Columbia Gorge: Waterfalls & Wine Day Trip from Portland

Summary

Multnomah Falls mist, winding forest walks and Oregon wine flights

You’ll ride out from Portland with a small group, walk right up to roaring Columbia Gorge waterfalls (yes, including Multnomah Falls), then taste Oregon wines at boutique vineyards near Hood River — all with pickup included and a guide who keeps things real. Expect muddy shoes, fresh air, local snacks, and moments that stick around long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Portland in one of those tall vans where you can actually see over the dashboard — I snagged a window seat. Our guide, Jen, pointed out how the city just kind of melts into trees as you head toward the Columbia River Gorge. The road twisted past mossy cliffs and I kept catching flashes of water through the firs. First stop was Latourell Falls, which you can hear before you see — that low thunder mixed with birds arguing somewhere overhead. Jen handed me a snack (I think it was local hazelnuts?) and we walked up close enough to feel the cold spray on our faces. My shoes got muddy but honestly, who cares.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a day trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and the wineries — but there we were, joking about how many times you can say “wow” before people start rolling their eyes. Multnomah itself is wild — 620 feet of water just dropping straight down. There’s this damp, almost sweet smell in the air from all that moss and spray. Jen told us about Larch Mountain feeding the falls, and I tried to remember half of it for later but mostly just stared up until my neck hurt.

The drive east gets drier fast — suddenly it’s pines instead of ferns, and then vineyards start popping up along the hills near Hood River. We stopped at this little family-run place where they poured us a flight (all included), and I tried something white that tasted like pears and sunshine. The winemaker came out to chat; he had purple hands from harvest and told us stories about frost ruining whole years’ work. That stuck with me for some reason.

We headed back as golden light hit the river — everyone a bit quieter now, maybe thinking about waterfalls or just full from snacks and wine. I still think about that view above the Gorge with my muddy shoes drying in the van’s heater. Not sure any photo really catches it, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Wine Tasting

• Drive Historic Columbia River Highway
• Stop for river views
• Walk to 2-3 waterfalls
• Visit Multnomah Falls
• Taste Columbia Gorge wines

Top questions

How long is the Columbia Gorge Waterfalls & Wineries tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off in Portland.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Portland?

Yes, hotel or rental pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying downtown or near the Visitor Center.

Which waterfalls do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Multnomah Falls plus 2-3 others like Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls or Horsetail Falls depending on timing.

Are wine tasting fees covered on this Columbia Gorge tour?

Yes, all wine tasting fees at selected boutique wineries are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No formal lunch is provided but seasonal snacks and refreshments are available throughout.

What type of vehicle is used for transportation?

The group travels in high-roof Ford Transit vans for comfort and good views.

Do I need to bring ID for wine tasting?

Yes, bring valid ID if you plan to participate in wine tastings (must be 21+).

How many people are on each tour?

This is a small-group tour limited to 10 travelers or fewer per departure.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes round-trip pickup from your downtown Portland hotel or rental (or Visitor Center), all entry fees for waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge including Multnomah Falls, guided nature walks led by an award-winning local naturalist guide every step of the way, covered wine tasting flights at boutique Hood River wineries (with ID if you want to drink), seasonal snacks and refreshments in between stops, plus comfortable travel in a high-roof van before returning early evening.