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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
-
1
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.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
2
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.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.
Admission ticket free -
8
The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.
Admission ticket free -
9
Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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