Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour
Description
The 80 miles of the Columbia River Gorge’s steep rocky sides offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world: pounding waterfalls, eagles, century-old trees, ferns, flowers, ancient rocks. This half-day of exploring and meditating on wonders with very short hikes and visits to overlooks and vistas will have you gasping in awe. We'll visit waterfalls and overlooks, selected by our guides to include both the most iconic, like the unmissable Latourell Falls, a stunning plunge-style falls that is one of the most iconic in Oregon, and the special. Depending on weather conditions, this could include a few small hidden waterfalls and another spectacular plunge-style falls with columnar basalt. We operate rain or shine! We'll also tell you stories, not just of the geology and botany and the oft-repeated tales of pioneers and road-builders, but also the old stories we've learned, of gods and animal spirits and the Beaver princess tragically turned into a waterfall.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After picking you up at one of our convenient pickup spots we'll head out in one of our comfortable vans. The tour all takes place in the Columbia River Gorge, in the waterfall-laden western end of an 80-mile (130-km) canyon; we will drive about 15-30 minutes from our pickup points into the Gorge to start the tour.
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state and one of the most impressive, and most photographed, waterfalls in the U.S. If you're chasing waterfalls: this is the one many are seeking to catch. Our time here will include enough to go up to the iconic Benson Bridge and visit the gift shop; the hike to the top of the waterfall is long and steep, we will not include that in this tour.
We will pass through the town of Bridal Veil, once home to a lumber operation that dominated the Columbia Gorge, now home to a tiny post office and a nunnery, among other things! We will stop at least once in the Bridal Veil area.
This hidden waterfall is one of the state's most romantic. A 1/2 mile, 1km hike takes us up to the gorgeous spot that we believe is a genuine fairy land. **Due to weather or traffic conditions or road closures, this waterfall is sometimes replaced with an alternative!** Construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
Latourell is the most impressive of the plunge-style waterfalls, tumbling over layers of 15 million-year-old columnar and entablature basalt frosted with lichens and, according to local legend, carries the spirit of a Beaver princess who led a tragic life. At Latourell, you'll have the opportunity for a longer hike, up to 2 miles or 3 km. Breathe deep: you'll experience the rich variety of the forest with all its healing power and spiritual truths.
***If time and weather permits*** Horsetail Falls is a favorite for summer because it is a wonderful waterfall to dip your toes in; it is also great for winter because it wows with so much spray and thunder it takes your breath away! Whenever we get a chance we will visit this beauty. One of our alternate waterfalls is Bridal Veil Falls, a whole different kind of magic but also breathtaking! Construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
***Vista House sometimes has closures that are unexpected. If it is closed and schedule permits, we will stop to take photos of this architectural icon and see the view.*** At the most beautiful rest stop in Oregon, we'll stop, take a walk to the upper deck (weather permitting), learn about the architectural history, and enjoy what could be the most expensive public bathroom in the Pacific Northwest. We'll also remember the Wasco people, who found this one of their holy places.
We will pass through the town of Troutdale on our way back to the city. Our 35 minute drive back to your drop off point includes exiting the mouth of the Columbia Gorge and passing through the quaint suburb of Troutdale.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We have recently added pickup service for our waterfall direct product closer to the Columbia Gorge so we can be more transit- and parking-friendly. The departures only are picking up at our locations at the edge of the city. If you will be coming from central Portland, we can assist you in navigating to the start points. If you’re having trouble selecting one, here are the salient points: E 181st Ave Park & Ride — Direct connection from the Blue Line MAX train at 181st Avenue Stop, plentiful free parking, nearby the awesome Rico Taco. Closest to airport hotels. McMenamins Edgefield — if you are staying at this beautiful property or want to dine before or after in one of their garden-adjacent restaurants Mayors Square Park — parking available and coffee shops nearby, cute central downtown that is most convenient if you are coming in from camping or lodging on Mt Hood, Hood River or other locations in the Columbia Gorge. Meeting us in Portland before we leave for pickups can work, please reach out.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2,323)
Our tour guide, Shannon, was extremely knowledgeable about the waterfalls, the Portland area and even the entire state of Oregon. She was also very personable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to visit the local area falls.
Sarah was a great, careful driver and so knowledgeable about local history, plants, even geology of the area. I get really anxious about driving on steep, curvy roads and she totally put me at ease. I didn’t have to miss out on the sights, but saved myself all the stress of driving there myself.
The tour was great! Carrie was very knowledgeable and taught us about the local plants and fruits. Hikes weren't too strenuous. Highly recommend!
Fantastic half day tour with Carrie to visit multiple waterfalls. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the environment, including geological formations and local plants (with berry tasting!) along with the history of the gorge and its development and protection. Would highly recommend for an enjoyable, short visit to Oregon’s beautiful nature while in Portland.
Excellent and informative tour of the Columbia Gorge area . James was extremely knowledgeable about the geology of the area. We all enjoyed our experience.
Carri gave us an awesome toor. Knowledgeable and personal. Nice side seings and experience, Smooth ride
Our guide was excellent! This is the best way to experience the falls. Comfortable drive, interesting stories and history, and no parking hassles or fees.
Great trip to see the waterfalls in Oregon. Tour guide was friendly and knowledgable and the best part was having someone else do all the driving up and down the mountains. Wonderful experience that is a must do on a trip to Portland
It’s a 5 star experience ! Amazing trip ! We booked totally last minute & loved every minute. Waterfalls are so worth seeing !!
This tour will be one of my most memorable not because it was a beautiful day and the falls were spectacular! Our tour guide, James, was a plethora of knowledge. I appreciated learning so much about the trees, lichen, wildlife and the Missoula floods from someone so passionate about what they do!!! James, was kind and welcoming. They were a great driver and I felt very safe in their care. Thank you James for an amazing day!!!
