Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: outdoor adventure, scenic views
The Columbia River Gorge boasts breathtaking waterfalls, forested cliffs, and panoramic river views. Stretching 80 miles along the Oregon–Washington border, this wonder offers hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventure amid some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic scenery.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Hike to Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls – Follow the paved trail to this famed bridge for an up-close view of Oregon’s tallest, two-tiered waterfall.
- Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway – Cruise past stunning waterfalls like Latourell and Bridal Veil Falls, stopping for short hikes to their scenic bases.
- Visit Vista House at Crown Point – Take in sweeping 733-foot-high views of the Gorge from this elegant 1918 landmark perched above the Columbia River.
- Explore the Gorge by Sternwheeler – Board a sightseeing or dinner cruise in Cascade Locks for a unique river-level perspective of the dramatic Gorge cliffs.
- Stop at the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery – Learn about hydroelectric history, and meet Herman the Sturgeon, a 10-foot gentle giant living in the hatchery pond.
Itinerary Idea: See three of the Columbia River Gorge’s waterfalls and viewpoints on a half-day small-group tour from Portland. Visit Vista House, Latourell Falls, and Multnomah Falls, enjoy easy round-trip transport, and hear local stories as you explore this scenic stretch of the Gorge.
Photo Credit: Walter Martin/Unsplash