Columbia River Gorge & Mt Hood: Waterfalls & Alpine Views

Mist rises off 620-foot Multnomah Falls, then the road climbs to a volcano

You ride in a high-roofed van through the Columbia River Gorge with a local guide, stopping at Vista House, two major waterfalls, and Hood River for lunch. The afternoon climbs through Mount Hood National Forest to Timberline Lodge at alpine elevation. Groups stay under 12, and the van includes air conditioning and bottled water. You're back in downtown Portland by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Columbia River Gorgepassing by
2. Vista House15m
3. Latourell Falls20m
4. Multnomah Falls25m
5. Mt. Hood National Forestpassing by
6. Mt. Hood5m

Explore Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood

• Meet at urban park in downtown Portland
• Depart Portland, drive east to Troutdale
• Drive along Historic Columbia River Highway
• Visit Crown Point Vista House overlook
• Drive into Columbia River National Scenic Area
• Hike to Latourell Falls viewpoint
• Visit Multnomah Falls and Historic Lodge
• Stop in Hood River for free time and lunch
• Drive south through Fruit Loop orchards and farms
• Scenic drive through Mount Hood National Forest
• View Mount Hood from the road
• Explore Timberline Lodge and surrounding views
• Return to Director Park in downtown Portland

The experience

The Historic Columbia River Highway opens up east of Portland, and within an hour you're standing at Crown Point Vista House, 733 feet above the river, looking out across 180 degrees of the Gorge carved by the last Ice Age. The lodge itself (stone and timber, built in 1925) sits like a museum on top of a lava flow that swept through here 14 to 17 million years ago. Your guide walks you through the details while the light hits the water below, and you start to understand why Oregon built this as the nation's first planned scenic roadway.

The waterfalls come next. Latourell Falls drops 249 feet over columnar basalt, and depending on the season, there's a short quarter-mile trail down to the base. Then Multnomah Falls (620 feet in two major steps, the highest in Oregon) appears around a bend, and the mist hits you before you see the full height. The viewing platform at the base of the Benson Bridge gives you the whole picture: the falls, the lodge, the way the water moves. You get an hour in Hood River after that, the Windsurfing Capital of the World, to eat lunch and walk the town on your own time.

The afternoon turns south through the Fruit Loop orchards and lavender farms, then the van climbs into Mount Hood National Forest. Timberline Lodge sits at roughly 6,000 feet against Oregon's highest peak, Mt. Hood attracts over 10,000 climbers a year, and from the lodge's outdoor patios you see why. The Cascade Range spreads around you, and if time allows, your guide can lead a short walk to the Pacific Crest Trail crossing just behind the building. The whole day runs from downtown Portland and ends back there, so no logistics beyond showing up in the morning.

What’s included

• Your day includes pickup and drop-off in downtown Portland, transportation in an air-conditioned, high-roofed passenger van, a knowledgeable local guide with live commentary throughout, and bottled water.
• You stop at Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls (with an optional short trail), Multnomah Falls, Hood River for free time and lunch, and Timberline Lodge at Mt.
• A short hike to the Pacific Crest Trail crossing is available if time allows.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wildwood Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood sights in one day without renting a car or planning stops yourself: the fixed route and guide handle the timing and navigation, which is what makes a 6,000-foot climb and two major waterfalls fit into a single afternoon from Portland.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is included in the price?

Transportation in a premium van, a knowledgeable local guide, bottled water, and live commentary. Entry fees to attractions are not explicitly listed as included.

Do I need hiking experience?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The Latourell Falls trail is a short quarter-mile, and the Vista House and Multnomah Falls viewing areas are easily accessible. A short hike to the Pacific Crest Trail at Timberline is optional.

What should I wear?

Dress in layers. The tour moves through varied climates, from the river valley to 6,000 feet elevation at Mt. Hood, so temperature and conditions change throughout the day.

What is Timberline Lodge?

A National Historic Landmark at roughly 6,000 feet on Mt. Hood. It's a historic lodge where you can explore inside and view the Cascade Range from outdoor patios.

Is there time for lunch?

Yes. You have about an hour of free time in Hood River, where you can eat lunch and explore the town on your own.

How many people are on the tour?

Groups are a maximum of 12 people per booking.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and viewing areas at Vista House and Multnomah Falls are easily accessible. Some stops involve optional short walks, but the main attractions can be seen from accessible platforms.