Matt Wastradowski

Matt Wastradowski

Matt Wastradowski is an Oregon-based travel writer who loves writing about the great outdoors, craft beer, and regional history.

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On the Columbia River Gorge, a basalt column forms a natural obelisk to deliver stunning views after a short hike to the top of Rooster Rock State Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge

Spend a day chasing waterfalls, hiking through lush forests and admiring wide-open views in the Columbia River Gorge — just 30 miles east of Portland.

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On the Columbia River Gorge, a basalt column forms a natural obelisk to deliver stunning views after a short hike to the top of Rooster Rock State Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

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.

Some 14,000 years ago, the first in a series of regional deluges known as the Missoula Floods swept across modern-day western Oregon and carved the Columbia River Gorge.

Today, the 80-mile (128 km) long, 4,000-foot (1,219 m) deep Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stretches from the edge of Portland in the west to the community of The Dalles at its easternmost point. Along the way, the gorge transitions from a mossy, forested procession of waterfalls into an arid landscape where summertime temperatures can top 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celcius). That ecological diversity has helped turn the gorge into an outdoor wonderland that’s beloved by hikers, sightseers, paddlers and cyclists today — and federally protected as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area since 1986.

What to Know About the Columbia River Gorge

What is the best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge?

Springtime brings wildflowers beginning as early as March in the eastern (dry) side of the gorge; seasonal snowmelt, meanwhile, feeds the region’s roughly 90 thundering waterfalls. In summer, pleasant temperatures draw crowds with perfect conditions for all manner of outdoor adventures. Fall foliage rewards visitors in autumn, and a mix of overcast skies and rainy afternoons are the hallmarks of winter, the quietest season in the gorge. Ice and snow sometimes hit the gorge in winter; check road conditions on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck tool.

How many days should I spend in the gorge?

It’s possible to see the highlights of the Columbia River Gorge in one (very full) day. But if your schedule permits, consider staying one or two nights in Cascade Locks, Hood River and/or The Dalles to immerse yourself in its sights, savor locally sourced fare and relax over regional wine and craft beer.

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

Outdoor adventure is the biggest draw in the Columbia River Gorge. Hike past waterfalls, climb wind-swept bluffs, backpack deep into the woods, bike stretches of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, pitch a tent in stately campgrounds, and fish around The Dalles. Sightseeing along the Historic Columbia River Highway is a popular way to enjoy waterfalls and viewpoints from the comfort of your car.

Check out another popular attraction, the Bonneville Lock & Dam, where it’s possible to watch migrating salmon swim upstream each fall. After the day’s adventure, unwind at scenic brewpubs and homegrown restaurants that serve fresh, seasonal fare. Check out the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Guide for more suggestions.

Can you see Multnomah Falls without hiking?

It’s possible to get glimpses of Multnomah Falls from Interstate 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway, but your best bet is to park in the lot off of I-84. From the parking lot, it’s a short, flat walk to the base of the 620-foot-tall (190 m) waterfall. Note that a timed-use permit may be required to park at Multnomah Falls between late May and early September.

Is car-free travel available in the Columbia River Gorge?

Several options make it easy to enjoy car-free transit in the Columbia River Gorge — eliminating the hassle of planning and parking while reducing congestion. Sasquatch Shuttle takes visitors between popular sites in the gorge; Gray Line of Portland offers gorge tours and hop-on, hop-off shuttles; and Columbia Area Transit provides bus service from Portland (and between several gorge communities). Three segments of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail connect cyclists to several gorge communities and sites, as well.

Where to Go in the Columbia River Gorge

Know Before You Go

The Historic Columbia River Hwy west of Multnomah Falls will be closed from October 1, 2024–May 26, 2025 for highway viaduct improvements. Access to the Gorge and Multnomah Falls will remain open via Interstate-84. Details are available via ODOT.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area measures 80 miles (128 km) long — and is home to several picturesque stretches and communities worth visiting. From west to east, those include:

Waterfall Alley

At the western edge of the gorge sits Waterfall Alley, a winding stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway where you’ll see several of Oregon’s favorite waterfalls — including one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States: Multnomah Falls. Unmissable views in this area include the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint (where you can peer into the heart of the gorge) and the Vista House at Crown Point, which sits at the highest point in the gorge that can be reached by vehicles and offers 270-degree views of the rugged surroundings.

Four people walk toward a waterfall.
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Latourell Falls is the closest of the major Columbia River Gorge falls, only a 45-min drive from Downtown Portland and features a single-plunge, 224-foot waterfall that spills across a wall of columnar basalt.
a waterfall surrounded by trees with yellow leaves
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Wildly popular and beautiful all year around, Multnomah Falls can be reached by car in 30 minutes and is fullest in the winter and spring.
Credit: Travel Oregon
Vista House with scenic sweeping views of the river and epic clouds
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Vista House museum at Crown Point, on the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge.

Cascade Locks

Long a Watlala fishing village before the first white colonizers arrived, Cascade Locks today oozes with small-town charm. Score a bike rental from Bike the Gorge and ride the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail (a disused section of the old highway that’s now open exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists), fill up on fresh seafood at the Native-owned Brigham Fish Market, grab a pint of local craft beer at Thunder Island Brewing Co. and treat yourself to an ice cream cone at the Eastwind Drive-In. If staying the night, set up camp among Pacific Crest Trail hikers in Marine Park alongside the Columbia River.

Hood River

The hip heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a popular basecamp for all manner of outdoor adventure. You can also enjoy some art shopping at Made In The Gorge or stroll the clothing and jewelry shops along Oak Street, such as Parts + Labour and The Ruddy Duck. Sip local beers at pFriem Family Brewers and Ferment Brewing Company (both afford views of windsurfers on the Columbia River) and spend a night downtown in the vintage Hood River Hotel.

5 To Try

Hood River Dining

Delicious options from breakfast and barbecue to the finest in seasonal culinary experiences.

  • Broder Ost

    The Hood River outpost of Oregon’s beloved Broder chain offers Scandinavian fare such as baked eggs, aebleskiver and Swedish meatballs for breakfast and lunch daily.

  • Grasslands Barbecue

    This popular food truck on the Hood River Waterfront offers oak-smoked “Tex-ish” style barbecue meats including beef brisket, pulled pork and sausages, along with sandwiches and sides.

  • Solstice Wood Fire Pizza

    This café features inventive wood fire pizzas, locally-sourced veggies, beer, wine, cider with indoor and outdoor dining, across from the Hood River waterfront.

  • Celilo Restaurant & Bar

    Taste the flavors of the Pacific Northwest at Celilo Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Hood River — they serve farm-inspired cuisine featuring high-quality, local ingredients.

  • Votum Restaurant

    Votum offers daily culinary exploration in its 7–9 course tasting menu, which includes optional wine pairings and supplements designed to highlight the food.

Hood River Valley

Just south of Hood River lies the Hood River Fruit Loop — a self-guided tour of over two dozen markets, U-pick farms, wineries, fruit orchards and more across its namesake valley. Most stops are open in spring, summer and fall, but views of Mount Adams (in Washington) and Mount Hood (in Oregon) abound year-round.

Close-up of wildflowers with Mt. Hood in the background
Farm-to-table adventures abound here; known for its fruit trees and fertile lands, Hood River Valley is also a great place for scenic hiking, mountain biking and fishing. 

Credit: Katie Falkenberg

Mosier

Just east of Hood River, Mosier’s sun-kissed community offers easy access to another car-free stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail — this one leading through the impressive Mosier Twin Tunnels.

The Dalles

This community sits at the eastern edge of the gorge. History buffs will thrive at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, Fort Dalles Museum, and the dazzling National Neon Sign Museum. Visitors can snap photos of the horseshoe-shaped bend in the Historic Columbia River Highway at the Rowena Crest Overlook and fill up with down-home fare at Cousins’ Restaurant & Saloon before grabbing a new book at Klindt’s and a glass of wine at Sunshine Mill.

Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge

Dozens of hiking trails totaling hundreds of miles crisscross the region, many of which pass waterfalls and ascend to sweeping viewpoints. Get started with help from the Oregon Hikers Field Guide and the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge advocacy group; both websites provide tools to help you plan the perfect outing — complete with mileage, elevation gain and points of interest.

Note that some gorge trails are closed following recent wildfires. Check conditions with the U.S. Forest Service and Ready, Set, Gorge before heading out.

Water Sports in the Columbia River Gorge

Hood River is where the wet weather of western Oregon collides with the sunny, arid eastern side of the state, creating the perfect conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The city is so renowned for its wind-powered water sports that it’s been dubbed the “windsurfing capital of the world.”

For a more laid-back experience, Gorge Paddling Center rents stand-up paddleboards and leads guided outings — including a popular sunset tour — between May and September.

Explore the Gorge

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

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

What to Do on Mount Hood

Explore Mt. Hood — the tallest peak in Oregon — with this in-depth guide that covers weather, what to pack, where to stay, outdoor recreation and how to have an unforgettable experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.