What are the nearest attractions to Columbia River Gorge?

Attractions near Columbia River Gorge: Mt. Hood Railroad Mt. Hood Oneonta Gorge

What else should I know about attractions in Portland?

As well as visiting the Columbia River Gorge, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley 5 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City How to Spend 1 Day in Portland

Columbia River Gorge - History, Location & Key Facts 2022

The Basics

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is an accessible day trip from Portland. Join a hiking or biking tour and you'll be guided to the best trails. Other tours visit wineries or include a cruise on the river. Of the many waterfalls to see, Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Wahkeena Falls top the list.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear sturdy shoes for any hiking or biking tours, as trails may be steep or slippery.
Bring layers even in summer, as it can be windy year–round, and trail temperatures are often lower than those in the city.
During the busy summer season, cars heading to the parking area at Multnomah Falls can back up onto the Columbia River Highway. Tour vans have reserved parking, avoiding the traffic hassle.
Trails are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but there is some wheelchair accessibility at Multnomah Falls.

How to Get to the Columbia River Gorge

The Gorge runs from Troutdale to Biggs on the Oregon side of the Oregon–Washington border and from Vancouver to Maryhill on the Washington side, starting about 16 miles (25.7 km) from downtown Portland. The easiest way to visit the gorge is by car or on a tour. There are several points of interest not far from I–84, the main highway running along the Oregon side of the gorge, but the older and meandering Columbia River Highway boasts more scenic views.

Trip ideas

9 Weekend Road Trips You Can Take from Major US Cities

We mapped out the quickest getaways within driving distance of top American hubs, from California’s West Coast to New York’s East End.

How to Spend 3 Days in Portland

5 Best Weekend Getaways from New York City

Coastal scenery, bucolic mountains, peaceful rivers—escape the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

How to Spend 1 Day in Portland

With a compact central area and quick access to the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape, Portland is an ideal city to explore in just one day. From historical architecture to a hip culinary scene to nearby waterfalls, there are a variety of ways to make the most of your limited time.

How to Spend 2 Days in Portland

Two days in Portland gives you enough time to see multiple sides of the city, from its food culture to its interesting neighborhoods, lush natural beauty, and active lifestyle. Here are a few ways to create an itinerary that suits your interests.

Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

With more than 200 wineries and a location less than an hour’s drive from downtown Portland, the Willamette Valley is a prime wine tasting destination in Oregon. Here’s everything you need to know about sampling the region’s best wines on a tour.

When to Get There

The summer months, especially July and August, offer the best visibility. The gorge can be foggy and gray in winter, as well as some of fall and spring. Winery tasting rooms are open year–round, but the fall harvest season is a popular time to visit the orchards, vineyards, and wineries. With the right clothing and gear, hikers and windsurfers can get out in almost any weather.

Where to Find the Best Views in the Columbia River Gorge

Vista House, which overlooks the gorge at Crown Point near Portland, provides brilliant views in both directions on clear days, and the nearby Bonneville Dam showcases the power of the river, with a fish-viewing window to see spawning in autumn. On the Washington side, the Maryhill Stonehenge monument, a replica of the landmark in England, makes for an interesting stop.

Recent reviews from experiences in Portland

Beautiful nature and a great bike tour

Teresa_G, Apr 2022

Hike and Bike Tour to Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

If you love to see the beauty of the waterfalls up close and personal, this bike tour is for you. My husband and I were fitted with bikes and helmets, the bikes were loaded on a van and we drove to the Columbia River Gorge area. We had a group of 7 so there were two guides with us. We biked mostly downhill with a few small inclines and then hiked to the falls. Saw about 6 waterfalls! Awesome!

Breathtaking views

Marco_L, May 2022

Half-Day Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall Hiking Tour

Great tour highly recommended!!! They're so informative and nice and the views of the waterfalls are breathtaking!!

Excellent tour

Jonnathan_M, May 2022

We signed up for the hiking tour, and got the chance to be upgraded to the half day waterfall bike tour. It was excellent. The guides were well informed, active, and enthusiastic. The waterfalls were gorgeous, and it was fun to ride our bikes down the hill. Definitely worth what we paid.

👍

Ken_I, May 2022

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

Dominique/driver was very helpful and fun. Her guiding skill was very pleasant and educational. The scenic drive was excellent.

Adam was an excellent...

Barbara_K, May 2022

Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

Adam was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Amazing waterfalls and nice companions.

Amazing

michael_b, May 2022

Our tour guide Chuck was amazing was very informative and kept us all inform with his knowledge of Portland throughout the whole four hour tour great job Chuck

Van is so spacious and...

Maya_V, May 2022

Van is so spacious and comfy for a party of 6. Falls are only a short walk from the van. Saw elderly people in the trip too! I just wish Angela has a wearable mic, so she doesn’t need to make too much effort for us to hear her from the back.

Highlight of our visit!

Thomas_W, May 2022

Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

Adam was very knowledgeable. He enthusiastically related the history of the Gorge and interesting items about each of the falls. He helped us dodge the rain and directed us to the best photo locations. The tour was the highlight to our visit of Portland!

Enjoyable and mesmerising trip

Kathleen_Q, May 2022

Lovely trip, rainy weather but still beautiful and worth it. Guide was funny, friendly and accommodating. Felt like he was at his ease and not rushing. He was generous with time and his experience, sharing tails along the journey.

Sit back and relax and look at stuff

Frances_M, May 2022

The guide Edwin was knowledgeable about facts Of the area and it was fun to listen to as we drove to the waterfalls. The falls were beautiful, and the vista point house was a stunning end. It’s very nice that someone else drives you so you don’t have to worry about parking. Be prepared to get wet from the fall spray! Keep steady footing on the slippery paths, but I would describe what we did as “strolling” rather than hiking (as an active 20 something)

Perfect half day

Georgina_T, Apr 2022

Amazing way to spend half a day in Portland. Our Gloria guide Sarah L, was son knowledgeable and kind. It was a perfect mix of hiking and biking, and we didn’t have to ride up any hills! If you are considering going reading the reviews take this one as the sign to book. You will not be disappointed 🙏🏼

Would 100% recommend

Rachel_C, Apr 2022

20-Minute Columbia River Gorge Air Tour

It was such a fun experience! The pilot was very friendly and made the trip even more fun. The views were breathtaking and there was a rush of adrenaline being in the sky!

Columbia River Gorge