Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Follow the path of an ancient riverbed, carved by the last Ice Age, past the Bridge of the Gods, and explore the Windsurfing Capital of the World. In the afternoon, traverse Oregon’s fertile fruit valley on the way to the alpine top of a volcano, which boasts a title as the world’s 2nd most summited mountain in the world. Come along on this whirlwind journey to experience a selection of Oregon’s wonders.
Available options
Columbia Gorge and Mt Hood
Follow the path of an ancient riverbed, carved by the last Ice Age, past the Bridge of the Gods, and sample craft beers in the Windsurfing Capitol of the World.
What's included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bottled water
Knowledgeable, local and friendly guide
Transportation in a premium, high-roofed passenger van
Live commentary throughout the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Our central meeting location and pick up point! A beautiful, urban park in the middle of Downtown Portland.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
We will depart downtown Portland and head east along the Columbia River to Troutdale, known as the Gateway to the Gorge! We will join the beautiful Historic Columbia River Highway, the first planned scenic roadway in the United States.
3
Stop 3
Our first stop for the day: Crown Point Vista House. This famous overlook sits 733 feet above the Columbia River, atop the remains of a lava flow that swept through the Gorge around 14 to 17 million years ago! Here, we will find amazing 180-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge and explore the Vista House. An intricately designed observatory and museum, the Vista House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4
Stop 4
From the Vista House, we will drive deeper into the Columbia River National Scenic Area. Our first waterfall for the day will be the dramatic Latourell Falls which plunges 249 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt. Depending on the season, a short ¼-mile trail hike will be led to get a closer view of the falls.
5
Stop 5
The next waterfall we will visit will be the famed Multnomah Falls. Plummeting 620 feet in two major steps, Multnomah Falls is the highest waterfall in Oregon and second highest in the nation! Here, we can explore the Multnomah Falls Historic Lodge (a Cascadian style stone and timber lodge built in 1925) as well as the beautiful Multnomah Falls itself. The easily accessible viewing platform offers a full view of the Benson Bridge and cascading falls beyond it.
6
We will make our way to Hood River, known as the Windsurfing Capitol of the World, where we will pause for an hour for everybody to disperse for free time. This gives us a chance to explore the town and get lunch.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Following lunch, we will set out heading south, through the picturesque Fruit Loop orchards and lavender farms. If time permits, we may even make a brief stop at one of the farm stands before beginning our scenic drive through Mount Hood National Forest!
8
Stop 8
While enjoying a scenic drive through Mount Hood National Forest, we'll have many opportunities to view Mount Hood before our final stop right on the mountain at Timberline Lodge.
9
For our last stop of the day, we will wind our way through Mount Hood National Forest, climbing to roughly 6,000 feet in elevation, to Timberline Lodge. This National Historic Landmark sits proudly against Oregon’s highest peak- Mt. Hood! Attracting over 10,000 climbers each year, Mt. Hood is a mammoth to behold. We’ll have the opportunity to explore inside the lodge and enjoy the surrounding Cascade Mountain Range views from the lodge’s outdoor patios. If time allows, a short hike to the Pacific Crest Trail crossing just behind the lodge can be led by your guide.
10
After a full day out on tour, we end back at Director Park, our drop off location in the heart of Downtown Portland.
What's not included
Lunch
Gratuity (we recommend 20% for your guide, if you enjoyed the tour)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
341 reviews
5★
309
4★
21
3★
11
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
244 reviews
5★
228
4★
11
3★
4
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A maximum of 12 people per booking
Dress in layers as you travel though varied climates
Meeting point
We pick up at one of the corners of Director Park, located at the cross-streets of SW 9th Ave and SW Taylor St. The guide will aim to pull up in front of a restaurant called Pastini.
About Portland
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eco-friendliness, craft breweries, and thriving arts scene. Nestled between the Pacific Northwest's rugged coast and the Cascade Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor adventure.
Top Attractions
Washington Park
Washington Park is a 460-acre park that features beautiful gardens, museums, and recreational facilities. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.
Nature
2-4 hours
Free (some attractions have admission fees)
Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block. It is a paradise for book lovers.
Cultural
1-3 hours
Free to browse (cost of books varies)
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Museum
1-3 hours
$25 (adults), $20 (seniors), Free (under 18)
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, located just a short drive from Portland.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
Cultural
1-2 hours
$19.95 (adults), $17.95 (seniors), $14.95 (students), Free (under 5)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Food Cart Pods
Portland is famous for its food carts, offering a wide variety of cuisines. These pods are a great way to sample different dishes in one place.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
Craft Beer
Portland is known as 'Beervana' for its numerous craft breweries. Be sure to try a local brew or two.
Drink
Non-alcoholic options available
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is a famous doughnut shop in Portland, known for its creative and unique doughnut flavors.
Dessert
Vegetarian options available
Marionberry Pie
Marionberry pie is a local favorite, made with Oregon's famous marionberries. It is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Dessert
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Whitewater rafting
Wind sports
Spa treatments
Yoga classes
Scenic drives
Picnicking
Best Time to Visit
June to September
Summer is the most popular time to visit Portland, with warm weather and a variety of outdoor festivals and activities. The city's parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor recreation is at its peak.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) - GMT-8 (Standard Time), GMT-7 (Daylight Saving Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Portland is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime and safety concerns. Visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay aware of your surroundings
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Portland International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown
By train
Union Station
By bus
Portland Union Station, Portland Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
The MAX Light Rail system is efficient, affordable, and covers most of the city. It is a convenient way to get around Portland.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Pearl District
Alberta Arts District
Hawthorne District
Mississippi Avenue
Day trips
Mount Hood
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
Mount Hood is a majestic mountain located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and scenic drives.
Columbia River Gorge
30 km (19 miles) • Half day to full day
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural area located just a short drive from Portland. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Willamette Valley
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
The Willamette Valley is a renowned wine region located just a short drive from Portland. It is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, offering wine tastings and tours.
Festivals
Portland Rose Festival • June
Oregon Brewers Festival • July
Portland Christmas Market • November-December
Pro tips
- Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, and get lost in the vast selection of books.
- Explore Portland's food cart scene, which offers a wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices.
- Take a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, where you can hike, waterfall view, and enjoy scenic drives.
- Visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene and beautiful garden that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
- Try a local craft beer at one of Portland's many breweries, which are known for their innovative and unique brews.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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