Columbia River Gorge: Hike & Bike Tour to Waterfalls

Summary

Waterfall hikes & biking old highways through Oregon’s gorge country

You’ll ride historic roads by bike through the Columbia River Gorge, hike forest trails to waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls, and hear local legends from your guide along the way. Expect misty air, muddy boots, laughter with new friends—and moments where Oregon’s wild beauty just stops you in your tracks.

What’s the experience like?

“If you listen close, you can hear the water tell stories,” our guide Sam said as we stood at the edge of Latourell Falls. I’m not sure I heard much besides my own breath and the rush of water pounding basalt — but I liked that he believed it. We started out in Portland, getting fitted for bikes at their shop (I wobbled a bit testing mine, but nobody seemed to mind). The van ride out was full of those half-awake morning jokes and someone’s coffee spilling on a backpack — real life stuff. Then suddenly the Columbia River Gorge opened up outside the window, all green cliffs and silver light.

The bike part was easier than I expected — mostly downhill or flat on this old highway built for Model Ts. Cars passed sometimes, but Sam or Jamie (the other guide) always called out when one was coming up behind us. The air smelled like wet moss and cedar. At one point we stopped at Vista House; I remember leaning over the railing with numb fingers and thinking how small the river looked from up there. There were stories about pioneers and even older ones about spirits in these hills — Sam told them with this kind of quiet respect that made me pay attention.

We hiked under trees dripping with lichen, boots squishing into soft mud. At Multnomah Falls, people clustered for photos but it didn’t feel crowded — maybe because our group was small or maybe because everyone just stood there watching the water fall forever. Someone tried to pronounce “Shinrin Yoku” (forest bathing) and Li laughed, probably because none of us got it right. Lunch was whatever snacks we’d packed — nobody seemed to care about fancy food with all that fresh air and spray on your face.

I keep thinking about that moment by the creek near Latourell Falls when everything went quiet except for birds and water — no phones, no traffic sounds, just us breathing in cold air together. It wasn’t perfect weather (kind of drizzly), but honestly? That made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike fitting and Columbia Gorge tour

• Fit bikes at shop
• Travel by van to Columbia Gorge
• Visit Vista House and hear stories
• Bike ride begins on shared road
• Hike around Horsetail Falls creek
• Bike 2-4 miles to viewpoint
• Stop at Multnomah Falls for photos
• Hike to Benson Bridge

Top questions

How long is the Columbia River Gorge hike & bike tour?

The tour is a full-day excursion starting from Portland with several stops for biking and hiking in the gorge area.

Are bikes and helmets provided on this waterfall tour?

Yes, use of bicycle and helmet are included for every guest on this tour.

Does this day trip to Multnomah Falls include transport from Portland?

Yes, comfortable vans transport guests from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge and back.

Is lunch included on this Columbia River Gorge bike tour?

No formal lunch is included; guests usually bring their own snacks or light meals.

What waterfalls will I see during this hike & bike tour?

You’ll visit Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and possibly other nearby falls depending on conditions.

Is this waterfall day trip suitable for beginners?

The tour requires moderate fitness; most of the biking is gentle but there are some shared roads with cars.

Are guides present throughout the Columbia Gorge day trip?

Yes, guides ride with small groups for most of the route and share stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from a central Portland shop where you’ll get fitted for a bike and helmet before heading out in an air-conditioned van to explore the Columbia River Gorge. Guides accompany you during both biking sections and hikes to waterfalls like Multnomah Falls—plus they provide reusable water bottles if you need one before returning to town together.