Multnomah Falls scenic flight from Portland: See the Gorge by air

See the Gorge's waterfalls and cliffs from directly above them

A 40-minute scenic flight over the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls departing from Portland, with a live English-speaking guide narrating the route. The plane flies past Crown Point, Latourell Falls, Beacon Rock, Bonneville Dam and the Bridge of the Gods. Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Group weight limits apply (600 pounds for three passengers, 925 for five, with 250-pound individual maximum).

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Crown Point State Scenic Corridor2m
2. Latourell Falls2m
3. Bonneville Dam

Scenic flight over Columbia River Gorge

• Take off from Portland
• Fly over Columbia River Gorge
• View Multnomah Falls from air
• Fly past Crown Point landmark
• See Latourell Falls from air
• View Beacon Rock monolith
• Fly over Bonneville Dam
• See Bridge of the Gods
• Fly above Portland city
• Land back in Portland

The experience

The flight departs Portland and heads straight into the Columbia River Gorge, where you'll pass Crown Point (the scenic overlook where millions of visitors stand each year), but from a vantage point they never reach. From the air, the cliffs holding up the Vista House come into full view, and the route continues past Latourell Falls and then Multnomah Falls itself, the most visited natural site in the Pacific Northwest. The guide points out the geology as you go: Multnomah's flow varies by season, highest in winter and spring when underground springs from Larch Mountain feed it hardest.

The route also covers Beacon Rock, a 57,000-year-old volcanic plug that stands alone after the ice age floods carved away everything around it, and Bonneville Dam, where the river narrows. You'll cross the Bridge of the Gods, the steel cantilever span between Oregon and Washington, before heading back toward Portland. The whole flight runs about 40 minutes and covers both the Gorge's natural landmarks and views of the city itself. A combination few ground tours can match.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure. The operator notes that flight times are approximate and may shift. Weight limits apply: groups of three stay under 600 pounds total with no individual over 250 pounds. Groups of five stay under 925 pounds total. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants sit on a lap. The plane is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• 40-minute scenic flight over the Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls.
• live English-speaking guide narrating the route.
• views of Latourell Falls, Beacon Rock, Bonneville Dam, Crown Point and the Bridge of the Gods.
• wheelchair-accessible aircraft.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to3h before

GroupUp to 5

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Envi Adventures, LLC

Is this one for you?At 40 minutes, the flight fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming the whole day. You see the Gorge's scale and geology from a perspective ground tours can't offer, then have time for other Portland activities. If you're planning to hike to Multnomah Falls or spend hours at Crown Point, this flight covers those landmarks in a single pass and frees up the rest of your schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

41 verified traveler reviews

5 ★40

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Multnomah Falls like when you see it from the air?

Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain. From the air, you see the full drop and the surrounding geology of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area exposed by ancient floods: a view ground visitors at the base never get.

How many waterfalls do you see on this flight?

The tour passes dozens of waterfalls across the Columbia River Gorge. Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls are the named stops, but the route covers the full run of the Gorge where water flows year-round.

What is Beacon Rock and why is it on this route?

Beacon Rock is a 57,000-year-old volcanic plug (the most recent extrusion of the Boring Lava Field) that now stands alone after ice age floods carved away the volcano around it. It's become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Columbia River Gorge and is visible from the air in full context.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the departure point?

Public transportation options are available near the departure point. The tour does not include hotel pickup or transportation to and from the airport or attractions, so you'll arrange your own way there.

What weight and fitness requirements apply?

Group weight limits are 600 pounds for three passengers or 925 pounds for five, with no individual passenger exceeding 250 pounds. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, or pregnancy. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.