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The historic Vista House at Crown Point serves as both a museum, resting point for travelers and panoramic viewpoint of the incredible scenery.
Credit: Travel Oregon

Columbia River Gorge

Just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge offers amazing views, hiking and mountain bike trails and more than 90 waterfalls.

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The historic Vista House at Crown Point serves as both a museum, resting point for travelers and panoramic viewpoint of the incredible scenery.
Credit: Travel Oregon

Know Before You Go

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

Travel 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland and you’ll discover the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a deep canyon forged by the Columbia River that’s home to gorgeous waterfalls, epic vistas and seemingly endless options for outdoor recreation. Along the way, historic landmarks and small towns provide places to rest and relax while exploring this one-of-a-kind Oregon destination. Read on for our top picks on what to do when visiting the Columbia River Gorge.

Learn About the Columbia River Gorge

Can you see Multnomah Falls without hiking?

Yes, you can see most of Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84; however, you can see much more by exiting the freeway and making a short walk to the falls.

Where does the Columbia River Gorge start and end?

The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area begins east of Gresham, Ore., and continues to Miller Island, east of The Dalles, Ore. The total length is about 93 miles (150 km).

What are the top things to do in the Columbia River Gorge?

The Gorge is an ideal place for outdoor adventures. Whether you like day hikes, through hikes, camping, mountain biking, fishing, or other watersports — you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Columbia River Gorge.

There’s a lot to do for foodies too. Local breweries, wineries, and U-pick farms are a great place to connect with local makers and literally enjoy the fruits of Mother Nature.

Are there any hot springs in the Columbia River Gorge?

Due to the geological history of the Cascade Range, hot springs are scattered throughout Oregon (and the rest of the PNW). Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort in Carson, Wash. offers a peaceful getaway tucked within rolling hills of conifers. The upscale Euro-style hostel, The Society Hotel across the river from Hood River, Ore., offers soaking pools and a spa. Both of these resorts offer drop-in use of the mineral soaking pools if you are making a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge.

Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge

The gorge has hiking trails for all ages and abilities. There are short treks to waterfalls hidden from the road and challenging uphill hikes to scenic vistas. Some hikers reach the Columbia River Gorge by following the Pacific Crest Trail from California.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge has a hiking trail tool that can help you narrow down your list of options. Sort by distance, elevation, and other factors.

Some of the most popular hikes have limited parking and may require a permit. Avoid disappointment by scouting out your options and planning ahead.

Know Before You Go

The gorge draws more than two million visitors a year. To get the most enjoyment out of your trip, we recommend:
– Traveling car-free
– Explore east of Hood River
– Use The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Trip Check website to look at current road conditions

Explore the Gorge

Discover the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

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.

Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.

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.

five cyclists bike up a street on a hillside with leaves littering the edges of the road

Biking in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a recreational biker’s paradise, with options including car-free blacktop, smooth single-track flows and canyon trails with tricky switchbacks.

three people windsurfing, one airborne, cruise the river winds

Windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge

Grab your board and head to the Columbia River Gorge, the windsurfing capital of the world, located a short drive east of Portland.

Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.

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.

peaple sitting on outdoor benches

The Dalles

Sweeping dry grasslands and jagged rocky outcroppings dominate a golden horizon on your way to explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.

people enjoying beer at a brewery

Brewing in the Gorge

Take in the outstanding beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while enjoying five outstanding brewpubs.

The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river

Columbia River Gorge Tours

Columbia River Gorge tours are an ideal way for visitors to experience the famous Columbia River Gorge National without worrying about traffic or parking. Explore the waterfalls just east of Portland with a guide and driver.

Watersports

The Columbia Gorge is one of the most famous kiteboarding and windsurfing locations in the U.S. World champions soar over the water, while beginners hone their skills in an enclosed lagoon known as “The Hook.” Visit one of the many outfitters in Hood River for lessons and equipment rental. Read more about windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge.

If flying above the water while clinging to a sail doesn’t sound like fun, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak instead. Gorge Paddling Center offers a popular sunset kayak tour every evening from May through mid-September.

The White Salmon River empties into the Gorge not far from Hood River, Ore. But before the little river spills into the mighty Columbia, it takes whitewater rafters on an exciting ride. Outfitters based in White Salmon, Wash., offer half-day and full-day guided rafting trips on class III rapids with an optional class V waterfall.

Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge

Day 1: Scenic Views, Waterfalls and Hood River, Day 2: Savor the Flavors of the Pacific Northwest

One, Two

Scenic Views

The stretch of Interstate 84 between Troutdale, Ore., and The Dalles, Ore. is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. You can see a lot from the freeway; but for a truly spectacular view, take the road less traveled.

Off the Historic Columbia River Highway atop a 733-foot (223 m) cliff stands Crown Point Vista House. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Gorge from the parking lot and snap postcard-worthy pics.

Want more? Jump back on the freeway and head east to Hood River, Ore. On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood to the south and Mount Adams to the north. Drive the Hood River County Fruit Loop and enjoy fresh produce and award-winning wine with a side of majestic mountain views. Discover more things to do in Hood River.

Stretch your legs and enjoy one last scenic view by traveling 12 minutes east of Hood River to the town of Mosier. Follow the Mosier Plateau Trail through the pioneer cemetery, past the small waterfall, and up some stairs and switchbacks to a panoramic view from the plateau. The 2.7-mile (4.3-km) round trip hike is especially beautiful when spring wildflowers are in bloom but can be prohibitively hot on summer afternoons.

Outdoors, Region

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.

Let's go!

Mentioned Elsewhere Online

Cape Horn

Friends of the Columbia River Gorge

Bridge of the Gods

Travel Oregon