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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

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.

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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

COVID-19 Update: Most Columbia River Gorge destinations are now accessible. The Vista House remains closed, but visitors can still enjoy scenic views from its parking lot.

For the most current 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 scenic Columbia River Gorge, a deep canyon of 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.

Explore the Gorge

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

The sun breaks through clouds above a wide river

Columbia River Gorge Tours

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

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.

person standing at the base of Latourell Falls

Waterfalls Near Portland

Get your fill of natural wonders by visiting these waterfalls close to Portland.

peaple sitting on outdoor benches

The Dalles

Explore the sunny and historic Columbia River Gorge town of The Dalles.

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

Crown Point Vista House

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Columbia River from this 100-year-old observatory.

Two Days in the Columbia River Gorge

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

Let's Go

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
– Explore east of Hood River
– Use The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Trip Check website to look at current road conditions

Region

Learn More About the Columbia River Gorge

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.

Where are the best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge?

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

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 planning ahead.

Activities in the Gorge

Enjoy the region's stellar outdoor recreation and craft beer scene.

a person mountain biking down steep rocks

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.

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.

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.

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!