The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river
i
The Columbia River Gorge, just east of Portland, is a designated National Scenic Area.

Columbia River Gorge Tours

Explore the waterfalls of the national scenic area just east of Portland with a guide and driver.

4 min read

Know Before You Go

For information regarding what trails and campsites are open, please visit the U.S. Forest Service; Ready, Set, GOrge; and Friends of the Gorge. For road conditions and closures, visit ODOT Trip Check.

Columbia River Gorge tours are an ideal way for visitors to experience the popular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area without worrying about traffic or parking.

Know Before You Go

All details are subject to change, so please get in touch with tour operators for the latest information.

Columbia River Gorge Tours

These general tours offer an introduction to the beautiful gorge.

The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler docks in Cascade Locks.
1 of 3
The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler docks in Cascade Locks, east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge.
Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.
2 of 3
Multnomah Falls, 30 miles east of Portland, is Oregon's tallest waterfall.
person looks at sun setting in Columbia River Gorge with view of river and Rooster Rock
3 of 3
sunset above Rooster Rock on the Columbia River Gorge USAGE RIGHTS EXPIRE JULY 1, 2027
Credit: NASHCO Photo

Columbia River Gorge Boat Tours

See the gorge from the mighty river that carved it on these boat tours.

Columbia River Gorge Bike Tours

  • Around Portland Tours offers a half-day Hike and Bike tour that includes 6 miles (9.7 km) of biking and a 2.2 mile (3.5 km) hike to several waterfalls.
  • Ebike Multnomah Falls offers a half-day self-guided tour to six waterfalls.

City and Gorge Tours

Best of the Gorge

Explore epic views, outdoor adventure and delicious food and drink in the Columbia River Gorge.

Get to the Gorge
the vista house is in the distance, framed by brush and tree branches on three sides in the foreground

Crown Point Vista House

Called the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge, the Crown Point Vista House is a century-old observatory, rest stop and museum. Enjoy a 360-degree of the gorge and a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River.

sunset hits the top of the mountain where a large waterfall bursts through the trees and cascades down the hillside, with a small bridge overlook

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities for stunning year-round sights of cascading water with complimentary flora and fauna.

fish ladder with utilitarian building off to the side in front of a hillside with waterfalls and a winter forest

Bonneville Dam

Admire wonders of engineering and migrating salmon at this historic landmark on the Columbia River.

view from the sky of the vista house and columbia river gorge

Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge

Savor the views and flavor of Hood River and the scenic gorge with this 48-hour itinerary.

skirting a wide river there are yellow and oranges of changing leaves within the evergreen forest

Car-Free Trips to the Columbia River Gorge

With convenient shuttle buses, tour services and bike trails, visitors don't need a car to explore the gorge.

Gorge and Mount Hood Tours

Many operators run tours that include both the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood with stops at Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, Hood River and Timberline Lodge.

Private Columbia River Gorge Tours

The following operators provide private Columbia River Gorge tours for individuals and small groups.

Columbia River Gorge Shuttles

If you don’t need a full tour experience, but want to reach the gorge without the hassle of driving or parking, try these shuttle services.

  • Provided by Columbia Area Transit (CAT), Columbia Gorge Express offers $10 daily service from East Portland’s Gateway Transit Center to Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Mosier (by request only) and The Dalles. (Gorge Annual passes are also available for $30.)
  • Gorge Adventures & Supply provides shuttle service from Portland International Airport to many gorge destinations for groups of up to 8 people. For an additional fee, you can get a full day of transportation around the gorge.

Self-Guided Tours

If you’re driving to the Columbia River Gorge yourself, try using a location-based audio guide from Together Anywhere to help you see the sights and hear the stories carefree and hands-free. Download the free guide from the app store prior to your journey, and learn about history and points of interest along the way.

Ebike Multnomah Falls offers self-guided tours on their electric bikes. Rent a bike and receive a map and custom itinerary before setting off to explore (pedaling optional).

Outdoors, Region, Tours & Itineraries

Portland Tour Options

More tours
city view on early fall day, tree leaves are changes colors, and there is a light blue sky with passing clouds

Portland City Tours

Great for first-time visitors, city tours offer a comprehensive experience highlighting the best that Portland has to offer.

walking toward the sun, three people pass a colorful mural painted on the side of a building

Portland Walking Tours

These tours let you experience a street-level view of supremely walkable Portland.

family on bikes stop in green bike lane, one pointing up with building towering behind them in cityscape

Portland Bike Tours

Bike tours let you see Portland like a local, rolling through neighborhoods along this cycling-friendly city’s many bike paths, trails and lanes.

four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River

Portland Boat Tours

See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse sights on the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

A hot air balloon floats above a wooded valley.

Portland Aerial Tours

Aerial tours give you a bird’s-eye view of Portland and the surrounding region.

A climber descends from a tree while another person watches.

Portland Outdoor Adventure Tours

Explore the great outdoors in and around Portland in any season with these tour operators.

an ice cream sampler consisting of four small bowls and one sugar cone

Food Tours In and Around Portland

Get a taste of Portland on a variety of food tours focused on specific ingredients, venues or neighborhoods.

A bearded man smiles as he checks on a grape vine

Wine Tours Near Portland

Let someone else do the driving while you enjoy wine tasting and vineyard views.

four hands raise four pints of Rogue beer in a toast

Portland Beer Tours

Explore “Beervana” with the help of local expert tour guides on these Portland beer tours.