Half-Day Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall Hiking Tour
- Live Guide
- Instant Confirmation
- E-Ticket
- 4 hr
The 80 miles of the Columbia River Gorge’s steep rocky sides offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world: pounding waterfalls, eagles, century-old trees, ferns, flowers, ancient rocks. This half-day of exploring and meditating on wonders with very short hikes and visits to overlooks and vistas will have you gasping in awe. We'll visit waterfalls and overlooks, selected by our guides to include both the most iconic, like the unmissable Latourell Falls, a stunning plunge-style falls that is one of the most iconic in Oregon, and the special. Depending on weather conditions, this could include a few small hidden waterfalls and another spectacular plunge-style falls with columnar basalt. We'll also tell you stories, not just of the geology and botany and the oft-repeated tales of pioneers and road-builders, but also the old stories we've learned, of gods and animal spirits and the Beaver princess tragically turned into a waterfall.
Itinerary Details
Operated by: Around Portland Tours
Stop At: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
After meeting you at the starting point, 833 SE Main Street #121, we'll head out in one of our comfortable vans. The tour all takes place in the Columbia River Gorge, in the waterfall-laden western end of an 80-mile (130-km) canyon.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state and one of the most impressive, and most photographed, waterfalls in the U.S. If you're chasing waterfalls: this is the one many are seeking to catch.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Latourell Falls
Latourell is the most impressive of the plunge-style waterfalls, tumbling over layers of 15 million-year-old columnar and entablature basalt frosted with lichens and, according to local legend, carries the spirit of a Beaver princess who led a tragic life. At Latourell, you'll have the opportunity for a longer hike, up to 2 miles or 3 km. Breathe deep: you'll experience the rich variety of the forest with all its healing power and spiritual truths.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Vista House
**Vista House is currently open limited hours! If it is closed, we will stop to take photos of this architectural icon and see the view.** At the most beautiful rest stop in Oregon, we'll stop, take a walk to the upper deck (weather permitting), learn about the architectural history, and enjoy what could be the most expensive public bathroom in the Pacific Northwest. We'll also remember the Wasco people, who found this one of their holy places.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At:
View an expansive vista of the Columbia River Gorge, take photos, and hear the story of who was here before us. We'll also tell you how the waterfalls were created. **Due to road closures we sometimes replace this stop with an alternative.**
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Bridal Veil Falls State Park
This hidden waterfall is one of the state's most visited and most romantic. A 2/3 mile, 1km hike takes us down to the gorgeous spot that we believe is a genuine fairy land. **Due to weather or traffic conditions or road closures, this waterfall is sometimes replaced with an alternative!**
Duration: 30 minutes
