Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Exploration Tour

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'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.

Meeting Point

833 SE Main St

833 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214, USA

Our shop is #124, on the ground floor, the north side of a silver and red building. To find us, walk north on SE 9th Avenue from Main Street and look for our A frame sign to your left! Limited street parking is available, or paid lots at 7th and Madison and 10th and Madison Streets

Not included:

• Gratuities (always appreciated by our passionate guides!)

What to expect:

Duration: 4 hours

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Oregon

After meeting you at the starting point, 833 SE Main Street #124, 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.

30 minutes

Multnomah Falls

Troutdale, 97014, Oregon

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.

30 minutes

Latourell Falls

Guy W. Talbot State Park., , Corbett, Oregon

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.

30 minutes

Vista House

40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, , Corbett, 97019-9725, Oregon

**Vista House is currently open limited hours! If it is closed, 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.

10 minutes

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

39210 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA

View an expansive vista of the Columbia River Gorge, take photos, and hear the story of who was here before us. We'll also tell you how the waterfalls were created. **Due to road closures we sometimes replace this stop with an alternative.**

10 minutes

Bridal Veil Falls State Park

Columbia River Scenic Highwy, Milepost 28, , Corbett, 97019, Oregon

This hidden waterfall is one of the state's most visited and most romantic. A 2/3 mile, 1km hike takes us down 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!**

30 minutes