Things to do nearColumbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon and Washington is a dramatic canyon carved by ancient floods, celebrated for its towering waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and panoramic river vistas.
The Columbia River Gorge was sculpted roughly 15,000 years ago during the Missoula Floods, a series of catastrophic glacial lake outbursts that carved the basalt plateau into the dramatic canyon visible today. Stretching about 80 miles along the Columbia River on the border of Oregon and Washington, the gorge became the first National Scenic Area in the United States in 1986, a designation that balances recreation with protection of its exceptional landscape. Visitors encounter an unusually compressed range of ecosystems, from the wet, fern-draped forests of the western gorge to the open oak woodlands and sage-scented grasslands near Hood River and The Dalles.
Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the country, draws a large share of attention, but the surrounding area holds dozens of additional cascades, many reached by well-maintained trails that thread through old-growth Douglas fir and maple. The Historic Columbia River Highway, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1922, was an early feat of scenic road engineering and still offers some of the most satisfying driving in the Pacific Northwest.
Hood River, near the eastern end of the gorge, is a hub for windsurfing and kiteboarding thanks to the reliable thermal winds that funnel through the canyon, and the town's restaurants and fruit-stand culture reflect the agricultural richness of the surrounding valley. Whether you come for the geology, the trails, or simply the view from a basalt promontory at dusk, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers a depth and variety of experience that makes it one of the most compelling natural destinations in the American West.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Visit during late March through May when balsamroot and lupine blanket the eastern hillsides with waves of yellow and purple color.
Try the Historic Columbia River Highway for a scenic drive that links Latourell, Bridal Veil, and Multnomah Falls in a single unhurried loop.
Bring layers year-round, as temperatures and wind conditions at the viewpoints can differ sharply from those at river level.
Hike the Dog Mountain Trail on the Washington side for one of the gorge's most rewarding summit wildflower displays and unobstructed river views.
Arrive at Multnomah Falls before 9 a.m. to experience the falls with far fewer visitors and better light for photographs.
Top tours & experiences near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Hood River Full-Day E-Bike Rental
Explore Gorge views, valley roads, and local stops at your own pace
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Basalt cliffs and landmark waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway
Full-Day Cannon Beach & Ecola State Park Tour
Discover Oregon's rugged coast with a naturalist guide
Full-Day Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour
Explore waterfalls, gorge viewpoints, and sunset scenery in one full day
Private Full-Day Hood River Wellness Tour with Yoga & Wine
Spend a full day in the Columbia River Gorge with yoga, wine tasting, and regenerative learning
Private Portland & Columbia River Gorge Scenic Flight
See Portland and Columbia Gorge landmarks together from a Cessna 182
Columbia River Gorge 1-Hour Cruise
Panoramic Gorge views with flexible back-to-back cruising
Columbia River Gorge & Mt Hood Full-Day Tour from Portland
Explore waterfalls, gorge views, orchards and mountain towns with a local guide
Private Botanical Waterfall Hike Near Columbia River Gorge
Hike Columbia River Gorge waterfalls with an expert guide and learn local flora
45-Minute Columbia River Gorge Air Tour
Customize your private aerial view of waterfalls, cliffs, and forests
Columbia Gorge & Valley Wine Tasting Tour From Portland
Taste Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley wines with lunch included
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall & Herb Hike from Portland
Hike Columbia River Gorge waterfalls and learn to identify medicinal and culinary herbs
Full-Day Columbia River Gorge Hiking Tour from Portland
Hike Columbia Gorge trails with a guide and picnic lunch
Private 3-Hour Columbia River Gorge Guided Tour
Build your own 3-hour Columbia River Gorge quick escape, with a private guide
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Guided Day Tour
Tour Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge, and Multnomah Falls with an ecology-trained guide
Half-Day Guided Hike in Columbia River Gorge
Hike Waterfall Alley in the Columbia River Gorge on a small-group tour
Silver Falls Trail of 10 Waterfalls with Guide
Discover multiple waterfalls on a guided 6-hour hike through Silver Falls State Park.
Historic Columbia Gorge E-Bike & Tunnel Tour
Ride car-free Historic Highway to waterfalls and the newly reopened tunnel on an easy half-day e-bike adventure
Guided E-Bike Ride Through Volcanic Columbia Gorge
Discover dramatic volcanic landscapes on a guided e-bike ride through the Columbia Gorge
Portland City Tour & Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
See Portland highlights, then tour Columbia River Gorge waterfalls in one day
Fish the Columbia River Gorge From Hood River
Half-day guided fishing with packed lunch on the Columbia River Gorge
Small-Group Columbia River Gorge Guided Kayak Tour
Paddle sheltered Gorge waters with local guidance and wildlife views
Downtown Portland Chocolate & Specialty Coffee Walk
Taste artisan chocolates and specialty coffees while exploring downtown Portland on foot
Hood River E-Bike Rental with Vineyard Routes
Explore scenic Hood River routes and vineyards at your own pace on an electric bike