Columbia River Gorge
Starting just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers amazing vistas, trails and more than 90 waterfalls.
Know Before You Go
The gorge draws more than 2 million visitors a year. To get the most enjoyment out of your trip, we recommend:
– Traveling car-free
– Visiting mid-week
– Going east of Hood River
– Use Oregon Department of Transportation’s Trip Check website to look at current road conditions
Travel 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland and you’ll discover the Columbia River Gorge, a deep canyon of the Columbia River that’s also 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 recommendations for ways to explore and things to do while visiting the Columbia River Gorge.
Explore the Gorge
Discover a few of the gems of the Columbia River Gorge.
Multnomah Falls
Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities.
The Dalles
Explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.
Crown Point Vista House
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River from this 100-year-old observatory.
Activities in the Gorge
Enjoy the region's stellar outdoor recreation and craft beer scene.
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.
Brewing in the Gorge
Take in the outstanding beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area while enjoying five outstanding brewpubs.
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.