Mt Hood & Columbia Gorge: Waterfalls, Timberline Lodge & Wine Day Trip

Summary

Waterfalls echo in the Gorge, wine pours in Hood River, Timberline Lodge stands above it all

You’ll stand in waterfall mist at Multnomah Falls, hear stories from locals over lunch in Hood River Valley vineyards, and wander Timberline Lodge’s snowy halls on Mt Hood—all in one day trip from Portland with everything included except maybe a dry pair of socks.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice on this Mt Hood waterfall tour would be the smell—wet stone and pine needles as we pulled off near Latourell Falls. Our guide, Jamie, handed out bottled water (which I immediately dropped—so much for being graceful) and pointed up at the basalt cliffs. You could hear the falls before you saw them. There was this cool hush under the trees, broken only by a little kid’s laugh somewhere behind us. I tried to take a photo but my lens fogged up from the spray—guess that’s just part of it.

We zigzagged along the Columbia River Gorge, stopping at Vista House for those wild 360-degree views—clouds moving so fast they looked like they were racing each other. Jamie told us about the old nudist beach down below (I mean, who knew?) and how Crown Point used to be called Thor’s Hammer. The wind up there nearly knocked my hat off. Then Multnomah Falls—honestly, you feel tiny standing under it. The air is cold and sharp with mossy dampness; someone next to me whispered that it’s taller than Niagara (I checked later—true). We wandered through Oneonta Gorge too, where ferns grow right out of the rock walls.

Lunch came just when I started feeling hungry enough to eat my own granola bar stash. We rolled into a vineyard in Hood River Valley—rows of vines with pears and apples blooming nearby—and sat down for sandwiches and a glass of local wine (included in the day trip). The owner popped by our table to chat about harvest season; she had dirt under her nails and this easy smile. At another vineyard later on, you could try cider or beer if wine wasn’t your thing—I stuck with red because why not? It tasted earthy, almost peppery. Or maybe that was just my imagination after hearing Jamie talk about volcanic soil all morning.

The last stop was Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood itself—a place that feels both cozy and massive at once. There was still snow on the ground even though it was late spring; some people were hiking around while others just lounged inside with hot drinks. The woodwork inside is rough-hewn but beautiful—built during the Great Depression by local hands, Jamie said. I ended up sitting by one of those huge windows staring out at clouds drifting past the peak… kind of lost track of time there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt Hood Waterfalls and Vineyards Tour

• Cross Sandy River
• Drive Columbia Gorge Scenic Byway
• View nudist beach rock
• Visit Vista House rest stop
• Pass Crown Point State Scenic Corridor
• See Latourell Falls
• Pass hidden cove
• Pass old logging ghost town
• View Wahkeena Falls
• Visit Multnomah Falls
• Pass Oneonta Gorge slot canyon
• See quirky waterfall
• View large volcanic monolith
• Spot hidden beauty waterfall
• Pass largest hatchery in Oregon
• Pass Bonneville Dam
• Cross Columbia River Pacific Crest Trail
• Visit two vineyards in Hood River Valley
• Enjoy hosted lunch and wine
• Explore Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge

Top questions

How long is the Mt Hood waterfall tour?

This is a full-day tour covering multiple stops between Portland, Columbia Gorge waterfalls, Hood River Valley vineyards, and Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is hosted at one vineyard in Hood River Valley along with a glass of local wine.

Do you visit Multnomah Falls on this tour?

Yes, Multnomah Falls—the tallest waterfall in Oregon—is one of the main stops.

Are drinks included at both vineyards?

A glass of wine is included at one vineyard; beverages at the second are available for purchase.

What else is included besides lunch?

The tour includes pickup/transportation, entry/admission fees for all sites including Multnomah Falls, snacks, bottled water, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Can children join this Mt Hood day trip?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is Timberline Lodge open year-round?

Yes—it’s open every month of the year for visits; skiing is possible even in summer months due to snowfields.

How many waterfalls do you see during this tour?

You’ll see several: Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls plus others along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Portland or nearby areas by air-conditioned vehicle with PA system so you can actually hear your guide’s stories from anywhere onboard; entry fees to all waterfalls including Multnomah Falls; snacks and bottled water along the way; a hosted lunch with a glass of local wine at one vineyard (and time to sample more if you want); plus plenty of chances to chat with locals or just get lost watching clouds drift over Mt Hood before heading back in the evening.