Explore the Columbia River Gorge in One Day
The Columbia River Gorge is best known for the iconic double-decker Multnomah Falls. This waterfall is Oregon’s tallest and is one of the state’s top attractions. Columbia River National Scenic Area is a highlight of any Pacific Northwest road trip and one of the top things to do while in Portland Oregon. The Columbia River Highway is full of waterfalls, forest overlooks, hiking trails, cute towns, lavender fields, windsurfing, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, wine tasting, and breweries. See it all in a day trip to Columbia River Gorge. Be sure to add the Columbia River Gorge to your itinerary for Portland Oregon, here is how to see the best of the Columbia River Gorge in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Read 72 Hours in Portland Oregon
Where is Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge separates the states of Oregon and Washington 30 minutes east of Portland and 3.5 hours south of Seattle. The best way to explore the area is by car. If you have not rented a car for your visit there are several day trips available, many including a stop at one of the area’s popular wineries. The Columbia Gorge Express Shuttle leaves Portland with stops at Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River, and The Dalles.
Facts About Columbia River National Scenic Area
Columbia River Gorge is the largest US National Scenic Area, it is 292,500 acres
The Historic Columbia River Highway is the first scenic US Byway (1922)
The gorge is 85 miles long with cliff walls up to 4000 feet deep
There are 70+ waterfalls on the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is 620 feet high
Best Time of Year to Visit Columbia River Gorge
Expect summer in the 80s and crowds. Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Hood River Fruit Loop to pick your own berries and apples. Mt Hood is a popular winter destination for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. Waterfalls are full and wildflowers are in bloom during the summer months.
Accommodations Near Columbia River Gorge
Camping is available in Wyeth Creek, Ainsworth State Park, KOA Cascade Locks, Benson State Recreation Area, and Eagle Overlook. Hotel and Airbnb accommodations are available in Cascade Locks, Hood River, and The Dalles.
Things to Do at Columbia River National Scenic Area
Drive the scenic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and The Dalles
Watch the sunrise over Multnomah Falls
Take in the view of the river from Vista House
Enjoy wine tastings along the Hood River Valley Loop
Learn the geology of the Gorge at Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center
Tour the Bonneville Dam and take in the view from the observation deck
Watch salmon swim upstream at the viewing room of the Bonneville Hatchery (Sep and Oct)
Brewery hop the Gorge Beer Trail in Hood River
Cruise the Columbia River Gorge on a paddle wheeler
Shop for souvenirs in downtown Hood River
Photograph Mt Hood from Lost Lake or the Hood River Lavender Farm
Stop in Cathedral Ridge Winery for a tasting with a view
Spend an afternoon chasing waterfalls (see below)
Photograph the horseshoe turn at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Mountain bike the Post Canyon network
Hunt for wildlife at Steigerwald Lake National Refuge
Watch the kite surfers on the Hood River
Eat salmon at Brigham Fish House
Browse the First Friday Art Walk in Troutdale
Enjoy the self-guided Big Art walking tour in Hood River
Take a bike ride along the 5-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels or the Dalles Riverfront Trail
Explore the Hood River Fruit Loop’s farms, orchards, wineries, cider houses, and lavender fields
Stop for apple pie or a huckleberry shake at Apple Valley Country Store
Photograph the Bridge of the Gods
Take a scenic flight over the Gorge and waterfalls
Soak in the Bonneville Hot Springs
Go rafting or kayaking on the White Salmon River
Fish for salmon, trout, or sturgeon
Head to Mt Hood for mountain climbing
Ski or snowboard year-round at Timberline Lodge
Stargaze at Goldendale Observatory State Park
Take a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad
Explore the caves near Trout Lake
Hike the switchbacks up Beacon Rock, Dog Mountain, or a section of the Pacific Crest Trail
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
Latourell Falls, off the parking lot
Bridal Veil Falls, .75 mile RT
Wahkeena Falls, .5 mile hike
Multnomah Falls, off parking lot exit 31
Horsetail Falls, roadside
Fairy Falls, 3.4 miles RT
Wahclella Falls, 2 miles RT
Elowa Falls, 1.4 miles RT
Dry Creek Falls, 4.5 miles RT
Triple Falls 3.2 mile hike past 3 falls
Wahkeena Falls loop 5-mile hike past 5 falls
Shepperd’s Dell Falls, roadside
Starvation Creek Falls, a 1.5-mile hike past 4 falls
Tips for Visiting Columbia River National Scenic Area
Cell phone service is spotty, download an offline map before arrival
Check for trail closures due to fire damage
Arrive at Multnomah Falls early to ensure a parking space
Park at Rooster Rock State Park and shuttle to Multnomah Falls is the parking lot is full
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch
Be sure to check the Columbia River Gorge website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Day Trip to Columbia River Gorge
Plan Your Columbia River Gorge Day Trip Itinerary
Oregon Travel Guide
Pick up an Oregon Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Columbia River Gorge Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Columbia River Gorge Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!