Columbia River Gorge

A dramatic 80-mile river canyon straddling Oregon and Washington with towering basalt cliffs and numerous spectacular waterfalls including Multnomah Falls. It's a paradise for hiking, windsurfing, and experiencing the Pacific Northwest's raw natural beauty.

Things to do

• Multnomah Falls Hike — Trek to the iconic 620-foot waterfall via a moderate 2-mile round-trip trail with views from the historic Benson Bridge.
• Windsurfing at Hood River — Experience world-class windsurfing conditions where the Columbia River narrows and creates powerful, predictable winds year-round.
• Latourell Falls Loop — Hike a scenic 2.4-mile loop featuring a 249-foot waterfall and access to Upper Latourell Falls in a less-crowded section of the gorge.
• Crown Point Scenic Loop — Drive or bike the Historic Highway to Vista House for panoramic views of the entire Columbia River Gorge stretching for miles.
• Oneonta Gorge Waterfall Scramble — Wade through a narrow canyon creek surrounded by 200-foot basalt walls to reach a stunning 80-foot waterfall at trail's end.
• Rowena Plateau Wildflower Hike — Explore rolling grasslands and native wildflower meadows in spring and early summer with distant gorge views.
• Gorge Scenic Drive — Travel the Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and The Dalles for stone tunnels, pullouts, and vintage architecture.

Food to try

• Fresh Steelhead Salmon — Sample locally-caught steelhead prepared simply grilled or smoked at riverside restaurants in Hood River and The Dalles.
• Hood River Cherries — Taste Oregon's famous Bing and Lambert cherries during summer season from farm stands and farmer's markets throughout the region.
• Pear Cider — Drink craft pear cider produced locally in Hood River, celebrating the area's historic pear orchards alongside traditional apple varieties.
• Wild Mushroom Dishes — Enjoy morels, chanterelles, and other wild mushrooms foraged from the gorge forests, featured in seasonal menus at local restaurants.
• Gorge-Roasted Coffee — Warm up with locally-roasted coffee at independent cafes in Hood River and Cascade Locks that source beans from small regional roasters.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Seasonal Wind Patterns — The gorge's famous winds are strongest in summer, making it ideal for windsurfing then but potentially challenging for casual hiking on exposed trails.
• Plan Around Weather Variability — The gorge's microclimate brings frequent rain and fog on the western (Oregon) side while the eastern end near Hood River is sunnier and drier.
• Use the Historic Highway Thoughtfully — The scenic Historic Columbia River Highway is narrow and busy; drive slowly, watch for cyclists and hikers, and respect pullout parking limits.
• Support Local Indigenous Communities — The gorge is ancestral homeland to Tribes including the Yakama, Umatilla, and Warm Springs; seek out Native-owned businesses and cultural sites.