What to See in Columbia River Gorge (Must-Sees)
We've selected the best things to do in Columbia River Gorge for you—here's the list. Plus, below we go into more detail and share our top tips for making the most of your visit.
- Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
- Crown Point Vista
- Latourell Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Wahkeena Falls
- Multnomah Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- Ponytail Falls
- Tunnel Falls
Map of the Columbia River Gorge
On this map of the Columbia River Gorge, we've marked all the points we'll be discussing in this post.
Things to Do in Columbia River Gorge in One Day
A one-day trip to Columbia River Gorge from Portland is a great idea, since it’s just 31 miles (51 km) from downtown and a 35- to 50-minute drive depending on traffic. In a single day, you’ll have time to explore several of the waterfalls in the area—which are all quite close to one another—and visit at least one overlook.
No matter where you start, we’d recommend beginning the day with a visit to Multnomah Falls, as they’re the most famous waterfalls in the area and tend to get the most crowded. Plus, if you’re visiting during peak season, you’ll need a reservation to see them after 9 a.m. Try to arrive early!
Here is a one-day itinerary for the Columbia River Gorge from Portland:
- Multnomah Falls. Arrive early and park in the public parking lot between the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-84. Visit the overlook at the base of the falls, walk to Benson Bridge to see the first drop up close, and check out the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
- Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls. Drive along I-84 and take Exit 35 to get onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and explore these two waterfalls.
- Wahkeena Falls. Continue along the Historic Columbia River Highway toward Portland; your next stop is one of the most famous waterfalls in the area.
- Bridal Veil Falls. If you have enough time, you can also stop at Bridal Veil Falls.
- Latourell Falls. These waterfalls are a must-see in the region—don't miss them!
- Crown Point at Vista House. The road begins to climb toward the cliffs, stop at the best viewpoint in the Columbia River Gorge!
- Portland Women's Forum. End your day at this other lookout point, where you can see Crown Point with the Columbia River in the background.
If you're coming from Hood River or heading east, we recommend reversing the route. After Multnomah Falls, head to the Portland Women's Forum and follow the itinerary in the opposite direction, ending at Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls.
-Duration: 4h
-Includes: Portland Downtown departing, transportation and guide
-Highlights: Crown Point Vista, Latourell, Horsetail and Multnomah falls
😉Free cancellation until 24h in advance
Things to Do in Columbia River Gorge in 2 Days
If you want to explore the Columbia River Gorge in two days, we have two options for you: one involves a long hike with a very gradual elevation gain, and the other is more relaxed.
Waterfalls + hiking:
- Day 1. Visit the recommended stops on the 1-day itinerary through the Columbia River Gorge.
- Day 2. Hike the Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls.
Waterfalls + lavender farm
- Day 1. Visit the recommended stops on the one-day itinerary through the Columbia River Gorge. You can take it easy or take the opportunity to hike up to the Top of Falls overlook at Multnomah Falls, saving a waterfall or overlook for the next day.
- Day 2. If there are any waterfalls or overlooks you didn’t get to see the day before, now’s your chance to visit them, and you can also stop by Oneonta Falls. Once you’re done, head to Hood River to visit the lavender fields overlooking Mount Hood at Hood River Lavender Farms.
Waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge
If you're planning to visit this part of the Pacific Northwest, it's to enjoy the Waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. We've put together a list of the region's best waterfalls so all you have to do is choose which ones to visit.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is Oregon's most famous waterfall and most visited tourist attraction. In our post on how to visit Multnomah Falls, we've included all the information and tips you need to make your trip a success.
Latourell Falls
In our opinion, Latourell Falls are the most impressive waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge after Multnomah Falls. This 223-foot-high (68 m) waterfall consists of a single vertical drop framed by a spectacular basalt canyon. Part of its beauty lies in the contrasting colors: the white of the falling water, the black of the basalt, the green of the vegetation, and the yellow of the lichens on the rock.
It is the closest waterfall to the city of Portland and to the Crown Point and Portland Women's Forum overlooks, which is why it may be the first stop on some itineraries. It has parking, and the nearest exits off I-84 are 22 and 28.
Wahkeena Falls
Wahkeena Falls is another beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge; its 243-foot-high (74 m) double drop can be seen directly from the parking lot. Because it’s so close to Multnomah Falls, the parking lot tends to get very crowded, since parking is free. From here, you can take a leisurely walk—it’s only a 0.6 mile (900 m) one-way trip to Multnomah Falls—but keep in mind that you must use the Return Trail, as walking along the road is strictly prohibited.
To visit these waterfalls along with Multnomah Falls, the best option is to park in the public parking lot at Multnomah Falls, located at Exit 31 between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway, and walk the Return Trail, as mentioned in the previous paragraph.
Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a beautiful 213-foot-high (65 m) waterfall in a small basalt canyon where, as the name suggests, the water forms the shape of a horsetail as it cascades over the rocks. You can see it clearly from the parking lot next to the Historic Columbia River Highway.
If you also want to see Ponytail Falls—a set of waterfalls on the same river a few meters further upstream—you should take the Horsetail Falls Trail for about 0.5 mile (750 m, one way) until you reach them; the trail goes right behind the waterfall!
The nearest exit on Interstate 84 to reach these waterfalls is Exit 35.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls (121 feet, 37 m) is a two-tiered waterfall located just below a bridge on the historic highway. To see it, you must park in the designated parking lot and hike the steep Lower Trail (0.6 mile, 1 km, round trip) to the overlook, as viewing the falls from the road is prohibited because it is very narrow. Along the way, you’ll come across the remains of an old sawmill.
Another trail starts at the parking lot: the Overlook Trail, which is 0.5 mile (840 m) long and leads to a scenic overlook of the Columbia River. The nearest exit from I-84 is Exit 28.
Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls is a spectacular 161-feet-high (49 m) vertical waterfall with the unique feature that you can walk behind it through a tunnel carved right into the rock. It’s located in Eagle Creek Gorge, and the surrounding walls are covered in ferns and moss. It’s an incredible place!
The only downside is that to get there, you have to hike 6 miles (10 km, one way), passing by other waterfalls along the way. We’ve included more information about the trail and how to get there below.
Best Viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge
One of the must-see attractions in the Columbia River Gorge are its overlooks, which offer spectacular views of the Columbia River and its canyon. Here are the two we think are the best:
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
With stunning views of the Columbia River and its gorge, and the Vista House directly across, the Portland Women's Forum is one of the best viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge. This organization, made up of Portland's leading women's groups, has been advocating for the conservation of the gorge since 1950. The best photos of the canyon and the Vista House are taken from this viewpoint.
The overlook is located on the western side of the Historic Columbia River Highway, the closest section to Portland, and marks the start of the waterfall route from the top of the cliffs. To get there, take Exit 22.
Crown Point Vista
Very close to the previous overlook is the more famous of the two, Crown Point Vista. This rest area along the Historic Columbia River Highway was opened in 1918 on one of the curves that wind up from river level to the top of the cliffs. It offers spectacular views of the gorge and features a visitor center, a café, and a gift shop. Hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday through Monday from spring through fall, weather permitting (hours may vary in winter).
At the visitor center, you can learn about the building's architecture, as well as the region's history, geology, flora, and fauna. The nearest exit is Exit 22.
Columbia River Gorge Best Hikes
One of the things to do in the area is hiking, with plenty of trails of varying difficulty that take you to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. In this section, we’ve selected what we consider to be the Columbia River Gorge Best Hikes .
Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls
- Distance: 12 miles (20 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,247 feet (380 m)
- Difficulty: high
- Permit: Yes, $5 or Northwest Forest Pass
This is undoubtedly the Columbia River Gorge best hike, as it winds through the lush Eagle Creek. It was severely damaged by the 2017 wildfire, runs alongside the river the entire way, and features many waterfalls, including the spectacular Tunnel Falls with its walls covered in lush vegetation.
The trail starts at the bottom of the gorge, 0.6 mile (1 km) from Exit 41 on I-84, where there is a paid parking lot ($5 per vehicle per day) unless you have a Northwest Forest Pass. It is a narrow trail, with many exposed and steep sections, so it is not recommended for children.
The first stop is Punch Bowl Falls (2 miles or 3.2 km and a 525-foot or 160-meter elevation gain); these small, 33-foot-high (10 m) waterfalls are a great spot to catch your breath, or if you prefer, head down to see Lower Punch Bowl Falls and take a dip—in the summer only. The second stop is Loowit Falls (3.2 miles or 5.1 km and a 656-foot or 200-meter elevation gain), a vertical waterfall that plunge down one side directly into Eagle Creek.
The third stop we recommend is Wy'East Falls (5.25 miles or 8.4 km and a 1,017-foot or 310-meter elevation gain), and finally Tunnel Falls—though just before that, don’t miss Grand Union Falls. Take this opportunity to rest, grab a bite to eat, stay hydrated, and take as many photos as you can—you still have another 6 miles (10 km) to go on the way back!
Larch Mountain Trail to Top of Falls
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: 722 feet (220 m)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Permit: Yes, $2 if you visit between late May and early September from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This section of the Larch Mountain Trail is perfect for exploring two of the Multnomah Falls overlooks: Benson Bridge and Top of Falls. The trail, which is paved up to Benson Bridge, is quite steep but offers a close-up view of the upper falls, access to the top of the falls, and great views of the Columbia River.
Latourell Falls Loop
- Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: 600 feet (183 m)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Permission: No
The Latourell Falls Loop is a circular hike in the Columbia River Gorge that takes you close to the upper part of the waterfall and follows Latourell Creek all the way to Upper Latourell Falls.
Wahkeena Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles (2.2 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: 722 feet (220 m)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Permission: No
The Wahkeena Falls Trail starts at the parking lot near the falls and leads to Lemmons Viewpoint, a lookout overlooking the Columbia River. The only downside to this trail is the difficulty in finding parking, as the lot is often full due to its proximity to Multnomah Falls and the fact that parking is free.
Horsetail Falls Trail y Oneonta Trail hasta las Triple Falls
- Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km) round trip
- Elevation gain: 738 feet (225 m)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Permission: No
This trail is one of the Columbia River Gorge best hikes, as you’ll get to see up to six waterfalls in less than 4.4 miles (7 km). It starts at the Horsetail Falls parking lot and continues past the back of Ponytail Falls.
If you continue, you'll come to Oneonta Falls, and after that, the path joins the Oneonta Trail. You should turn left to visit Middle Oneonta Falls and Upper Oneonta Falls, ending at Triple Falls.
How to Visit the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is very popular, and during peak season it’s a bustling area filled with locals, tourists, and hikers. That’s why we’re going to give you some tips to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
How to get to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland
To get to the Columbia River Gorge from Portland by car, take Interstate 84 eastbound and exit between Exits 22 and 41, depending on where you want to start your visit. If you’d rather leave the car behind and travel in a comfortable minibus, you can also book this tour to the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. Another option is to book the Waterfall Express + Waterfall Trolley, a coach service to the Columbia River Gorge plus a day pass for the sightseeing bus that tours the waterfall area.
The only way to reach the Columbia River Gorge by public transportation is to use the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) bus service, specifically the Columbia Gorge Express line. This service connects various points along the Columbia River Gorge, between Portland and Hood River. Buses take between 30 and 40 minutes to reach Multnomah Falls from both Portland and Hood River, with up to seven daily departures every day of the week.
The stop in Portland is at the Gateway Transit Center (NE 99th Avenue & Pacific), and in Hood River at the CAT Transit Center (224 Wasco Loop). Tickets cost $10 per person each way and can be purchased online via the Token Transit mobile app or on-site in cash with exact change. For more information and schedules, please visit their website.
from Portland
-Duration: 8:30h
-Includes: Portland Downtown departure, transportation and Waterfall Trolley
-Highlights: Corbett, Crown Point Vista, Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail falls, Angels Rest and Ainsworth State Park
😉Free cancellation until 24h in advance
Where to Park in the Columbia River Gorge
The best place to park in the Columbia River Gorge is at the Multnomah Falls public parking lot, located at Exit 31 on I-84. However, from late May through early September, you’ll need a reservation if you plan to visit between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations can be made through the recreation.gov website or app and cost $2.
The other paid parking lot is at Eagle Creek Trail; it costs $5 per vehicle per day, and you can pay right there. All other parking lots—both at the waterfalls and the overlooks—are completely free.
Best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge
The best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge is from late April to mid-October. During these months, there are more hours of daylight, the days tend to be sunnier, and the temperature is more comfortable than in winter. Keep in mind that some trails may be icy or snowy during the winter, which makes hiking inadvisable.
How to Avoid the Crowds in the Columbia River Gorge
To avoid the crowds in the Columbia River Gorge during peak season (late May through early September), you should visit Multnomah Falls outside of peak hours. That means before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., as those are the times when most tourists are there. The other tourist sites aren’t as popular and aren’t as crowded.
During the rest of the year, there aren't usually as many visitors—especially in winter or on weekdays—so you can enjoy a more peaceful and pleasant visit.
Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge
If you're looking for a hotel in the Columbia River Gorge, we've selected these four accommodations that offer great value for money, in case you want to spend more than a day exploring the area or continue your trip through Oregon:
FAQs About the Columbia River Gorge
How much time do you need to visit the Columbia River Gorge?
Ideally, you should set aside a full day—or two if you want to visit all the waterfalls or go on a hike. If you only have half a day, you can visit Multnomah Falls and a viewpoint.
What is the best waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge?
In our opinion, the most spectacular waterfalls are Multnomah Falls, although they are also the most popular, which takes away much of their charm. The waterfalls that impressed us the most were Latourell Falls, as the surroundings are beautiful and they are much less crowded.
Is it possible to visit the Columbia River Gorge without a car?
It’s easy to visit; from Portland, you can book this tour to the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, or if you prefer to explore on your own but in total comfort, the Waterfall Express + Waterfall Trolley. You can also reach the Columbia River Gorge by public transportation; the only option is to use the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) bus service, specifically the Columbia Gorge Express line.
Is the Columbia River Gorge worth visiting?
The Columbia River Gorge is a must-see if you're in Oregon or touring the Pacific Northwest. It's an area full of waterfalls and forests, featuring a massive river surrounded by cliffs, and is located very close to other tourist attractions such as Portland and Mount Hood.
We hope this guide to what to see in the Columbia River Gorge helps you plan your next trip.
