Columbia River Gorge: Multnomah Falls & Short Hikes Tour

Summary

Short hikes to Oregon’s iconic waterfalls with local stories and forest air

You’ll walk short forest trails in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, get close enough to Multnomah Falls to feel its spray, hear quirky legends from your guide, and pause for sweeping views at Vista House if time allows. Expect muddy shoes, fresh air in your lungs, and maybe a story or two you’ll want to retell back home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the trail to Latourell Falls before I realized my shoes were a little too city for all this moss and mud. Our guide, Alex, just grinned and pointed out how the basalt columns looked like a pile of giant’s pencils — I’d never noticed that before. The air smelled like wet stone and ferns, which sounds poetic but really just made me want to breathe deeper. There was a moment where we stopped under the spray, and I swear you could feel the cold mist settling on your skin, even through your jacket.

I’d seen photos of Multnomah Falls a hundred times, but standing on Benson Bridge with water roaring below is something else. It’s loud enough that you have to shout to be heard — someone tried to tell me about the legend of the Beaver princess (I only caught half of it over the noise). We didn’t hike all the way up — apparently that’s a whole other adventure — but just getting close was enough. The gift shop had postcards and some weirdly good fudge. Oh, and there was a couple taking wedding photos in front of the falls; their dog kept trying to run into every shot.

We made stops at a few smaller falls too — Alex called one “fairy land” and honestly, with all that green light filtering through the trees, I kind of saw what she meant. The weather kept changing its mind: sun for five minutes, then drizzle, then back again. At Vista House (which is apparently famous for its bathrooms?), we got this wild view over the whole Columbia River Gorge — clouds moving fast over the water, wind tugging at everyone’s jackets. Someone mentioned how sacred this spot is to local tribes; it felt right to stand quiet for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour

• Meet at 833 SE Main Street #124
• Drive 35 minutes to Columbia River Gorge
• Visit Multnomah Falls and Benson Bridge
• Stop in Bridal Veil town
• Hike to hidden romantic waterfall
• Explore Latourell Falls and hike
• Visit Horsetail or Wahkeena Falls
• Stop at Vista House viewpoint
• Drive back through Troutdale to Portland

Top questions

How long is the Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge tour?

The tour is a half-day experience starting from Portland with several stops in the Columbia River Gorge area.

Does this tour include hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls?

No, it includes time at Benson Bridge but not the longer hike to the top.

Are there hotel pickups included?

No hotel pickup; tours start from 833 SE Main Street #124 in Portland.

What waterfalls are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and at least one other waterfall depending on conditions.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; bring snacks if you’d like.

What should I wear for this day trip?

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for muddy or uneven trails and bring layers for changing weather.

Is this Columbia River Gorge tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s designed for all physical fitness levels with mostly short hikes.

Will we visit Vista House?

If open and accessible (depending on construction), there will be a stop at Vista House for views and history.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from central Portland in an air-conditioned van, entry permits and parking fees for Multnomah Falls during permit season, reusable water bottles if you forget yours at home, plus stories and guidance from a local expert as you explore three waterfalls and scenic viewpoints before heading back by evening.