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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 operate rain or shine!
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We have recently added pickup service for our waterfall direct product closer to the Columbia Gorge so we can be more transit- and parking-friendly. The departures only are picking up at our locations at the edge of the city. If you will be coming from central Portland, we can assist you in navigating to the start points.
If you’re having trouble selecting one, here are the salient points:
E 181st Ave Park & Ride — Direct connection from the Blue Line MAX train at 181st Avenue Stop, plentiful free parking, nearby the awesome Rico Taco. Closest to airport hotels.
McMenamins Edgefield — if you are staying at this beautiful property or want to dine before or after in one of their garden-adjacent restaurants
Mayors Square Park — parking available and coffee shops nearby, cute central downtown that is most convenient if you are coming in from camping or lodging on Mt Hood, Hood River or other locations in the Columbia Gorge.
Meeting us in Portland before we leave for pickups can work, please reach out.
Itinerary
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1Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
After picking you up at one of our convenient pickup spots 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; we will drive about 15-30 minutes from our pickup points into the Gorge to start the tour.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Multnomah 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. Our time here will include enough to go up to the iconic Benson Bridge and visit the gift shop; the hike to the top of the waterfall is long and steep, we will not include that in this tour.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Bridal Veil
We will pass through the town of Bridal Veil, once home to a lumber operation that dominated the Columbia Gorge, now home to a tiny post office and a nunnery, among other things! We will stop at least once in the Bridal Veil area.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Wahkeena Falls
This hidden waterfall is one of the state's most romantic. A 1/2 mile, 1km hike takes us up 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!** Construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Latourell 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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge
***If time and weather permits*** Horsetail Falls is a favorite for summer because it is a wonderful waterfall to dip your toes in; it is also great for winter because it wows with so much spray and thunder it takes your breath away! Whenever we get a chance we will visit this beauty. One of our alternate waterfalls is Bridal Veil Falls, a whole different kind of magic but also breathtaking! Construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Vista House
***Vista House sometimes has closures that are unexpected. If it is closed and schedule permits, 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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Troutdale
We will pass through the town of Troutdale on our way back to the city. Our 35 minute drive back to your drop off point includes exiting the mouth of the Columbia Gorge and passing through the quaint suburb of Troutdale.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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