Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
5
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A 1243 mile long river with 80 miles of canyons. Located between the states of Oregon and Washington.
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More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
4,637 reviews
Excellent
4,027
Very good
547
Average
42
Poor
15
Terrible
6
Michelle
11 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
There are a lot of tourists who do not step off the car. We walked and explored but the Pacific coast did not live up to expectations, our expectation.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RafikiLondon
Hong Kong, China529 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Had no idea what to expect, but the scenery was astounding. Fantastic waterfalls with striking geology were highlighted with the volume of autumn rains, moss and lichen, and leaves of many colours. The high points allowed striking vistas across and along the valley. Memorable!
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenLeCreate
Vista, CA398 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Couples
Beautiful views - so much to see. Located between the states of Washington & Oregon, there are trails for hiking, waterfalls, forests and so much more. Although you can see some scenery from I-84, it is better to take it slow and get on the Columbia River highway.
It can get very busy (mostly by Multnomah Falls) in the summertime.
There are a number of places to park and hike. One of our favorites was hiking to Triple Falls. This was about 3 miles out & back. Bring something to drink and eat and spend some time outdoors (other than a small snack bar at Multnomah Falls, we did not see anywhere to pick up food).
Be sure & check the website to see if there are any closures.
Get out & enjoy.
It can get very busy (mostly by Multnomah Falls) in the summertime.
There are a number of places to park and hike. One of our favorites was hiking to Triple Falls. This was about 3 miles out & back. Bring something to drink and eat and spend some time outdoors (other than a small snack bar at Multnomah Falls, we did not see anywhere to pick up food).
Be sure & check the website to see if there are any closures.
Get out & enjoy.
Written May 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
907blaked
Tampa, FL1,419 contributions
Nov. 2022 • Family
Our family enjoyed diving and hiking here, even on a rainy day in November. We visited several waterfalls and hiked around a bit. Fun!
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nels
Gaithersburg, MD214 contributions
Aug. 2022
This area is rife with great hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and an unfortunate level of trash. There are times of the year when you need a $2 permit to get into the area during certain hours of the day. I bought one before I realized that if you go in before 9am you don't need one. Showing up very early in the day is the best bet to avoid the crowds, traffic, and paying for a pass.
If you want to avoid even more people head up on one of the many hikes. Ponytail falls, (above horsetail falls) is even better with a 360 degree view of the waterfall. The farther you get from the road the less people (and the less trash!) you will encounter.
The only downside is how much trash is around anywhere near the road. I haven't been anywhere in the US where the beautiful outdoors is so disrespected and trashed. That part was really depressing.
If you want to avoid even more people head up on one of the many hikes. Ponytail falls, (above horsetail falls) is even better with a 360 degree view of the waterfall. The farther you get from the road the less people (and the less trash!) you will encounter.
The only downside is how much trash is around anywhere near the road. I haven't been anywhere in the US where the beautiful outdoors is so disrespected and trashed. That part was really depressing.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc282
World7,450 contributions
Aug. 2022
The Columbia River Gorge trip is typically done by most visitors on the Oregon side (Interstate 84). But it should be noted that there is also a road (Route 14) on the Washington side.
I have driven each side proper 2x, so a total of 4 trips, over the years, ranging from May-August. Just completed another trip last week.
The landscape changes from temperate rainforest from the west to stark arid savannah landscape in the east. The transformation is truly stunning. In between, there are many bridges and hydroelectric dams spanning the Columbia River.
There is a reason why the Oregon side is more popular. There are more things to see/do on the Oregon side - waterfalls, Tom McCall Point Hike, detour into Mt Hood and Hood River fruit loop. Since waterfalls are the main highlight, it is best to visit these in spring or early in the summer. You can easily spend one week here.
I would label the WA side as more quirky - Pendleton wool factory, Schreiner Farms, Maryhill stonehenge. The hiking trails are also worthwhile especially during the wildflower season. I think the drive on the eastern gorge is more gorgeous on the Washington side compared to Interstate 84 because you are driving at an elevation, so you have a good view of the gorge.
If you are only visiting PNW once in your lifetime, then choose Oregon. If time permits, I would diversify and do both OR and WA drives. You will not regret it
I have driven each side proper 2x, so a total of 4 trips, over the years, ranging from May-August. Just completed another trip last week.
The landscape changes from temperate rainforest from the west to stark arid savannah landscape in the east. The transformation is truly stunning. In between, there are many bridges and hydroelectric dams spanning the Columbia River.
There is a reason why the Oregon side is more popular. There are more things to see/do on the Oregon side - waterfalls, Tom McCall Point Hike, detour into Mt Hood and Hood River fruit loop. Since waterfalls are the main highlight, it is best to visit these in spring or early in the summer. You can easily spend one week here.
I would label the WA side as more quirky - Pendleton wool factory, Schreiner Farms, Maryhill stonehenge. The hiking trails are also worthwhile especially during the wildflower season. I think the drive on the eastern gorge is more gorgeous on the Washington side compared to Interstate 84 because you are driving at an elevation, so you have a good view of the gorge.
If you are only visiting PNW once in your lifetime, then choose Oregon. If time permits, I would diversify and do both OR and WA drives. You will not regret it
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver T
Blaine, MN177 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Family
Love seeing all the beautiful waterfalls! I suggest driving all the way up to horse tail and then making your way back, don’t stop at Bridalveil, keep going to Vista house, view is amazing. There can be some long waits for the parking lots, just wait it out, it really doesn’t take that long. Used on X off-road trail map for the hiking of the trails.Only bathrooms available are at Multnomah Falls and Bridalveil Falls
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simivalley1699
Washington, the State2,099 contributions
Oct. 2021
Stunning scenery; the Columbia River and lots of waterfalls. The Vista House.
So much to see and do; lots of parks along the river where you can sit and have a picnic and do some walking.
So much to see and do; lots of parks along the river where you can sit and have a picnic and do some walking.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKERV
Cherry Hill, NJ85 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful! At 1st, you think its fake, every view! But then it sinks in, this is all real, and one of the most beautiful views in the USA!
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen T
2 contributions
Jul. 2021 • Couples
This is a no miss while in Portland. Gorgeous falls, lovely hiking. Highly recommend. We took the trolley there so parking was easy.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila d
37 contributions
Hi. We are in our late 60's and plan to visit Oregon late September, early October 2022 to hike in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood areas and then over to the coast. We hope to spend 3 days in each location. We like hikes that take time (up to 7/8 miles RT) moderate level is our speed. We would love recommendations for places to stay where you are in nature, not tourist hustle bustle if possible. So places and great hikes in those two locations and a recommendation of a lovely place to stay and walk on the beach, hike, see art along the coast west of Portland where we will then be leaving from would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Sheila
Sheila d
37 contributions
Hi. We are in our late 60's and plan to visit Oregon late September, early October 2022 to hike in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood areas and then over to the coast. We hope to spend 3 days in each location. We like hikes that take time (up to 7/8 miles RT) moderate level is our speed. We would love recommendations for places to stay where you are in nature, not tourist hustle bustle if possible. So places and great hikes in those two locations and a recommendation of a lovely place to stay and walk on the beach, hike, see art along the coast west of Portland where we will then be leaving from would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Sheila
brenda243
3 contributions
Wondering where best to park 31 ft motorhome for short hike to waterfalls along Columbia River. August 2020
Is there entrance fee when you get there?
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
In reply to: "Is there an entrance fee," the short answer is "No."
But with that said, it could be misleading. The Columbia River National Scenic Area overlaps 1000's of acres in both Washington and Oregon states. In those acres are towns, parks, trails, highways, railways, and other features, both man-made and natural.
While overall the Scenic Area has no fee, some parts of it might. For example, some of the trailheads have fees. Beacon Rock in Washington has a $10 fee and Eagle Creek and Wahclella in Oregon are $5 each. (Although at this time both Wahclella and Eagle Creek are closed due to fire damage in September, 2017.)
Depending upon what things you enjoy, I strongly advise researching the area before you arrive. If you have a specific question, I would be glad to help, since I live nearby and have been all over the Scenic Area.
One way, outside of this web site, to explore the area, is Google Earth. You can home in on specific locations and get ground level photos of attractions. You can also get previews of everything in the area.
The most popular things in this area are the waterfalls, (particularly Multnomah Falls,) Bonneville Dam and the fish hatchery next to it, the many trails, and camping. There are around 77 waterfalls, some currently inaccessible due to the aforementioned fire. Multnomah Falls can get overcrowded on weekends. There are no fees for Multnomah Falls, it has a tourist gift shop, as well as decent rest rooms. There are also no fees for other nearby waterfalls with trails: Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Latourell Falls, all along old highway 30. Hopefully, by the time you visit, the connector trail between Multnomah and Wahkeena up on the mountain, will have been reopened, if you're into hiking. Be advised that almost all trails in the Gorge are uphill, but the waterfalls mentioned are visible from the road. If you enjoy hiking, Angel's Rest is now open and connects to Wahkeena. Beautiful hike, but so are the other hikes. Each has its own "personality."
Hope this helps.
Tonia
Norwalk, CA
Where in Columbia river gorge in Oregon where I can fish and swim on the waterfall??
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
The Columbia River Gorge is a National Scenic Area that encompasses parts of both Washington and Oregon, and covers a large distance from east to west. The most scenic part is along Interstate 84 east of Portland, Oregon, although there are some places in Washington that impress. Depending upon traffic in Portland, and how far into the Gorge you want to go, it is about a 30 minute to one hour drive to most destinations on the Oregon side.
As for "the" waterfall, that is a bit of a confusing question, since there are about 77 waterfalls in this area. Swimming "on" a waterfall is an unusual way to express it. I gather that you wish to stand at the bottom of one, in the falls itself. This is not advised for most of the falls here. Most are not accessible in that way, and most are quite powerful. And most are icy cold. I do not recall any falls that has a rep for people standing in them.
But...a few areas near falls are popular swimming areas and one trail, the Oneonta Gorge Trail, actually goes up a creek to a waterfall. Eagle Creek has a nice swimming area near Punchbowl Falls.
But...a lot of the trails are still closed due to the fire damage in 2017. Check locally to be sure the one you want is open at the time you wish to visit. Friends of the Gorge has a website that keeps up to date with trail access. (This website does not allow links.)
Fishing is popular on the Columbia River during the salmon run. By waterfalls, there isn't much to fish for here. Most of the local lakes are well stocked though.
One last thing you might wish to do. Open Google Earth and type in "Columbia Gorge." By perusing it you will get a better idea of what to expect.
rawilkes
Issaquah, WA6 contributions
Are you able to see the falls without walking too far?
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
Which falls?
BelizeTripper
Manhattan Beach8 contributions
We are considering Oregon as a destination for a family trip in the summer to celebrate our 50th anniversary. 8 families with ages 1 - 75. We’d like pool, hiking, maybe rafting. We’ve done the coast many times so we’re thinking about inland.
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
Happy 50th! Our own 50th is in February!
The descriptions you give, leave a lot of leeway open. What part of Oregon do you have in mind? By inland, do you mean the Cascade Mountain Range, do you mean further east? How far south or north do you plan on seeing? Is Crater Lake a consideration, for example. We have been to every part of Oregon. The pretty scenery most people want to see is in the Cascade Range, but there are some other places of interest. Hells Canyon comes to mind.
Given the group you mention, I would not recommend Hells Canyon, though, and anything east of the Cascades is hot in summer.
Are you flying in and all hoping to stay at the same hotel, or a number of them nearby each other? If so, perhaps Portland is your best bet for keeping everyone in your entourage together and happy. Lots of variety in hotels at different price ranges, and Portland is central to lots of various activities that your group could do collectively or in smaller groups, as it interests them. So, as a starting place to plan this feat, I suggest perusing various hotels in Portland that would meet your needs and desires, where the most members of your party would be happy staying. I don't know your price ranges or style of travel, so to recommend one over the other wouldn't make sense. We stay at Hampton Inns, La Quintas, or sometimes Best Westerns. They are usually consistently good. Holiday Inns are also nice, but they recently started adding "air fresheners" in their lobbies, which scent eventually permeates every room. I don't know if they still do this. But if they do, it would be an issue for anyone in your party that has allergies. (I personally cannot stay there anymore for that reason.)
As for activities, Portland has quite a few things to do for such a cross-section of ages. The Rose Garden is world class, as is the Japanese Garden. The Rose Garden is on level ground and is relatively easy for all ages, and even though there is a shuttle that will take you to the front gate of the Japanese Garden, the garden itself requires walking. A toddler might get impatient and cranky here. An older one might not be able to handle the distances and uphill parts, especially if it's hot the day you visit. There is also an excellent, but small, Chinese Garden which would suit about anyone in your group.
Portland is known for its restaurants and beer. There are more than enough venues to meet anyone's interests. In fact, their food trucks are well known. Finding restaurants should be easy. Just type "restaurants" when you get to Portland on Google Maps.
If you are into video games and pinball, there are a few of those places too. One well known one is Ground Kontrol. (How they spell it.)
Pittock Mansion is a beautiful historic mansion open tho the public.
Powell's Books is a famous large book store downtown.
Into science? OMSI Museum is excellent. Great hands on science for the little ones, and you can tour a submarine too.
This is just a sampling. Type "Portland, Oregon" into Google Maps. After it takes you there, type "attractions in Portland, Oregon." You will get lots more ideas.
Thirty minutes to an hour (depending how far you go) from Portland is the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Last year it was mostly closed due to a massive fire, but recently things have been reopening as they have been restored. It is a world class hiking area, with trails at all levels. People from all over the world visit. You could literally hike and camp all summer in here if you wanted to.
With that said, with so much to see, you might get overwhelmed. Possibly, you could divide your group into ability or interest levels. Those who can't hike do not need to miss out. There are five falls visible from old highway 30, which has recently been reopened, that can be seen from your car or only require a short walk of a few yards: Horsetail, Multnomah, Wahkeena, Shepperds Dell, and Latourell. Multnomah Falls has a lodge that is a restaurant and gift shop. (No rooms.) Above Horsetail Falls Trail is a falls you can go behind, Ponytail Falls; a moderate to easy climb of .8 miles out and back. It goes further, and if it's open at the time, there is a one mile hike to Triple Falls from Oneonta Falls, along the trail that starts at the base of Horsetail Falls. (It might still be in the process of repair from the fire, but I am guessing it will be open by the time you get there this summer.) That last mile is strenuous. Not for those out of shape, but the falls is so beautiful it's on the cover of a falls guide for the whole Pacific Northwest.
You can go up a trail to the top of Multnomah Falls. More strenuous, but moderate, not hard. Wahkeena and Multnomah have a crossover trail. You can park by one and do a loop. Moderate climb. Not for those unaccustomed to hiking, but a great trail.
Latourell has a 2.3 mile loop. The lower falls is visible from two viewpoints a few yards from the parking lot. The loop trail is fairly easy, especially if you go up to the top of the upper falls first, and not down to the base first. The trail from the base is longer uphill.
Other things in the Gorge: A fish hatchery and a tour of Bonneville Dam, both near each other. The tour closes after 5 p.m.
On the Washington side of the Gorge is Beacon Rock. (Visible throughout the Gorge.) You can climb to the top on a fairly easy trail. Parking is $10 per car. The trail is a lot of fun but not for anyone afraid of heights. Some of the bridges hang over nothing. The gate closes at dusk.
Obviously, there is a lot more to do in Oregon, but hopefully this gets you off to a good start. If you do decide to go inland to the dry side in summer, look up John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. There are three sections nearby each other. Essentially, this will be a day trip.
Again, happy anniversary, and I hope you all get along, and I hope you have a great time!
LvrofTravel
tn1,013 contributions
Hi,
I am planning a first time trip to Oregon in Aug. We will arrive on a Thurs morning and will spend the 1st nite in Portland..The next day we will drive the Columbia River Gorge. I would like to see Trillium & Lost Lakes, Mt Hood, accessible waterfalls, Crown Point Vista, Timberline Lodge, Bonneville Dam & hatchery and then head to Bend. I'm not sure how to map out these locations and if I need to do 2 nights around the Gorge area and then head to Bend. Any suggestions on how to map these locations out without doing a lot of backtracking? We have 9 nights to make our way down and back up the coast before we fly back out the following Sat from Portland.
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
P.S. Bonneville Dam and Hatchery are easy access off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge.
LovEvolve
Vail, CO5 contributions
Hi Lily & Visitors,
We are planning to drive from Portland to Hood River, and stop for some sights along the way. From my understanding, there is still a lot of road closed on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Do you have a recommended route for seeing a few of your favorite falls "along the way" from Portland to Hood River?
Thank you!
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,097 contributions
As of yesterday, May 1, 2018, old highway 30 is still closed and so are most trails. There was an update on the local news yesterday. They are anticipating some to be open by mid summer.
With that said, if they are open, expect lots of people, since this is a popular area and the fire has closed it. So, everyone here is eager to get into the woods as soon as it's open.
If highway 30 is open, depending upon your ability level, there are many falls to see and to hike to. You can see Horsetail, Multnomah, Wahkeena, and Latourell all within yards from your car. If it's open, Elowah is a lesser traveled falls trail with an easy in and back hike, and beautiful falls.
All of this depends upon whether old highway 30 is open by the time you arrive. Otherwise, only the Latourell hike is open, as well as the lower viewing area for Multnomah Falls.
Beacon Rock and Rodney and Hardy Falls on the Washington side are worthy stops. Be sure to pay the parking fee ($10 last year.) For a more challenging but enjoyable trail, continue on to Hamilton Mountain after seeing the two previously mentioned falls.
Lifesaver60
Falls City201 contributions
Could you tell me a place to spend the night in the area? Flying into Portland then drive there. How far from Portland is it? Thanks Tom
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Claim your listingCOLUMBIA RIVER GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area:
- Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR (From C$108.30)
- Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland (From C$110.70)
- Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River (From C$169.30)
- Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR (From C$190.55)
- Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls (From C$205.63)
- Restaurants near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area:
- (0.23 km) Applebee's
- (0.25 km) Subway
- (0.31 km) Carl's Jr.
- (0.34 km) Ichi 15 Teriyaki
- (0.34 km) Muchas Gracias Mexican Food