What comes to mind when you think of the Pacific Northwest? For most, it’s the region’s rugged natural beauty, hiking trails, forests, waterfalls, seafood, and craft beer & wine. You’ll find all that and more simply by exploring the Columbia River Gorge, the largest natural scenic area in the United States.
The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. This world-famous windsurfing and kiteboarding destination has so much to offer, and each season brings a new kind of beauty to enjoy.
The Columbia River Gorge is not only a place of wonder, but also a place of fascinating history.
Bill Delvin / Flickr The geologic origins date back to massive flows of lava millions of years ago, followed by icy floods at the end of the latest glaciation. More recently, Native Americans settled here for at least 10,000 years before the first European settlers arrived.
We can only imagine what the members of the famous Lewis & Clark expedition were thinking when they traversed through this area in 1806.
Steve Terrill/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images Not long after, pioneers on the Oregon Trail passed through in hopes of a better life.
One of the best ways to see the highlights of this natural wonder is by driving the Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway on the Oregon side.
Gary J Weathers via Getty Images This 75-mile scenic highway takes you past dozens of amazing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas right off the highway. Most travelers begin in Portland and make their way east along the river.
One must-see on this drive is the beautiful Multnomah Falls, which is easily accessible from the highway.
MightyHeart via Getty Images Park in the designated parking area, then take a five-minute walk to the base of the falls. This famous falls is one of the most photographed in the world and is the single most-visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest - and it’s not hard to see why. The two-tier waterfall plunges a total of 620 feet into a crystal clear pool below before flowing into the Columbia River. You can also hike up a short but steep switchback trail to an observation deck above the falls and gaze down at the magnificent view.
The iconic Benson Footbridge that spans the middle was built in 1914 and was later joined by the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was built in 1925. The Lodge is a wonderful place to stop for a snack or meal to fuel up for your scenic drive.
Autumn is one of the most popular seasons to visit the falls when it is surrounded by vibrant foliage.
freebilly/iStock via Getty Images Spring is perhaps the lushest season here, when snowmelt surges and increases the flow. Summer is equally pleasant, but it’s also the busiest season, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid crowds. Multnomah Falls is just as awe-inspiring in winter when it’s surrounded by snow and ice!
The Multnomah Falls is certainly the most famous, there are 90 (yes, 90) waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge.
Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images via Getty Images Unfortunately, the trails leading to several of these beautiful cascades were destroyed in a devastating wildfire in 2017; however, there are dozens that remain open, as well as others visible right from the highway.
Hood River is also a fantastic place to spend some time.
voshadhi/E+ via Getty Images This charming town has everything the PNW is known for: tasty food, breathtaking views, hiking, fishing, and award-winning wineries and breweries. Especially wineries and breweries. Despite only having a population of around 7,700, there are four craft breweries in town - Full Sail Brewing Co., Double Mountain Brewery, Ferment Brewing Co., and pFriem Family Brewers - as well as restaurants and bars serving all kinds of Oregon and Washington local brews. Wine lovers will delight in the 23 different wineries and tasting rooms in the Hood River area alone!
The Hood River area is also known for its lavender farms, which have sweeping views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood with rows of lavender in between them.
Melissa Kopka/iStock via Getty Images Prime lavender season is from June - September, so you can add an aromatic element by visiting during these months.
Of course, you’ll find plenty of fantastic wineries and breweries on the Washington side, too - the Gorge is a gold mine.
izusek/E+ via Getty Images One of the most popular is Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson, and the nearby Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson is also delightful (especially the pizza).
The Crown Point Scenic Corridor on the Oregon side is another must-see.
David GN / Getty Images You’ll know it when you spot Vista House perched high above the highway on a cliff overlooking the river. Vista House opened in 1918 as a rest stop and observatory for those traveling along Highway 30.
The views from Crown Point are absolutely remarkable.
David Gn Photography / Getty Images Catching a sunrise or a sunset here is a surreal experience.
If you’re exploring the Washington side and you don’t mind a challenging hike, check out Dog Mountain, especially in late spring or early summer.
Laura Kneedler/iStock via Getty Images The Dog Mountain Trail is six miles long, and it’s a real leg-burner. Luckily, you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy the wildflowers. (And yes, leashed dogs are welcome on Dog Mountain).
For an easier adventure that the whole family can enjoy, the short and sweet trail at Horsethief Butte is only 1.7 miles long and great for all ages.
thinair28/E+ via Getty Images Horsethief Butte is located in Columbia Hills State Park on the Washington side of the Gorge.
Beacon Rock State Park sits just outside of Stevenson, Washington.
Moelyn Photos via Getty Images This underrated natural area includes a dizzying mile-long trail that takes you straight up the rock.
While the climb to the top of Beacon Rock is challenging, the views from the top are magnificent.
Ben Amstutz/Flickr There really is nothing like looking down at the Columbia River from a spot like this.
Thanks in part to the strong winds that stream through this natural corridor, the Columbia River offers the best boardsailing conditions this side of Hawaii.
Bohemian Nomad Picturemakers/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images In fact, the Gorge is known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World. Even if you aren’t a windsurfer yourself, it’s fantastically fun to watch them zip around on the river.
Even if you’re not into fishing, hiking, windsurfing, or craft beer, the Columbia River Gorge has something to offer for everyone.
David Gn/ 500px Prime via Getty Images Learn about local history at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Take in the sheer beauty of the Maryhill Museum of Art. Or simply relax and unwind at one of the many cozy cabins or resorts that can be found near the river’s shores.
The Columbia River Gorge is full of splendid scenery, breathtaking wonders, and fantastic libations. Plan multiple visits in multiple seasons to experience all it has to offer.
Bill Delvin / Flickr
The geologic origins date back to massive flows of lava millions of years ago, followed by icy floods at the end of the latest glaciation. More recently, Native Americans settled here for at least 10,000 years before the first European settlers arrived.
Steve Terrill/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
Not long after, pioneers on the Oregon Trail passed through in hopes of a better life.
Gary J Weathers via Getty Images
This 75-mile scenic highway takes you past dozens of amazing waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, and hiking areas right off the highway. Most travelers begin in Portland and make their way east along the river.
MightyHeart via Getty Images
Park in the designated parking area, then take a five-minute walk to the base of the falls. This famous falls is one of the most photographed in the world and is the single most-visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest - and it’s not hard to see why. The two-tier waterfall plunges a total of 620 feet into a crystal clear pool below before flowing into the Columbia River. You can also hike up a short but steep switchback trail to an observation deck above the falls and gaze down at the magnificent view.
The iconic Benson Footbridge that spans the middle was built in 1914 and was later joined by the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, which was built in 1925. The Lodge is a wonderful place to stop for a snack or meal to fuel up for your scenic drive.
freebilly/iStock via Getty Images
Spring is perhaps the lushest season here, when snowmelt surges and increases the flow. Summer is equally pleasant, but it’s also the busiest season, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid crowds. Multnomah Falls is just as awe-inspiring in winter when it’s surrounded by snow and ice!
Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images via Getty Images
Unfortunately, the trails leading to several of these beautiful cascades were destroyed in a devastating wildfire in 2017; however, there are dozens that remain open, as well as others visible right from the highway.
voshadhi/E+ via Getty Images
This charming town has everything the PNW is known for: tasty food, breathtaking views, hiking, fishing, and award-winning wineries and breweries. Especially wineries and breweries. Despite only having a population of around 7,700, there are four craft breweries in town - Full Sail Brewing Co., Double Mountain Brewery, Ferment Brewing Co., and pFriem Family Brewers - as well as restaurants and bars serving all kinds of Oregon and Washington local brews. Wine lovers will delight in the 23 different wineries and tasting rooms in the Hood River area alone!
Melissa Kopka/iStock via Getty Images
Prime lavender season is from June - September, so you can add an aromatic element by visiting during these months.
izusek/E+ via Getty Images
One of the most popular is Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson, and the nearby Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson is also delightful (especially the pizza).
David GN / Getty Images
You’ll know it when you spot Vista House perched high above the highway on a cliff overlooking the river. Vista House opened in 1918 as a rest stop and observatory for those traveling along Highway 30.
David Gn Photography / Getty Images
Catching a sunrise or a sunset here is a surreal experience.
Laura Kneedler/iStock via Getty Images
The Dog Mountain Trail is six miles long, and it’s a real leg-burner. Luckily, you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy the wildflowers. (And yes, leashed dogs are welcome on Dog Mountain).
thinair28/E+ via Getty Images
Horsethief Butte is located in Columbia Hills State Park on the Washington side of the Gorge.
Moelyn Photos via Getty Images
This underrated natural area includes a dizzying mile-long trail that takes you straight up the rock.
Ben Amstutz/Flickr
There really is nothing like looking down at the Columbia River from a spot like this.
Bohemian Nomad Picturemakers/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
In fact, the Gorge is known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World. Even if you aren’t a windsurfer yourself, it’s fantastically fun to watch them zip around on the river.
David Gn/ 500px Prime via Getty Images
Learn about local history at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Take in the sheer beauty of the Maryhill Museum of Art. Or simply relax and unwind at one of the many cozy cabins or resorts that can be found near the river’s shores.
General Information:
Accessibility: The Columbia River Gorge is massive and accessibility varies. There are several state parks with accessible parking and viewpoints. The majority of the hiking trails are not accessible, but some are. The Catherine Creek Trail on the Washington side, for example, is designed especially for wheelchairs and walkers. For a more comprehensive list, check out Accessible Nature.
Pet Friendly: The majority of the hiking trails allow leashed dogs, and many of the state parks, such as Beacon Rock, are dog-friendly. You might even see some dog-friendly breweries!
Parking: Designated parking lots and spaces can be found throughout the Columbia River Gorge, around scenic viewpoints and trailheads, and at various points of interest. Parking around Multnomah Falls can be tricky during high-traffic seasons, so the Columbia River Express offers daily bus service between Portland, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River on the Oregon side.
Seasonal Access: While you can drive the scenic highways and visit most of the businesses in any season, certain parts of the Gorge are only open seasonally. In addition, natural disasters such as wildfires or avalanches warrant temporary closures. To see what’s open when planning your trip, visit the Ready, Set, Gorge website.
Cost: Some of the trails have required passes, and the state parks will require a Discover Pass to enter. To see a complete list of fees, visit this site.
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of Maroon Bells in Colorado, Ruby Falls in Tennessee, and Acadia National Park in Maine, then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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