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
Guided E-Bike Ride Through Volcanic Columbia Gorge
Discover dramatic volcanic landscapes on a guided e-bike ride through the Columbia Gorge
Hood River E-Bike Rental with Vineyard Routes
Explore scenic Hood River routes and vineyards at your own pace on an electric bike
Silver Falls Trail of 10 Waterfalls with Guide
Discover multiple waterfalls on a guided 6-hour hike through Silver Falls State Park.
Downtown Portland Chocolate & Specialty Coffee Walk
Taste artisan chocolates and specialty coffees while exploring downtown Portland on foot
Insider Food Cart Tour: 4 Pods by Bike
Pedal to top food cart pods and taste diverse Portland flavors
Sunset Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour From Portland
See six Columbia River Gorge waterfalls at sunset with front-row parking
4-Hour Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Guided Tour
See Columbia River Gorge waterfalls with stops at Multnomah Falls and Crown Point Vista House
Explore the Oregon Coast on a Full-Day Guided Tour
Visit Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock on a full-day Oregon Coast tour from Portland
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
Ride an E-Bike Waterfall Tour to Multnomah Falls
E-bike 23 miles to six Columbia Gorge waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls
Fish the Columbia River Gorge From Hood River
Half-day guided fishing with packed lunch on the Columbia River Gorge
Hood River Full-Day Wellness Tour With Yoga
Spend a full day in the Columbia River Gorge with yoga, wine tasting, and regenerative learning
Guided Waterfalls & Flora Hike in Columbia Gorge
Hike Columbia River Gorge waterfalls with an expert guide and learn local flora
Explore Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Shuttle Tour
See Columbia River Gorge waterfalls by shuttle with guided stops
Portland City Tour & Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
See Portland highlights, then tour Columbia River Gorge waterfalls in one day
Columbia Gorge & Valley Wine Tasting Tour From Portland
Taste Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley wines with lunch included
3.5-Hour Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour
Visit 5 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls in 3.5 hours with a guided shuttle and reserved parking
Explore Columbia River Gorge & Mt. Hood Full-Day Tour
See Columbia River Gorge waterfalls and Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in one day
Explore Columbia River Gorge 3-4 Hour Guided Tour
See Columbia River Gorge waterfalls and cliffs on a small-group half-day tour
Columbia River Gorge Botanical Waterfalls Hike
Hike to Columbia Gorge waterfalls and learn local medicinal and culinary herbs
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Botanical Hike
Hike Columbia River Gorge waterfalls and learn to identify medicinal and culinary herbs
Private 3-Hour Columbia River Gorge Guided Tour
Build your own 3-hour Columbia River Gorge quick escape, with a private guide
3-Hour Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Herb Hike
Hike Columbia River Gorge waterfalls and learn to identify wild herbs
Columbia River Gorge 2-Hour Guided Kayak Tour
Paddle Herman Creek Cove with a guide and downwind shuttle return
Guided Daytime Kayak Tour in Columbia River Gorge
Kayak the Columbia River Gorge with a guide and explore calm coves
Guided Sunset Kayak Tour in Columbia River Gorge
Paddle at sunset on the Columbia River with a guide and calm Gorge views
Full-Day Columbia River Gorge Guided Hiking Tour
Hike Columbia Gorge trails with a guide and picnic lunch
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
Explore Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Wine Tasting
Ride the Historic Columbia River Highway to waterfalls, Vista House, and a Columbia Gorge AVA tasting
Explore Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Wildflowers
Tour Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge viewpoints with van transport
Explore Multnomah Falls & Mt Hood Full-Day Tour
Mt. Hood, Multnomah Falls & the Fruit Loop in a full-day van tour