Portland to Mt Hood Day Trip: Multnomah Falls, Hood River & Timberline

Summary

Columbia Gorge waterfalls, orchard roads and mountain lodge views

You’ll feel Oregon’s wild side up close: Multnomah Falls’ spray on your face, local fruit stands along Hood River’s “Fruit Loop,” and Timberline Lodge’s mountain views with a guide who knows every turn. There’s time for wandering, tasting, and just soaking in all that green—plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to think about logistics.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that real?” I blurted out as we pulled up to Multnomah Falls — you can actually hear it before you see it, this low roar mixed with the chatter of people trying to get their photos just right. Our guide, Jamie, handed out bottled water and pointed us toward the Benson Bridge. The mist hit my face halfway up the path (didn’t expect to feel that in July), and honestly I could’ve stood there all morning just watching the water crash down. There’s something about how green everything is here — moss on every rock, ferns curling out of cracks. Even the air feels heavier somehow.

The drive along the Columbia River Gorge was full of those “look at that!” moments — cliffs dropping away on one side, then suddenly you’re winding up to Vista House. Jamie told us a bit about its history (I tried to remember dates but got distracted by the art glass windows). We stopped at Rowena Crest too; I’d seen pictures online but standing there with wind whipping your jacket around is different. You can see wildflowers if you come at the right time — we caught a few stubborn ones still hanging on. Lunch in Hood River was a free hour; I grabbed a sandwich from a local bakery and wandered past shops selling pear jam and cider. Some folks from our group tried cherry pie and kept talking about it for half an hour after.

After lunch, we rolled through orchards and farm stands — one of them had these tiny jars of honey and fresh peaches lined up like little trophies. Jamie let us sample apples straight off the stand (I probably ate three). Then came Mt. Hood itself: snow still clinging to the top even though it was warm down below. Timberline Lodge felt like stepping into another era; wood beams everywhere, people coming in from hiking trails with mud on their boots. I tried hot chocolate by a window facing the mountain — not sure if it was the sugar or just being there that made me feel kind of quiet for a minute.

I didn’t expect to care so much about hydroelectric dams but Bonneville Dam was actually pretty interesting (the fish ladders are wild). The whole day felt like Oregon showing off without trying too hard. By the time we headed back toward Portland, everyone was quieter — maybe tired or just full from all those apples. Still thinking about that waterfall though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Columbia River Gorge and Mt Hood

• Drive through Columbia River Gorge
• Pass by Vista House viewpoint
• Stop at Multnomah Falls
• Walk to Benson Bridge
• Explore Multnomah Falls Lodge
• Stop at Rowena Crest viewpoint
• Enjoy views and take photos at Rowena Crest
• Pass by Bonneville Dam
• Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop
• Stop at fruit stand for sampling
• Lunch break in Hood River downtown
• Drive through Mt. Hood National Forest
• Pass by Tamanawas Falls trailhead
• Pass by White River Sno-Park
• View Mt. Hood peak and alpine lakes
• Stop at Timberline Lodge

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Portland to Mt Hood take?

The tour lasts a full day including stops at Multnomah Falls, Hood River for lunch, Timberline Lodge on Mt Hood, and scenic viewpoints along the Columbia River Gorge.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mt Hood day trip?

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

Do you stop at fruit stands during this tour?

Yes, seasonally you’ll stop at one of several fruit stands along Hood River’s Fruit Loop route to sample local produce.

What should I wear for this Mt Hood tour?

Comfortable shoes are recommended as there are short walks at waterfalls and viewpoints; bring layers as weather can change quickly.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included but there’s free time in downtown Hood River where you can buy your own meal from local cafes or bakeries.

Can children join this tour?

Children under 6 need their own car seat brought by parents; otherwise suitable for all ages with basic fitness levels.

Does this tour run in rainy weather?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine—Oregon weather is unpredictable so bring rain gear just in case.

What vehicle is used for transportation?

The group travels in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van driven by an experienced guide familiar with Oregon routes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Portland, bottled water throughout the journey, transportation by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van with an experienced local guide leading each stop—from Multnomah Falls’ trails to fruit stands near Hood River—plus plenty of free time for lunch before returning late afternoon or early evening.