Half Day Gorge Waterfalls Tour

*Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour*

Duration

4 Hours

Highlights: Crown Point Vista House • Columbia River Gorge • Latourell Falls • Multnomah Falls • Horsetail Falls

About

Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Come experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed National Scenic Areas. We will drive along the oldest scenic highway in the US, stopping at sweeping viewpoints, flowing falls, and a historic lodge.

Typical Itinerary

This is a half day tour, typically offered from 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:00PM – 5:00PM, or 2:00PM – 6:00PM. Please note, the tour route and sights may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. It is always our goal to provide you with the most interesting adventure possible.

Departing downtown Portland, we’ll head east along the Columbia River towards the quaint town of 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, and wind our way along the Sandy River to 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! There, we will find amazing 180-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge and have time to explore the Vista House. This intricately designed observatory and museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From there, we will again join the historic highway as we drive deeper into the Columbia River Gorge 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, well-maintained trail hike will be led to get a closer view of the falls.

Continuing on our journey through the gorge, we’ll get a sneak peek of the famed Multnomah Falls on our way to our next stop—an overlooked gem directly off of the historic highway called Horsetail Falls. Once at the base of these falls, it won’t be difficult to see how it received its name. Feel the mist on your face as the water plummets down into the deep pool below.

Worry not! The grand Multnomah Falls will be the final stop in our journey. Plummeting 620 feet in two major steps, Multnomah Falls is the highest waterfall in Oregon and second highest continuously flowing waterfall in the nation! There, we will explore the Multnomah Falls Historic Lodge (a Cascadian style stone and timber lodge built in 1925) as well as the beautiful Multnomah Falls itself. During the gorge fire of 2017, the wildland fire crew fought tirelessly and ultimately saved this historic landmark. The easily accessible viewing platform offers a full view of the Benson Bridge and cascading falls beyond it.

Our journey will return us to Portland via the Columbia River scenic route (approximately 45 mins). Depending on changing visitation patterns in the Columbia River Gorge, this tour may run in the reverse order than what is listed above.

Don't forget to tip your tour guide!

Gratuity is not included in the tour price. A 20% gratuity is suggested if you enjoy your tour. Your guide may accept tips over Venmo as well. Thank you!

Tour Details

Pick up will be near Director Park at the corner of SW 9th Ave and SW Taylor St (directly in front of a restaurant called Pastini on Taylor St) in downtown Portland, OR. **Please arrive 5 minutes before tour start time.

If you selected a downtown hotel for your tour pick-up location, we will contact you the day before the tour with the exact pick-up time.

If you're planning on driving into downtown to meet us in Director Park, we recommend parking at the SmartPark garage (this is the closest and most reasonably priced parking option). The garage is located at 730 SW 10th Ave.

FAQ

Will there be refreshments offered on the tour?** Yes! Complimentary bottled water will be available throughout the tour.

What should I wear?** Oregon's weather, although very temperate, can sometimes be unpredictable. Bringing along a rain jacket and wearing multiple layers is typically the best option for almost anywhere in Oregon. Umbrellas will be available on the tour. Comfortable, closed-toed shoes are highly recommended.

We want all our guests to have the best experience possible while out on tour. Because some guests and guides may have sensitivities to strong scents, we politely ask everybody to avoid wearing perfume or heavily fragranced products.

Thank you for choosing us for your adventures around Portland!

Looking for more adventure? Any additional tours booked directly with Wildwood Adventures will be $20 off per ticket as part of our "Two or More Tours" special! Please give us a call for more details!