Columbia Gorge Waterfall Exploration Tour

The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren't a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this ALL-INCLUSIVE tour you'll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed "waterfall alley" where we'll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.

Meeting Point

4841 SE 30th Ave

4841 SE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA

Look for a black Mercedes Sprinter

What's included:

• PA system so people in back can hear their guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Snacks

What to expect:

Duration: between 3 hours and 4 hours

Columbia River Highway

State Highway 30 from Troutdale to The Dalles, Troutdale, 97060, Oregon

Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.

2 hours

Sandy River

Oregon

We'll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.

Pass by without stopping

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

State Highway 30, , Troutdale, 97060, Oregon

Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.

10 minutes

Vista House

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

This 100-year-old 'fanciest rest stop in the world' sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.

15 minutes

Latourell Falls

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

A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.

20 minutes

Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area

State Highway 30, , Troutdale, 97060, Oregon

This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.

10 minutes

Bridal Veil Falls State Park

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

An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.

Pass by without stopping

Wahkeena Falls

Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, Oregon

A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.

Pass by without stopping

Multnomah Falls

50000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, 97010, Oregon

The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

30 minutes

Oneonta Gorge

, , Cascade Locks, 97014, Oregon

A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.

Pass by without stopping

Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

Columbia Gorge, Map link, Hood River, Oregon

Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!

10 minutes

Beacon Rock

State Route 14 in Beacon Rock State Park, , North Bonneville, Washington

View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.

Pass by without stopping

Rooster Rock State Park

Corbett, 97019, Oregon

As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!

Pass by without stopping