Mt Hood & Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls, Wine & Vista House

Multnomah Falls & the Gorge's Hidden Wineries in One Day

You spend the morning at two viewpoints and Multnomah Falls, the afternoon exploring Hood River's shops and restaurants on your own, then visit a Columbia Gorge winery with tasting included. Transport, a local guide, parking permits, and bottled water are all covered. You just show up at your Portland hotel for pickup and return there by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Multnomah Falls30m
2. Vista Housepassing by
3. Columbia River Gorgepassing by

Explore waterfalls, Mt Hood, and winery

• Visit Portland Women’s Forum
• Stop at Vista House viewpoint
• Drive through Columbia River Gorge
• View Horsetail Falls from vehicle
• Visit Multnomah Falls and lodge
• Feed trout and see sturgeon
• Explore downtown Hood River
• Visit Mt. Hood and lodge
• Tour and taste at one winery

The experience

You don't expect a 620-foot waterfall to feel intimate, but standing at the base of Multnomah Falls (fed by underground streams from miles up Larch Mountain). It does. The morning starts at Portland Women's Forum and Vista House, where the views across the Columbia River Gorge open up in a way that makes the drive worthwhile before you've even left the first stop. Vista House itself is a 1916 sandstone masterpiece built as a tribute to Oregon's pioneers, all marble and amber-green art glass, and it sits so perfectly on the ridge that you understand why they call it the Crown Jewel. Then comes the falls themselves (Oregon's number one natural attraction, drawing over 2.5 million visitors a year), and yes, the crowds are real, but the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge at the base has a restaurant and espresso bar if you need a moment to breathe.

The afternoon shifts. After lunch in Hood River's downtown (more than 30 restaurants, plus boutiques and outdoor gear shops if you want to wander), the tour takes you to one vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This matters because the wines here are different from what you'd find in cooler western Oregon regions: riper, with higher acidity and structure. The region has over 65 wineries along a 40-mile stretch, and depending on the day, you might visit Phelps Creek, Cathedral Ridge, Marchesi, or one of the others on the rotation. Tasting fees are included, and you're not rushed. The landscape itself (steep basalt cliffs, the river cutting through) is part of why the wine tastes the way it does.

The drive itself is the third thing worth noting. You're traveling through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with a local guide who can explain what you're seeing: the Cascade Mountain Range's origins, the Pleistocene Ice Age floods that carved the gorge, Horsetail Falls (176 feet, shaped like its name), and if conditions allow, a view of Mt. Hood at 11,249 feet. If weather shifts, guides reroute to keep the experience intact. Parking fees and permits for Multnomah Falls are included during permit season, so you're not stopping at a booth.

Pickup and drop-off happen at your downtown Portland hotel, and the whole day runs about nine hours. Bring water (bottled water is provided), and dress for Oregon weather. The tour operates rain or shine. You need to be 21 to taste wine and show ID. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. If you're traveling with an infant or small child, you'll need to bring your own car seat or booster seat, as the company doesn't provide them.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Portland, transport by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, bottled water, a knowledgeable local guide, parking permits and fees for Multnomah Falls during permit season, and winery tasting fees after lunch in Hood River.
• Lunch itself is on your own at one of Hood River's 30+ restaurants.
• You'll visit Vista House, Multnomah Falls, the Sturgeon Viewing Center, and one winery in the Columbia Gorge AVA.

Options for this experience

2 options

Wine tour to the Hood waterfalls and public sitesGuide in English · 09:00This public tour accommodates up to 12 people in total. Wine tasting fees are not included; they range from $25 to $45 and are often waived when you buy a bottle. Transportation is by Mercedes Sprinter van, and pickup is included.

Private Gorge/Wine TastingGuide in English · 09:00This private tour does not include wine tasting fees, which range from $25 to $45 and are often waived with the purchase of a bottle. Transportation is by Mercedes Sprinter van, and pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 8h 30m, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 139.50 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 13 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years) · Infant (under 1)

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Hub World Travel dba America's Hub World Tours LLC

Is this one for you?This tour works well if you want the main Columbia River Gorge highlights (waterfalls, viewpoints, and a winery) without renting a car or navigating the route yourself. The fixed itinerary and included guide handle the logistics, and the Sprinter Van keeps the group small enough that stops don't feel crowded.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years); Infant (under 1).

How long is the drive from Portland to Multnomah Falls?

Multnomah Falls is about 30 miles east of Portland. The full tour runs approximately nine hours, including all stops and lunch.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is on your own in Hood River, where there are more than 30 restaurants to choose from. The winery tasting fee is included.

Which winery will I visit?

The tour rotates among several Columbia Gorge wineries: Phelps Creek, Cathedral Ridge, Marchesi, Viento, Mt. Hood Winery, Stave & Stone, Cascade Cliffs, The Pines, Garnier, Hood Crest, and Wy'East. The specific winery depends on availability and the day.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather and rain. Guides may adjust the route if conditions warrant, but the experience continues. Dress appropriately for Oregon weather.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Most time is spent in the van or at viewpoints, though there is walking at each stop.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The tour involves uneven surfaces and is not wheelchair accessible.

What's included in the price?

Transport by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Portland, parking permits and fees for Multnomah Falls (during permit season), a knowledgeable local guide, and winery tasting fees.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup occurs at your downtown Portland hotel. Specific pickup times depend on your hotel location and are confirmed when you book.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes. Minimum numbers apply, and the tour may be cancelled after confirmation if there are not enough passengers. If this happens, you'll be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.