What You Will Do
Visit the top attractions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in this full day of exploration just outside of Portland. In the morning enjoy unparalleled scenic views from Portland Women’s Forum and Vista House, then gaze in wonder at towering waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls. For lunch, explore charming downtown Hood River where the historic buildings are filled with boutiques, designer shops, outdoor adventure gear outfitters, antique shops, art galleries, and more than 30 restaurants. In the afternoon visit one vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA where the beauty of the landscape is inextricable from its allure as a world class wine region. Wines produced from this region tend to be riper than wines from Oregon’s cooler, western regions and with higher acidity and structure than what occurs naturally in the warmer, eastern AVAs. Discover the postcard-perfect scenery and great wines of the Columbia River Gorge during this day trip from Portland.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Multnomah Falls
30 minutes
Fed by underground streams that originate miles above on Larch Mountain, this ancient 620 foot (189 m) waterfall is divided into two sections; the upper falls plummets an impressive 542 feet into a pool and again drops 69 feet to form a creek that runs into the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States and the highest in Oregon, and is Oregon’s number one natural attraction, drawing over 2.5 million visitors a year from around the world. At the base of the waterfall sits the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, a full-service day lodge complete with restaurant, gift shop, snack and espresso bar and interpretative center.
2
Vista House
Perched beautifully in the Columbia River Gorge, Vista House is an absolute gem that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. Revered as the “Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge,” this stunning structure was built from 1916 to 1918 as a tribute to Oregon’s courageous pioneers and as a refuge for travelers along the newly established Historic Columbia River Highway. With its elaborate sandstone masonry, luxurious marble, and shimmering amber-green art glass windows, Vista House is a captivating masterpiece that is sure to leave you in awe and inspired!
3
Bonneville Fish Hatchery
25 minutes
Are you ready for a fin-tastic adventure? Take a stroll to the display ponds, where you can feed the rainbow trout while gazing at the majestic adult white sturgeon that are over 10 feet long! Just beyond the outdoor sturgeon pond lies a small white building, home to the Sturgeon Viewing Center, which was built back in 1998. Inside you’ll meet Herman, the granddaddy sturgeon who’s over 80 years old, 10 feet long, and weighs a whopping 500 pounds!
4
Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge
Horsetail Falls, named for its distinctive shape, cascades 176 feet and is visible in the winter as we drive past.
5
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
You will be driven through the amazing Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with stops along the way. Get ready to embark on a journey to the origins of the Cascade Mountain Range, where lava and pyroclastic materials surged and spread, forming a solid layer of basalt rock that enveloped Western Oregon. Then, fast forward to the Pleistocene Ice Age, and experience the monumental Lake Missoula Flood, which sculpted the stunning Columbia River Gorge, resulting in steep cliff faces, magnificent waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views.
6
Timberline Lodge
30 minutes
This architectural masterpiece has been wowing visitors for over 80 years, thanks to a little help from the WPA and President Franklin D. Roosevelt himself. The lodge’s interior is a wild-west wonderland, showcasing bold Art Deco designs that scream 1930s America. Think stone arches, wrought iron accents, and roaring fireplaces, all made with rough-cut stone. So, take a break from the slopes and snap some pics of the mountain, wander through the lodge, and savor a cup of the Snow-Capped Dream, the most decadent hot chocolate you’ll ever taste!
If weather or road conditions throw us a curveball, no worries! Our savvy guides will switch up the route to ensure you get the best Mt. Hood Loop tour experience.
7
Mount Hood
30 minutes
At 11,249 feet, Mt. Hood stands tall, flaunting its icy crown and boasting world-renowned ski areas. If weather or road conditions throw us a curveball, no worries! Our savvy guides will switch up the route to ensure you get the best Mt. Hood Loop tour experience.
8
Cathedral Ridge Winery
45 minutes
The Columbia Gorge Wine Region is home to more than 65 wineries, along a 40-mile stretch of the Columbia River. Although the Columbia River AVA encompasses both sides of the River in Oregon and Washington states, we’ll visit one select winery within the Hood River Valley region of Oregon. The winery that you will experience come from the following list of offerings: Phelps Creek Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge Winery, Marchesi Vineyards & Winery, Viento, Mt. Hood Winery, Stave & Stone, Cascade Cliffs Tasting Room, The Pines, Garnier, Hood Crest, and Wy’East vineyards.
9
Mirror Lake Trail
This beautifully maintained trail leads you to a tranquil mountain lake, offering stunning postcard-worthy views of Mount Hood alongside the majestic Tom Dick and Harry Mountains. Since the old trailhead was decommissioned in 2018, visitors now embark on a longer hike, though the elevation gain is somewhat reduced from the new Mirror Lake Trailhead.
10
Hood River
1 hour
We will visit 1 winery, tasting fees included after lunch on own.
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