Portland to Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Summary

Waterfall mist, forest trails & panoramic gorge views near Portland

You’ll feel cool mist on your skin at Multnomah Falls, walk forest trails beneath towering basalt cliffs, and catch sweeping views from Vista House over Columbia River Gorge. With hotel pickup from Portland and a local guide sharing stories along the way, expect moments of awe—and maybe a little rain—on this half-day adventure.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how close you could get to the falls until we actually stood there — like, really right up in it. Our guide, Matt (who grew up around here), laughed when I tried to pronounce “Latourell” the local way. The van ride out of Portland was quick, maybe 40 minutes? We hit that old scenic highway and suddenly everything was mossy and green and kind of wild. At the first stop, Crown Point Vista House, I remember the wind almost snatching my hat off. The view over the Columbia River Gorge just sprawled out forever — you could smell wet stone and pine needles. Someone pointed out Mount Hood in the distance but honestly I was still thinking about that wind.

Walking down to Latourell Falls, the air got colder and heavy with mist — you know that feeling when your skin gets clammy but it’s sort of nice? Matt told us about the basalt cliffs and that weird yellow lichen patch (it looks fake in photos but it’s real). I kept hearing birds even over all that water noise. At Multnomah Falls later, there were more people but it didn’t ruin it; standing on Benson Bridge with spray hitting my face, I felt tiny in a good way. The falls are taller than they look in pictures — 620 feet apparently, which is wild. We had time to poke around the old lodge at the base too; smelled like coffee and wet jackets inside.

On the way back toward Portland we stopped at another waterfall — Horsetail Falls, which really does look like its name if you squint a bit. Some folks took photos right up close; I just watched water bead on my sleeve for a while. It rained off and on but nobody seemed bothered (Matt said this is “classic Oregon weather”). By then my shoes were damp and I’d lost track of how many shades of green we’d seen. That drive back felt quieter somehow. Still think about that bridge view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour

• Start along Historic Columbia River Highway
• Explore Columbia River Gorge canyon walls
• Visit Vista House panoramic overlook
• Walk trail to Latourell Falls waterfall
• Stop at Horsetail Falls for photos
• Walk to Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls
• Visit Multnomah Falls Lodge and waterfall

Top questions

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

The tour is a half-day afternoon trip starting with hotel pickup in Portland and includes several waterfall stops before returning.

Is hotel pickup included for this waterfall tour?

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

What waterfalls do you visit on this day trip?

The tour visits Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls (if time allows), plus stops at Vista House and other viewpoints.

Can children join the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls tour?

Yes, children can join but must follow Oregon’s child safety seat laws during transport.

Is food or drink provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included; snacks or meals can be purchased at Multnomah Falls Lodge if desired.

Does this tour operate in rainy weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine—dressing appropriately for Oregon weather is recommended.

How much walking is involved at each stop?

You’ll have short walks to viewpoints or bridges; Latourell Falls trail is about 1/4 mile each way.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes comfortable transport by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with bottled water provided throughout. A knowledgeable local guide leads you to each waterfall stop—including Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls—with plenty of time for photos or exploring trails. Pickup and drop-off at downtown Portland hotels makes it easy to relax before heading back into town.