What You Will Do
The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren't a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this tour you'll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed "waterfall alley" where we'll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Director Park (1 city block, 200 ft/61 m per side). The guide will stop where space allows on either side. Look for a black or white van. Driving? Contact us for a free parking location to meet us 15 minutes earlier.
1
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
3 hours
On the eastern edge of the Portland Metro Area is the western edge of the beautiful 85-mile long Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
2
Columbia River Highway
2 hours
Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.
3
Sandy River
10 minutes
We'll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.
4
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
10 minutes
Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.
5
Vista House
15 minutes
This 100-year-old 'fanciest rest stop in the world' sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.
6
Latourell Falls
20 minutes
A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.
7
Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area
10 minutes
This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.
8
Bridal Veil Falls State Park
An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.
9
Wahkeena Falls
A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.
10
Multnomah Falls
30 minutes
The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
11
Oneonta Gorge
A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.
12
Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge
10 minutes
Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!
13
Beacon Rock
View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.
14
Rooster Rock State Park
As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!
Show 13 more stops