Columbia River Gorge & Mt Hood: Waterfalls, Timberline Lodge, Small Group

Summary

Waterfall trails, mountain air and a day chasing Oregon’s wild beauty

You’ll feel Oregon shift under your feet: mist on your face at Multnomah Falls, fresh bread in Hood River, mountain air at Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood. With pickup in Portland and a local guide leading the way, this day trip mixes wild scenery with real moments—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever see so many shades of green in one morning. The Columbia River Gorge just kind of unfurls itself right outside Portland — we left from Director Park and within half an hour, it felt like the city had vanished. Our guide, Sam, was one of those people who seems to know every odd fact about moss (there are a lot of kinds, apparently). At Crown Point Vista House, the wind nearly took my hat off — you could smell rain even though it wasn’t falling yet. The view made me forget what I was going to say; the river looked endless from up there.

We stopped at Latourell Falls first — you hear it before you see it, this low roar that gets louder as you walk down the short trail. It’s not a long hike but the spray hits your face if you get close enough (I did). Then Multnomah Falls, which is taller than I expected — everyone just kind of went quiet for a second when we stepped onto the viewing platform. There’s this old stone lodge there where I grabbed coffee that tasted like campfire smoke (in a good way). Some folks tried to pronounce “Multnomah” right; Sam laughed and said locals still argue about it.

Lunch in Hood River was loose — we split up for an hour and I ended up at a bakery with windows fogged from baking bread. The town feels like everyone’s either coming off a bike ride or heading out windsurfing; someone handed me directions with sticky fingers from eating cherries. Afterward we drove through these orchards and lavender fields — windows down, the air sweet and weirdly cold for July. If you’re into fruit stands, bring cash (I forgot).

The drive up Mount Hood felt longer than it probably was; maybe because I kept craning my neck to catch glimpses of snow patches even in summer. Timberline Lodge sits almost ridiculously high up — inside smells like woodsmoke and old wool blankets. A couple of us followed Sam out back to where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses behind the lodge; I touched one of those trail markers just to say I had. On the patio, sun on my face but cold wind on my hands — weird mix — I just sat there for a bit thinking about how small everything looked below. Still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood tour

• Meet at urban park in downtown Portland
• Depart Portland, drive east along Columbia River
• Join Historic Columbia River Highway
• Stop at Crown Point Vista House overlook
• Drive into Columbia River National Scenic Area
• Visit Latourell Falls, short trail hike
• Visit Multnomah Falls and Historic Lodge
• Arrive in Hood River for free time and lunch
• Drive south through Fruit Loop orchards and farms
• Scenic drive through Mount Hood National Forest
• Stop at Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood
• Explore lodge and surrounding mountain views
• Return to Director Park, downtown Portland

Top questions

How long is the Columbia River Gorge & Mt Hood tour?

The tour is a full-day trip departing from downtown Portland and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Lunch is not included; you'll have free time in Hood River to buy lunch wherever you like.

Are there any hikes during the tour?

There are short walks to viewpoints at waterfalls and an optional short hike near Timberline Lodge if time allows.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup; departure is from Director Park in downtown Portland.

What should I wear for this Mt Hood & Columbia Gorge tour?

Dress in layers as weather can change between stops; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking trails.

Is transportation included throughout the day?

Yes, all transportation is provided in an air-conditioned passenger van with bottled water available onboard.

How many people will be on this tour?

The group size is capped at 12 people per booking for a small-group experience.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Director Park in downtown Portland, all transportation by premium passenger van with bottled water along the way, live commentary from a knowledgeable local guide throughout each stop—from waterfall trails to Timberline Lodge—and plenty of chances to explore towns or grab lunch before heading back into the city by evening.