Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge: Morning Waterfalls Tour

Summary

Columbia Gorge waterfalls, misty trails and morning light from Portland

You’ll ride from downtown Portland with a local guide and small group, stopping first at Crown Point Vista House for sweeping river views before winding along the Columbia River Gorge’s waterfall corridor. Feel the spray at Latourell Falls and stand beneath Multnomah Falls’ roaring cascade—the kind of moment that lingers long after you leave Oregon.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be wide awake before 8am on vacation, but somehow the idea of seeing Multnomah Falls up close got me out the door. The van was already waiting outside my Portland hotel—our guide, Mark, had that easy way of making everyone feel like they’d known him for years. He handed out bottled water and made a joke about “liquid courage” for those nervous about heights (I laughed too loud, probably). It was still a little gray out as we drove along the Historic Columbia River Highway, but you could see the clouds breaking over the trees.

First stop was Crown Point Vista House—honestly, I’d seen photos but standing there with wind tugging at my jacket and that huge sweep of river below felt different. Mark pointed out where Lewis and Clark camped (I tried to picture it; hard to imagine this place ever being empty). We hopped back in and stopped at Latourell Falls next. You hear it before you see it—a low roar through mossy trees—and then suddenly there’s this wild curtain of water plunging straight down. The spray hit my face and I caught myself grinning like a kid. There were only a few other people around, mostly locals walking their dogs or taking photos.

Multnomah Falls came last. Even though it’s just half an hour from Portland, it feels like a different world—tall pines everywhere, air sharp with cold mist. I tried to say “Wahkeena” after Mark explained its meaning (Li laughed when I butchered it). The falls themselves were louder than I’d imagined; you sort of have to shout to talk near them. We had time to walk up part of the trail—slippery stones underfoot—and just stand there letting the noise drown everything else out for a minute. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour

• Start along Historic Columbia River Highway
• Stop at Crown Point Vista House
• View Columbia River Gorge from Crown Point
• Visit Latourell Falls
• Visit Bridal Veil Falls
• Visit Horsetail Falls
• Visit Wahkeena Falls
• Visit Multnomah Falls

Top questions

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

The tour is a half-day experience starting in the morning from downtown Portland.

Is hotel pickup included for this waterfalls tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at downtown Portland hotels are included.

What waterfalls are visited during the tour?

The tour visits Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (as timing allows), and stops at Crown Point Vista House.

Is this Columbia River Gorge tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a stroller or pram.

Does this tour operate in rainy weather?

Yes, the tour operates rain or shine—just dress appropriately for Oregon weather.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

How far is Multnomah Falls from Portland?

Multnomah Falls is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your downtown Portland hotel in a comfortable Sprinter van with an experienced local guide leading each stop. Bottled water is provided throughout your journey as you explore Crown Point Vista House and several iconic waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway before returning to Portland by early afternoon.