Columbia Gorge Waterfall Tour: Multnomah Falls & Wine Tasting

Waterfalls, a 100-year-old viewpoint, and vineyard tasting in one afternoon

An afternoon tour of Columbia Gorge from Portland covers the Historic Columbia River Highway with a live guide, stopping at Multnomah Falls (Oregon's tallest at 620 feet), Vista House, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and a vineyard for wine tasting. The 4.5-hour route follows the 74-mile scenic byway that inspired the Swiss Alps' Axenstrasse, with entry and tasting fees included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Columbia River Gorge1h 35m
2. Historic Columbia River Highway1h
3. Vista Housepassing by
4. Latourell Falls15m
5. Wahkeena Fallspassing by
6. Multnomah Falls20m · entry included
7. Oneonta Gorgepassing by
8. Bonneville Dampassing by

Explore Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Vineyard

• Drive along Columbia River Gorge NSA
• Drive Historic Columbia River Highway
• Drive parallel to Sandy River
• Stop for Gorge photo opportunity
• Visit Vista House viewpoint
• Walk to Latourell Falls
• Pass hidden cove for photos
• Pass old logging ghost town
• Pass Wahkeena Falls trail
• Visit Multnomah Falls
• Pass Oneonta Gorge slot canyon
• Stop at quirky waterfall for photos
• View fifth-largest monolith
• Pass Elowah Falls hike area
• Pass Bonneville Dam
• Pass largest hatchery in Oregon
• Pass Columbia River crossing for Pacific Crest Trail
• Wine tasting at Columbia Gorge vineyard
• Pass rock near oldest nudist beach

The experience

How do you see the gorge's best waterfalls and still have time for wine without driving yourself? This afternoon tour departs Portland and heads into the 85-mile Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where your guide drives the Historic Columbia River Highway. The same 74-mile route Portlanders took in Model T cars a century ago to chase waterfalls. The guide teaches the natural and cultural history as you travel, and the air-conditioned vehicle comes with a PA system so everyone hears from the back row.

The route hits the major stops: Vista House, a 100-year-old sandstone and marble building perched on a basalt point with 360-degree views and a reputation as the "fanciest rest stop in the world"; Latourell Falls, a 249-foot hanging waterfall with columnar basalt and fluorescent lichen, reached by a short walk; Wahkeena Falls, where a switch-back trail through hemlock and Douglas-fir leads to a bridge at the base; and Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet combined height. You'll also pass Oneonta Gorge, a slot canyon created by a fault with plants found nowhere else, and see Beacon Rock and other landmarks from the road.

The tour ends at a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA), where wine-tasting fees are covered. Entry to Multnomah Falls is included, as are bottled water and snacks. The minimum age for wine tasting is 21.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle with PA system so you hear the guide from any seat.
• entry to Multnomah Falls.
• wine-tasting fees at one vineyard.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Friday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 13:30

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Terran Travels

Is this one for you?Pick this afternoon half-day tour if you're staying in Portland without a car. We handle the drive so you can spend your time on the waterfalls instead.

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Top questions

How long is the afternoon tour and when does it run?

The tour runs 4.5 hours and departs in the afternoon from Portland, so it fits into a half-day schedule without eating into your evening plans.

What is Multnomah Falls and why is it worth the stop?

Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet combined height and the most visited site in the Pacific Northwest. Entry is included in the tour price.

Do I need a car to get on this tour, or is pickup from Portland included?

Pickup is included, so you don't need to drive or arrange your own transportation from Portland to the gorge.

What happens at the vineyard stop?

The tour stops at a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA) where you taste wine. Tasting fees are included in the tour price.

What is Vista House and how much time do you spend there?

Vista House is a 100-year-old sandstone, limestone, and marble building sitting on a basalt point above the Columbia River with a 360-degree balcony and historical interpretation. It's a short stop for photos and the view.

Are there any hikes on this tour, or is it mostly driving?

Most of the tour is driving the scenic highway, but short walks reach Latourell Falls and Wahkeena Falls, and you can view other waterfalls and canyons from the road or with minimal walking.