As you drive towards Hood River after arriving in Portland (likely via Oregon’s I-84 or Washington’s Hwy 14) you will pass through the scenic Columbia River Gorge, a shared natural wonder bordering Oregon and Southern Washington. It is home to no fewer than 90 waterfalls that feed into the mighty river over soaring cliffs from streams meandering out of the snow capped Cascades. While beautiful from the road, it's obviously much more breathtaking in person, and we encourage everybody to leave a little extra time on your journey to stop and enjoy the sights, maybe hike a short trail or have a picnic by a waterfall. We’ve compiled a list of some must-sees and favorites for recreation, relaxation, and refreshment in the gorge. Regardless of your interests, we guarantee there will be a little something for everybody : )

The Columbia River Gorge was carved through the Cascade Range by a massive prehistoric megaflood that transformed the landscape into a breathtaking river valley emerging out of the deserts of eastern Oregon and Washington. Native tribes like the Multnomah, Yakama, and Umatilla have lived and hunted along its banks for thousands of years, fishing trout, sturgeon and seasonal salmon runs.

This history and other relevant natural and wildlife information has been well documented along various scenic waypoints throughout the gorge such as the Vista House, Multnomah Falls and Bonneville Dam, all of which are accessible off of I-84. Below is a list of some must-sees as well as some of our favorite trails and natural areas.

Oregon Side

Latourell Falls (Pictured at top of page. Short easy loop hike, very fun looking rock formation at the Falls)

Bridal Veil Falls ( 2 short easy Hikes)

Wahkeena Falls (connects to Multnomah loop trail and other trails, definitely for folks who aren’t afraid of hills)

Multnomah Falls (Tallest year round waterfall in the gorge, easy trail to scenic viewing platform with longer trails after. The most famous and touristy of the waterfalls but definitely the most spectacular)

Horsetail Falls (features an upper and lower waterfall, trail access is near steep cliffs so be careful)

Oneonta Falls (easy hike through interesting cliff fissures)

Angels Rest (Loooong but very pretty)

Pacific Crest Trail (the PCT winds through the Cascades and crosses the Columbia at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks Oregon/Skamania Washington.)

Badger Creek Wilderness, Mt. Hood Wilderness and Mt. Hood National Forest are also less than an hour away and have all sorts of other less frequented but still stunning trails that often lead to beautiful hidden lakes and mountain vistas

Washington Side

Dog Mountain (Pictured above, very steep, more advanced hike. Requires advanced parking reservation for wildflower season viewing but it's absolutely spectacular, some of the best views in the Gorge)

Beacon Rock (Washington side popular hike with viewpoints atop a large rock outcropping

Coyote Wall (Pictured below, variable trail hike with moderate difficulty for out and back, harder for a full loop. A favorite of mine and Alyssa's as this area of the Gorge showcases the pine forests and mountains synonymous with its beauty as they give way to arid cliffs and desert landscapes that accompany the Columbia as you drive towards eastern Oregon and Washington.)

Trout Lake (a 30 minute Drive north of White Salmon)

Mt. Adams/Gifford Pinchot Wilderness

Wind Mountain

Dougan Falls

Naked Falls (beautiful place to swim, day use $15 entry per vehicle, permits can be purchased online)

Forest Service Link for finding more trails!

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation

If you plan on extending your stay and exploring the outdoors, hiking or camping, especially for multiple days, consider investing in a Discover Pass (WA) or Northwest Forest Pass (OR, WA). They are $30 each and give you a wide range of access to natural areas in Oregon and Washington around the Gorge. Day passes can also be purchased at many popular trailheads.

Discover Pass

https://discoverpass.wa.gov/

NW Forest Pass

https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72635

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It is worth noting that the landscape in the gorge often features steep, windy, drop-offs as well as rocky areas that are made slippery by frequent rain, streams, and waterfalls. Inexperienced hikers and tourists ignoring posted safety warnings have been killed or injured on popular trails and viewing areas like Multnomah Falls, so please exercise caution when exploring! We encourage everyone to bring shoes with good traction, plenty of water, and clothing resistant to moisture (think layers and maybe a windbreaker). We want everyone to see and experience this beautiful area of the country we get to call home safely and responsibly so please plan appropriately and be mindful of posted signage.