
Time on the water, in one way or another, is an essential part of a thorough trip to the Columbia River Gorge. Book a boat ride on the Sternwheeler, on a classic pilothouse trawler, or sailboat.
Fishing
The Columbia River Gorge is known for its salmon and steelhead runs. Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon are seasonal, while sturgeon and walleye can be caught year-round. Try a fishing tour with the Stotts Fishing Adventures.
Biking
There are great biking trails along the Oregon side of the gorge. Our favorites are the Mosier Tunnels and the Dalles Riverfront.
Wine and brewery tours
The Pacific Northwest is wine and cider country! Schedule a winery or cider/brewery tour with Martin’s Gorge Tours.
Columbia River Gorge Itinerary
Mileage: 100 to 163 miles
Drive time: 2 to 3.5 hours
Start: Portland
End: Portland
You’ll want to start your drive eastbound on Highway 84, the Oregon side of the gorge, and return on the Washington side. This itinerary can be done in one long day, or two or three days at a slower pace or to add more hikes and activities in.
Oregon
Historic Highway
As you start your drive on Highway 84, keep an eye out for the turn-off onto the Historic Columbia River Highway just after crossing the Sandy River. The historic highway is a bit narrow — it was built between 1913 and 1922 when the Model T Ford was being produced, and it’s a popular biking route today. As America’s first scenic byway, it still looks idyllic.
Vista House at Crown Point
When open, you’ll find a gift shop, cafe, and historic photos inside the Vista House, but regardless, the view alone is worth a stop.
Sherrard Viewpoint
If the weather is clear and you’re visiting between May and October, head to Larch Mountain. Once there, climb 100 stairs to find the best view in Multnomah County with panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade mountains, including Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson.
Latourell Falls
Although Multnomah Falls is the most famous, its lesser-known neighbor, Latourell Falls, is worth a quick stop. It’s another tall waterfall, with a single plunge of 224 feet falling from a wall of basalt columns. The viewpoint is less than a five-minute walk from the parking lot, but if you want a longer excursion, follow the trail for a total of 2.4 miles to see Upper Latourell Falls as well.
Bridal Veil Falls
It’s a steep 0.3-mile walk to reach Bridal Veil Falls, but a beautiful stop to see another 120-foot waterfall. An alternative to this walk would be to take the easier, paved 0.4-mile loop atop the cliffs for views of Cape Horn across the gorge.
Multnomah Falls
Stopping at Multnomah is a must! See above for information on permits, how, and when to visit. Plan to spend a bit of time here — you’ll want to walk to each viewpoint and consider hiking to the top of the falls.
Horsetail Falls
View Horsetail Falls right from the parking lot. If you’re up for an adventure, hike 0.9 miles (round trip) to Ponytail Falls to walk behind a waterfall. Just wear good shoes because it will be slippery!
Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods was first named by the Klickitat tribe roughly 1,000 years ago after a series of landslides created a land bridge spanning, and damming, the Columbia River. Eventually, the river eroded a natural arch into the dam, and after time, it fell, creating the Cascade Rapids.
Nowadays, there is a bridge in the landslide’s place, and it’s an iconic part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Although it’s possible to walk across, there is no sidewalk or shoulder, so you’re sharing the road with vehicles. To cross by car, it’s a $2 cash toll.
Make this your turnaround point and head west down the Washington side of the gorge if you want to opt for a shorter drive.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
This is the most out of the way spot to visit. From the Bridge of the Gods, it’s another 40 minutes of driving to reach the Rowena Crest Viewpoint. The drive has more of the same beautiful views, and you’ll pass through the adorable town of Hood River along the way.
It’s an especially beautiful spot in spring when the balsamroot is blooming, and it has a great view of the sun setting over the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re up for a hike, the Tom McCall Preserve is well known for having great spring wildflowers.
To finish your loop around the gorge after visiting Rowena’s Crest, take the Hood River Bridge or the Bridge of the Gods and head west along the Washington side of the gorge.
Washington
Dog Creek Falls
Now you should be driving west along Highway 14 in Washington. You’ll have a fantastic view of the sunset on the cliffs ahead. If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls, stop at Dog Creek Falls. It’s an easy, 0.2-mile hike.
Rodney Falls
Stop here if you’re up for a two-mile hike. Rodney Falls (part of the Hamilton Mountain trail) is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush forest — very different than the plunging waterfalls on the Oregon roadside.
Beacon Rock
Whether you stop to hike the mile to the top of Beacon Rock, or not, you’ll notice this large basalt column from either side of the Columbia. It’s 848 feet tall and it once formed the core of an ancient volcano! If you do choose to hike to the top, you’ll be rewarded by great views and will experience traversing one of the Pacific Northwest’s most unique trails.
From here, travel along the Columbia River Gorge until you return to your lodging. If you’re in an RV, check the recommended heights to get through the tunnels along the Washington side of the gorge or head back to the Oregon side.
Where to stay
Stay along the Columbia River Gorge for easy access to hikes with beautiful views from your doorstep, or in Portland for a livelier experience.
Portland
Portland is an hour away from the gorge, so you can stay in the city and get a great fix of nature as well.
McMenamins Crystal Hotel: Visiting a McMenamins (any of their locations) is a Portland must
Kimpton Vintage Hotel: A dreamy 4-star hotel
Mcmenamins Edgefield: A hostel with private rooms and shared baths
Stevenson
Stevenson is one of our favorite towns along the gorge. It’s full of friendly locals, humble, but delicious eateries, and is in a great location with proximity to outdoor activities.
Hotel Stevenson: Updated chic historic hotel in town
Skamania Lodge: Upscale, nature-focused resort
Hood River
Hood River is another cute town. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat at trendy restaurants or stay. Watch the windsurfers here between April and October for some free entertainment.
Hood River Hotel: Vintage historic hotel
Inn at the Gorge: Homey bed and breakfast
Camping
Bring your own camping gear or rent from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. Campsite reservations are competitive during the summer months, so we recommend reserving sites at the state parks as soon as they go on sale, usually up to six months in advance.
Ainsworth State Park: Near Horsetail and Pony Falls trails
Memaloose State Park: Close to Rowena’s Crest and the Tom McCall Nature Trail
Beacon Rock State Park: Near Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain trails
Rivers Ridge: Hipcamp with views and a treehouse
Columbia Gorge Getaways: Hipcamp with multiple sites and yurts to choose from
Where to eat
Hood River
Grasslands Barbeque — Food truck parked on the waterfront near Ferment Brewing from 11:30 to selling out (around 4:00 pm usually)
Solstice — woodfired pizza
Apple Valley Country Store — Stop for the huckleberry milkshakes!
White Salmon
Everybody’s Brewing — Fun, diverse menu
White Salmon Baking Co. — Best breakfast and lunches
Stevenson
Wild Columbia Salmon — Small shop with fresh smoked salmon
Tacos Pepe — Meghann loves a good taco truck
Bigfoot Coffee Roasters — Gluten free treats!
Cascade Locks
Brigham Fish Market — Best local seafood
Thunder Island Brewing — Great outdoor patio
Troutdale
Sugarpine Drive-In — Fantastic fast food
Leave No Trace
The trails along the Columbia River Gorge are highly trafficked, so it’s especially important to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. One of the best things you can do to take care of the environment here is staying on the trails. Cutting switchbacks erodes trails and walking in the meadows tramples the wildflowers. Staying in designated areas will help keep this area beautiful for years to come.
What to pack
Weather at the Columbia River Gorge can change quickly so it’s always smart to bring extra layers of clothing. You’ll want to bring a rain jacket anytime you’re stopping at a waterfall and have good hiking boots if you plan on hiking to any of them. Trails with waterfalls are generally rocky and slippery, so a good pair of boots is essential.
Here’s what we tend to pack on our visits:
Hiking day pack (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking T-shirt (men’s/women’s)
Moisture-wicking pants (men’s/women’s) or shorts (men’s/women’s)
Packable puffy coat during the winter months (men’s/women’s) along with base layer tops (men’s/women’s) and bottoms (men’s/women’s)
If you’ll be hiking a lot, check out our list with our favorite hiking gear here.
Where to next?
Portland
While visiting the gorge, you’re only 50 minutes from Portland. Check out the various McMenamins renovations, Powell’s bookstore, and the seasonal public market.
Mount Hood
Again, only 50 minutes from the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood is such a fun spot to play. It has the longest ski season — beginning in November and lasting until May — as well as beautiful lakes, and more waterfalls to hike to in the warmer months.
Oregon Coast
Opt for a change of scenery with a three-hour drive to the coast. It’s full of tiny towns, sandy beaches, and dramatic views. Cannon Beach is Meghann’s favorite beach town (she’s in love with the art galleries in town and iconic Haystack Rock).
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is well worth the three-hour drive north of the gorge. We recommend visiting between July and early October for the best weather and access to the park. Check out our itinerary and activity recommendations here.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “camping”, “waterfalls”, or “Washington”.