Columbia River Gorge Reviews

Don’t miss the gorge if you go to Oregon. We stayed in Hood River, which is a good vantage point. Great hiking. Spectacular views from the town.

This mes for a great day trip from Portland to get out of the city for a day. You can take your time driving along the river, stopping along the way at spots that interest you. There's a fish hatchery, a dam with visitor center, and numerous waterfalls to view along the way. Keep in mind the parking for Multnomah Falls can become completely full and the exit then closes, so if this is something you want to see, go early or plan accordingly to take the shuttle there. You can finish off the day by driving south around Mt Hood to return to Portland as well.

Columbia river is beautiful , HAS A LOT TO DO . I LOVE WATCHING THE WIND SURFERS. And don't forget to go to Mary Hill winery and all the little ones along the river.

TREES, TREES, TREES – a big change from the starkness of the high desert where we started at 800 ft. above sea level in Lewiston and Clarkston. After 7 dams and locks we are down to within about 100 ft. above sea level (before our last dam at Bonneville) = There is a total of 8 steps (dams / locks) to the ocean.

The mountains around us are 4,000 feet high and the canyon stretches for over eighty miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range. The river forms the boundary between the state of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south.[
The Columbia Gorge is also a place of history. Its geologic origins date to massive flows of lava millions of years ago, carved much more recently by that tremendous floods when that gigantic lake up in Utah let go at the end of the latest glaciation. Native Americans settled here at least 10,000 years before the first European explorers. Lewis & Clark came down the Columbia Gorge, and the Oregon Trail pioneers followed soon after, pausing briefly before continuing their journey westward. Sternwheelers and railroads, hydroelectric dams and aluminum plants became the engines of later industry.

We were heading from Seattle to Hood River via the Columbia route
We took the old Scenic Oregon Route 30 where possible rather than dashing through on the I84
That meant we got close the viewpoints and stop offs for the many waterfalls that line the route
Most had plenty of space to stop, and free too. Except for Multnomah Falls which was tourist centre even mid-week, early May, 3pm. Car park immediately at base of Falls is $20 even at 3pm,but the car park on the highway, and only 5 mins walk, it's free.
It's not called Scenic Route for nothing

Be aware that access to the Columbia Gorge via the scenic/historic highway requires you to purchase a permit. Multnomah Falls also requires a permit purchase and limits your stay to 1 hour.

If you have time, drive up the Washington side and down the Oregon side (or visa versa). Both sides are very different. Stop at the falls if the road s open or at the dams. Hood River village is a wonderful place to stay for people of all ages.

The drive down the Gorge from either the Oregon or Washington side is fantastic! Waterfalls, breathtaking views, camping, fishing, windsurfing, quaint towns...it has it all. Some great resorts along the way.

Am always amazed at the beauty of the Gorge. Travel there often and always enjoy. Highly recommend going there.

We were at the Columbia River Gorge November 12th which is kind of iffy this time of year but it turned out great. The Vista house at Crown Point was extremely windy 50+ wind speeds so we did some water fall site seeing. Bridle Vail and Multnomah Falls were sensational.

Whether you are driving parallel to the river or indulge in forest trails, plethora of vista points await for you and get a glimpse of nature in its most primitive form. Deers, Bald eagles, etc are a common sight

I LOVED seeing the Gorge. All the scenery was breath-taking, and the waterfalls on the Oregon side of the river were particularly beautiful.

We hit the gorge driving East in mid-Oct and while the colors were a little past peak, it was still really nice.

Take the whole day and check this area out. There are a ton of places to check out here. Multnomah Falls (crowded so go early but stiill VERY worth it), Bonneville Dam, Thunder Island... The Oneonta Gorge was closed unfortunately... id heard great things about that place.

In September 2017, a wildfire ravaged this scenic area. Although it is still beautiful, it is heartbreaking to see the damage.

If you are in the area - don’t miss it. Trust me. So much to see and do- families, couples, singles... it’s all amazing.

So much to do and so little time. From Kayaking on the river to hiking the many trails the Gorge is beautiful no matter what you choose. Opportunities for the whole family.

We drove from Portland and was in awe the whole way. One thing people should know is a lot of the sights are shut due to a Forrest fire late last year. Best to check before you go

It is really one of the most beautiful places. Hiking, waterfalls, trees and views that are hard to capture in a picture.

My wife and I took our first drive down the Columbia Gorge. We stopped at many of the local parks as well as the Dam and Vista House. The scenery is beautiful. Unfortunately the scenic highway was closed while it is being repaired due to fires and wash outs. We will return once the roads are open again.

Columbia River Gorge Hood River, OR 97031 is perfect. Water. View. Tree. Waterfall. Opportunities to hike.

Fantastic experience, no matter what you do: hike, drive, water activities, dine, wine taste or just r&r. Many beautiful views and attractions reachable by car and a short walk- so everybody has a chance to enjoy.

Go watch kite boarders, plenty of hiking trails all around, breweries abound. Just glorious place to be in August!

We hiked on a very hot day, but the morning hike was cooled by breezes. The vistas were spectacular!

The Columbia River Gorge is spectacular! The wide river runs between varied landscapes - rocky cliffs, small harbors, waterfalls, grassland, grape and fruit orchards. And there is so much to do! Hiking, boating, shopping, dining, Museum-going.

The room overlooking the Columbia River was excellent. Comfortable bed, nice bathroom. The restaurant with tables overlooking the Columbia gorge was fantastic - very good food and service.

The drive along Columbia River Gorge is amazing! There are so many overlooks with views and stops for picnics, hikes and waterfalls! It was busy on the Sunday we made the drive but we were ahead of the biggest crowds because we started early. Absolutely amazing!

This was a fitting end to our trip. River is beautiful, vistas amazing and the waterfalls were worth seeing. Great area

We visited Vista House at Crown Point recently. The views were stunning. Unfortunately, the Vista House was closed due to winds over 50 mph. It was so windy that I was afraid we'd be blown over the edge! It's right on Historic Route 30 and well worth the trip. I just wish the building would have been open.

The Columbia River Gorge was a great place to visit. It had magnificent views of Washington state and Oregon. The drive and foliage was impressive for this time of year. People were very accommodating and very friendly to say the least. They told me that windsurfing and kiting was very popular in the warmer seasons. It’s a great place to see nature at its finest.

This was such a gorgeous place and we were so fortunate to be able to see it! We were concerned about the fire smoke, but it was a gorgeous day and we loved every minute, every fall, every vista.

We were there just days before the fire that destroyed so much of the gorge. It's heart breaking to know we'll never see it in all it's glory again in my life time.

Want a great weekend experience.....drive through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge! Hiking trails,waterfalls,Vista House,Maryhill museum and so much more!

Our family vacationed here in Hood River. The river is beautiful, the water falls so great to see, and I had a lot of fun exploring the various stores downtown. Great get away location.

The gorge is often associated with places and activities along its route, from Wenatchee in Washington down to its mouth in both Washington and Oregon. But driving along its length is enough of a venture, as it narrows and flows faster, and widens to glide by down to the ocean.
Driving east along its bottom I suggest hwy 12 on the Washington side for a slower more relaxed pace. Once past Vancouver / Portland, you may cross in the gorge at Bonneville, Hood River or further east at the Dalles.
If you choose the Hood River crossing, make sure you note that the 1924 steel bridge has only two very narrow lanes. The open steel roadbed shifts your vehicle slightly side to side as you drive. Larger vehicles crossing unknowingly may have to ride against the right guard rail to barely allow crossing traffic to pass (even a large personal truck).
A $2 cash fee is collected on the Oregon side, for either direction of travel. Unless you have a pass, approach the toll booth lane. Warning: there is no turnaround once you approach the bridge on either end - you are committed.

This region is great area to escape to, only 30 mins or so from Portland. Lots of great hikes. Go to Hood River. Its a cute town with a wonderful beach, great breweries

This area has so much to do and see! We are already planning a return especially for a river cruise.

From beautiful waterfalls to river sports, this place is amazing and surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes I've ever seen! Grand Canyon was impressive by sheer size but this place has staggeringly beautiful views mile after mile.

Definitley one of the most impressive water systems in the country, if not world. Drive along the OR or WA side, to appreciate breathtaking and almost surreal vistas. This area contains the highest number of waterfalls in the US. Highly recommend,

Busy sites along roads. Skip the well know waterfalls and go for others. Get a map. Some have short trails. Some easily seen from road.

Beautiful views of river & mountains, great restaurants & wineries, thrilling activities especially white water rafting down the White Salmon, perfect weather...a must on the bucket list!

This area is so beautiful and amazing!! The bridge alone that crosses the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the ocean and takes you from Oregon to Washington state or vise-versa... is a memorable treat!!!

The most beautiful sight of the Columbia River is the gorge it cuts through the Cascade plateau, just east of Portland. Here on both the Washington and Oregon sides have sheer drops to the water. There is a great rest area on the river that offers beautiful place for pictures. We stopped here after our visit to Multnomah Falls and got great pictures.

If you enjoy the outdoors and taking in art, I'd recommend checking out the website for Art of Community and their Walking Tour Map and Mobile Apps. While you stroll along the waterfront and up through the downtown area, you will pass 21 sculptures. The natural beauty seen on the walk is terrific and the sculptures really enhance the experience. A very nice way to familiarize yourself with this area and all that it has to offer.

The Gorge is so beautiful and the history is amazing. We drove both sides and fully enjoyed the trip.

We drove from Portland as far as Cascade Locks, a small town with a few eateries, shop and garage. Very scenic. So many waterfalls to see and various lengths of hikes.. Multnomah is the biggest and most popular with a gift shop, snacks etc., but there are many others.

Stop first at Vista House for fantastic views to both the east and west of the River. Interesting small exhibit available in the building but only open Friday thru Monday.

We also enjoyed visiting the Dam and the Fishery - both more interesting than we thought. At the lower level of the dam you can see the different fish as they pass through the fish ladder. At the Fishery they have sturgeon 12 feet in length.

Note, that the introduction of timed passes has been implemented recently to limit the use of the historic highway between exits 28 and 35. Thie permt can be purchased on line for $2 or you risk a $260 fine and there are checkpoints at both ends.

I drove this again in mid-August on the second day of a big 4400 mile road trip. My childhood memories of this area go back to 1951-52 when we had to make trips from Umatilla, where my Dad was working on McNary Dam to Portland to see his heart specialist after his first "heart attack." It was most impressive then to my 8-9 year old psyche and it is still impressive today for the natural beauty of that first 60 miles or so from Portland East. OTOH, from The Dalles to Umatilla is not quite up to my childhood recollections to be brutally honest. And Umatilla is now only a pale shadow of what it was during the boom of the construction era on the big hydroelectric dam there. Hermiston only about 7-9 miles away is now the major economic hub of that immediate area it would seem? Closer to Portland a stop for brunch or lunch at Multnomah Falls would be a great experience.

Words cannot describe the beauty of the Columbia gorge.
A must do and experience at any time of year!

We are so fortunate to have such beauty in our state as this. What a beautiful majestic area and a nice drive too. We went to Hood River and came back 1-84. There was little traffic. It was a wonderful day.

I have been through the gorge several times over many years and it still amazes me. The falls are wonderful and the columbia river is full of history a great place to spend a day or a week

Gorgeous area. There is ample parking throughout. The lodge at Multnomah Falls has a very nice restaurant with views of the falls. There paths and hikes for every activity level. Very well worth the trip.

The Gorge offers plenty of wonderful places to visit. Today we did Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam and Hatcheries and Hood River. All of these are top attractions in which the gorge plays an important role.

We traveled along here on the American Song river cruise boat. The scenery is really quite interesting and extraordinary. Gives one an entirely enhanced perspective on this historic area of our country.
Highly recommend!

Magnificent display of nature. I will never tire of the view from Crown Point. Family has been going for over thirty years

This whole route is gorgeous with its jewel being Multnomah Falls. There are several picturesque water falls along this route. The unexpected thing for me was how easily accessible they all are from the interstate. No hiking required! Don't miss if you are in Portland!

Oregon does a far better job than Washington in maintaining it main roads. I-84 affords excellent views of the Columbia River while being relatively straight, allowing for more head-turning.

We spent a week in this area in Hood River at the Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel. These are privately owned condos which are next door to the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Great accomodations very spacious and reasonably priced, location can't be beat for traveling into Hood River, restaurants and site seeing, horseback riding, museums lots of outdoor activities.

The Gorge is a wonderful retreat place to restore one's soul in Nature and to keep in shape. Its beauty constantly changes with the seasons, so it is worth visiting over and over. And the drive through it is also lovely. I am so glad people in the past had the foresight to preserve this national public treasure in its wildness for future generations instead of allowing private companies to own it. Very convenient location; only 30 miles from both Portland and Hood River. The Gorge is still beautiful even though the Eagle Creek fire changed its look (the tops of the hills along the Gorge are more brown than green and the trees more like sticks than full evergreens). I'll be back when the trails are re-opened. Bridal Veil, Shepherd's Dell, and Latourelle on the West end are still open.

at a wonderful view spot, ran into some young Polish journalists.....on our way out to Cle Elum. Beautiful spot in winter too.

Very scenic, but very rude, stuck up people.
The shops & restaurants are very over priced.
I don't know why they have to over charge people.
There are so many other beautiful places to go, we will never return.

We took an out-of-state visitor on a tour of the Gorge, traveling west on the Oregon side from Pendleton to Portland, and on the Washington side headed east. We stopped at all the good sites, including Multnomah Falls, Council Crest, the Columbia Discovery Center, and the Maryhill Museum. This is a knock your socks off spectacular drive. Take a couple of days to do it. There is just too much to see in one day.

No matter how many times you travel through the gorge you will be amazed by its beauty. Wonderful hikes along the way. Dog Mt. is a favorite in the spring with the unbelievable wild flowers. Of course Multnomah Falls is a must do!

We drove the Columbia River Gorge Highway on our drive from Spokane to Portland, the views are wonderful and well worth the drive.

Beautiful scenic drive with an abundance of waterfalls and vistas. Some waterfalls are right off the road, but parking is very limited or not accessible. Parking passes for Multnomah Falls must be obtained either via online or at Troudale Depot (scenic route 30). The trails around the various falls vary in difficulty, most bathrooms are primitive at the smaller falls. Definitely worth the trip!

We drove the Columbia River Gorge and loved the beautiful scenery! The river is spectacular, truly one of the nation’s great waterways. We took the Historic Highway 30 route for the first portion from near Portland and eventually wound up on I-84 after Multnomah Falls. The best part of the old highway is along this first stretch. There’s not a lot to be gained by taking it later. You make better time and see just as much from the interstate. It’s truly beautiful and worth the trip. We drove all the way to the Dalles but backtracked and spent the night in Hood River.

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful Drive with numerous waterfalls and photo ops. The River is beautiful and had a lot of wind surfers and sail boats when we were there. Very beautiful place.

The drive from Portland though the first 1/3 of the Gordge is so beautiful! Tress, river, rocks, and then you come to the wineries and the land has no trees, just a vast expanse of earth and rock!

The views from crown point were some of the most stunning I have seen in my life! I think next time I will bring some lunch and eat right there!

Driving through the Columbia Gorge is an experience not to be missed. So much to see. Beautiful scenery, wind surfers,dams traffic on the river. Many spots to stop and picnic. We have travelled here many times and never get tired off it. Wonderful road.

I spent the day driving from Portland to Cascades Locks. I highly recommend that you get off the interstate and take Historic US 30. You will not regret that choice.

Although I have been traveling to the Portland area for years, mostly for business but also for skiing and visiting family, I had never been to the Columbia Gorge. A friend was shocked and insisted on taking me for a drive. Although only a day trip during mixed, typical fall PNW weather, I was awe struck by the natural beauty of the river, mountains and water falls and the changing light in the web of clouds and mists that are a signature of Oregon. Our main stops were river views at Rooster Rock Park and the stunning Multnomah Falls, feathered in bright fall colors. I definitely will be going back for a longer look.

I live here most of the year but do business in Arizona. If you woke up here and thought you died then you would believe that you were sent to heaven. The Gorge runs 80 miles Eastward from Portland or Vancouver Washington on the other side of the Columbia River. Bridge crossings at Portland, Cascade Locks or Hood River.

We drove along the gorge and stopped at many of the lovely waterfalls along the way! Beautiful views. Some roads still closed due to the wildfire damage a year ago, but a short detour gets you there

The gorge is, end to end, one of the most amazing places in North America. Separating Oregon and Washington by the Columbia River, there are (or were) more awesome hiking trails to more scenic vistas, including more waterfalls than they've counted so far, than most places have places. It's a playground for the soul-seeking adventurer, solo or with pals. This year's wildfire took most of the trails away from us for a year or so, but give it time, nature doesn't bow to humans.

We saw this on the drive to Mount Hood. So don't miss this spectacular river gorge. Make sure you go on a clear day so the valley is visible.

The Columbia River Gorge is gorgeous! However, due to fire damage, several the the attractions are not accessible. Parking at many of the falls is extremely limited. If you do not get up the gorge early, you will be out of luck. I wouldn't even dream of going in the summer.

You will thank me I am sure by not missing out on the beautiful and scenic area of the Columbia River Gorge. Don’t hesitate a moment and just make plans to visit the area if in the Portland Oregon vicinity. So many waterfalls, unique towns and wineries as well as parks and trails to enjoy. There are museums as well to take a moment and check out. The list goes on and on.

We started in Troutdale and drove the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway. The drive was absolutely beautiful and totally worth the trip! We stopped at a variety of lookouts along the way and hiked to several waterfalls. There is so much to see and do and we can't wait to return one day!

We saw so many incredible sights here and I will review each one individually.
We saw:
Portland women’s state scenic lookout
Bridal veil falls
Multnomah falls
Ponytail falls
Mosier plateau trail.

There are some parts that you have to pay to drive through, which was kind of garbage and a cash grab, although we said we were on our honeymoon and the ranger just let us through so lucky us.

Hike bike kite board river raft wilderness scenic detours wines beers ciders agriculture wonders & amazing dining amazing views

We hiked the Starvation Creek trail, which has great views of the gorge, river and trains passing through. Highly recommend stopping!

Our first trip to explore the Columbia River Gorge - and there is so much to see. I had hoped for a little more fall color but we came from the west and got off on Highway 30 to go to Crown Point and beyond. Well, it was a Saturday and the highway was VERY crowded so we decided to skip the waterfalls and go into Hood River as there was no place to park. It was a good decision as we reversed our route early Monday morning and got to see all of the waterfalls on Highway 30.

Amazing road trip. Not enough for day trip. Stayed overnight. A lot of view points and hikes on the route. Want to comeback in the fall with colours change

The Columbia Gorge is a National Scenic Area. The Columbia River separates Oregon and Washington and both sides are amazing. On the Oregon side, just 30 miles east of Portland, there is a series of waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls, the 2nd longest falls in the U.S.). Unfortunately, due to wildfires last summer (2017), many of these hikes are closed. You can still visit Multnomah Falls, but the full hike is closed, though they are expected to reopen in summer of 2018. Spring is the best time, since the falls run strong and the wildflowers are out.

The area (both Washington and Oregon) offers stunning views and especially the area of the Columbia River Gorge! The drive around this area is majestic - we were able to visit during the winter season and the river and blanket of white surrounding it was something to behold!

We started or overnight trek in Olympia WA. Stopped at Port of Kalama to give our dog Pearl a run and quick swim. Absolutely beautiful park. At the Columbia river we turned left. Much beautiful diverse scenery, quaint towns with much to do and eat in each town. Continued our drive to White Salmon, crossed a very slippery bridge to a town Hood River. What a beautiful, clean, has everything to do place. Hikes, trails, paddle boarding, kite board, surfboarding, kayaking, jet skis, fishing, walking, walking, walking, shopping and naturally eating at unique cafes. Oh did I tell you about the abundance of breweries, distilleries and wineries...… long beautiful paved river walks for relaxation. Net day drove home on the Oregon side which was more of a highway but soooo beautiful scenery, waterfalls and many parks and towns along the way. Beautiful loop trip !!!

Don’t miss driving out the Columbia River Gorge towards Hood River. Along the way you can hike, take a scenic drive with beautiful overlooks, watch windsurfing and enjoy natural beauty.

Beautiful views and vistas abound around every corner. Hikes abound and you can fish, and sightsee. Gorgeous country and I am glad I got to see it!

Driving from eastern Oregon to Portland was a wonderful treat, especially driving along the Columbia River Gorge! We love Western history especially the story of Louis and Clark, so seeing that huge body of water right next to the highway was a delight!

After eating we headed down to the ricer front and what a great view of kite sailors and wind boarders. Really big park area and swimming area for the youngsters. All the kids had a blast playing and the adults taking in the view. The cool wind was fantastic for a warm day.

We drove as Far East as hood river or Oregon side then back to Portland via Washington side. Both sides are so gorgeous with scenic stops everywhere. One of the most gorgeous drives I’ve been on in the us

This beautiful river is one of the most gorgeous landscapes I have ever seen. We spent 3 days there exploring the aera.

The Columbia River Gorge is just gorge-ous!! This was our first trip to visit friend in Portland, and we decided to take a couple days to see the Gorge and some waterfalls. We did a little hiking too, and were quite impressed with all we saw, especially the spring blooms!

I grew up on the east coast, so coming to live in Hood River I never stop being amazed by the beauty and scale of the Columbia River Gorge. It's the best anywhere, really. There is everything to do a girl could want (hiking, flower gazing, boarding, biking, eating, sitting on mountain lakes!) and the beauty just never stops, any time of year.

Stop along the way and literally see the view....(and smell the flowers). A day trip out of Portland if you are staying there.

Lovely drive on both sides depends on whether you are in a hurry or not. You can almost always see windsurfers flying along the river and a trip to the Locks are pretty interesting.

We toured the Columbia River Gorge on a bright sunny day. Along I-84 on the Oregon side there are many places to stop & see waterfalls. Make a point to tour the fish ladders & visitor center at the Bonneville Dam - very educational. On the Washington side there are several River canyons to explore.

unfortunately, when we drove thru this area - every single freeway off ramp to the MT Hood rec area was CLOSED bc of COVID and the odd ramps were literally block off.

so we didn't have a chance to explore - just watch the 'gorge' from highway, sadly.

Just like everyone else said this is a very beautiful and scenic area with much to do for all ages no matter what part of the year, from hiking to water-skiing to windsurfing and boating to hiking and tubing or photography you will find it here.

There are many resources on where to do what that you can find in Hood River and White Salmon and your hotel concierge or front desk may be able to help you out along of course with this website and local helpful guides.

There are scenic overlooks if you are driving and also camping sites and hiking all along this whole area and up U.S. 97 that you could do and some are day use only while others are for overnighting.

I love this hotel Not just because it is such a beautiful building on an amazing property. The quality I guess service has always been the highest throughout the years when I have visited it. When I cannot find the bottle of wine I want it in the gift shop during a late check in the front desk guys went down into the seller to get me what I wanted. After a long day is driving returning from a road trip this was really appreciated!

The Gorge is beautiful!!! This was simply the best weekend vacation! My husband and I kept stumbling upon beauty everywhere we drove, walked, etc...

We live close to this amazing gorge and often go here to enjoy the view, pick blueberries, drive to local orchards or great restaurants, see the waterfalls, or hike the trails. It never gets old and is great any time of the year.

Hat a fantastic area to visit. Deiving along the road with Washington on one side of the river and Oregon on the other. The views are spectacular. Well worth visiting.

Plenty to see along the route but make sure you read up as there is loads to see if waterfalls are your thing you won’t be disappointed, most stops have restrooms so you can enjoy your travels along the route

We enjoyed traveling along the Hood River and the Columbia Gorge. Unfortunately, it was somewhat foggy which limited our sightseeing. Most of the photos were fuzzy looking but what we did see was fantastic! What we saw of the Hood River from the highway looked good but we just picked a bad day.

When driving and you hit the Columbia Gorge you also get the smell of crisp trees, beauty, and see ships/boats. It is beautiful and enjoyable.

This might be the best and most monumental part of Oregon. It is a must see if you are in the area! Or make the trip out of your way to see it, you won't regret it.

This beautiful gem is right off the highway about 30-45 minutes outside of Portland. Its a must see if you are in the area. You can park and walk over for a quick view, or hike up to the top for a longer for active experience. This is accessible at the bottom and has a snack bar for small bites and drinks.

We came into the river valley at Hood River, traveling down Mount Hood on Oregon Hwy 35, a pretty drive itself, and then up to The Dalles.
If you drive upriver from Portland or downriver from The Dalles on I-84, you will be treated to views of the river and the gorge cliffs that line the river as it flows mostly east to west through the north-south line of the Cascade Mountains.
If you take the available stretches of Historic US 30, you'll go higher along the gorge. You'll see some of the same vistas but also an up-close view of the dry uplands east of Hood River and the rainforests west of it.
I'll bet the views from the train and the Washington side are terrific, too.

Take the time to get off the interstate highway and enjoy this beautiful part of the USA. Majestic power of the river and the marvelous mountains makes this a very special place.

We drove through on a long road trip, and I enjoyed every minute in this area! Very impressed with the views, and so many areas to explore. Waterfalls and Vista House were fun for the whole family.

We drove through the gorge - first on the Oregon side (interstate) and on the Washington side traveling back to Portland. This was one of three most beautifully drives we have ever taken. Lots of points to pull over and get some amazing photos.

Best period is summer time..
Tend to be windy..fantastic for water sports. I was get used to kite in hood river... Very common is windsurfing.. also stand up and paddle.. a lot of sailind boats for renting

We did a half day tour but it was unfortunately raining quite heavily and very foggy. So while we loved what we saw and would definitely recommend visiting it, we wish we’d been able to see more and do more exploring.

The drive was nice however and the lookout points we did stop at were stunning. The rock formations are fascinating and the waterfalls are beautiful.

Driving both sides of the Columbia River Gorge was a breathtaking experience. One experienced 75 miles of carved out canyon, beautiful river, sheer rocks, waterfalls and amazing trails. This first time experience for us is a must to return to.

I was born, 1955, pretty much right in the middle of the Gorge. I got to watch quite a bit of the building of I-84... I learned to count as a toddler watching the trains pass on the other side.
Without exaggeration I have driven or ridden through the gorge hundreds of times. In all weather. At all hours. Less often from The Dalles to the Tri-Cities in Washington and less often from Portland to Astoria. What is or is not "the Gorge" has been debated...
I have sailed in the gorge.
I have studied the geology and the weather. A rain shadow between Cascade Locks & Hood River. Personal experience of reported sustained winds at Crown Point, 127mph. I have had to remove the wipers when driving into the wind when it really rips. Exhilarating!
It always looks different. It is always amazing -- if there is any light even if it's just stars.
I have camped and hiked and ridden bikes on both sides.
You could have a splendid day just driving in a big circuit from Hood River-White Salmon to Vancouver-Portland and back on the other side. You WILL NEED binoculars!

We spent a day in this area. We visited several water falls, they are very scenic.
We also visited Bonneville fish hatchery, beautiful ground. Bring quarters with you if you plan to visit here, so you can feed rainbow trouts. We saw the 80 years old, 11 feet long, 500 ponds white sturgeon here.

Wow! You can see two states at once in a scenic spot. We did a Backroads trip, and there is also a Sojourn trip there too. They provide vans and you bike, hike or kayak your way around! Go in the summer and take it all in!

Allow plenty of time to explore each of the pullouts and waterfalls along this beautiful river. It is a must do when in the Pacific NW. Beware, the historic roads can be narrow, and the pullouts crowded in summer!

Beautiful area. Worked our way out of Portland and all the way to Hood River to see numerous waterfalls.

We drove on the Washington side of the river from Portland and crossed into Oregon at Bridge of the god's. The Washington side offers a great view of the Bonneville locks as well as the fire damage in OR. I would call this a must see for anyone visiting the area, even if you don't do any hiking.

We have traveled to this area a couple of times and love the variety of outdoor actives available. We also love the wonderful views and the great restaurants in the area

Being a person that has been born and raised here, I only notice how beautiful it truly is when I'm gone for an extended period of time. The nature beauty of the area is something special and something I'm happy, hasn't changed too much in my life. Sure, cities and towns such as Hood River and The Dalles have grown over the past 100 years, but the shear size and beauty of the area has pretty much stayed the same. With a rich history stemming from the times of Lewis & Clark to now, the Columbia River Gorge is something everyone should experience and enjoy!

*Please check to see how far this road is open when you are planning your trip.

We started in Troutdale, and drove the historic highway along the Columbia River Gorge.
A fire in the Eagle Creek area in 2017 plus rains have closed sections. As of this review in August of 2018, we could go from Troutdale to Bridal Veils Falls then out to I-84. We hiked Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Latourelle Falls (our favorite) saw the Vista building, and turned back to Portland after dinner in Hood River. Breathtaking views and great hiking.

Everyday I’m grateful for this beautiful area that I live. So much to do, summer sports, winter sports, places to eat, then there’s the wine tasting. Great friends.

It is difficult to review "a gorge", but the Columbia River Gorge has striking views. Historic. On most days there were multiple wind surfers and kite boarders on the river.

My sister who lives in Oregon decided to take the Old Highway instead of the main route. Definitely a good decision now that it has reopened. We stopped at the look-outs and a number of the falls including the major one which was incredible. We ended our trip at the Timberline Lodge where it happened to be snowing. For a Southern California, it was magical! It is a place full of history and I would love to stay there someday. I had the best hot chocolate I have ever had. There is a pricey restaurant there for dinner which would be fun to splurge on some day.

This is without a doubt one of the most beautifyl scenes in the world. I have travelled to a lot of countries and places in the US and this is a top ten for me. I especially like the old highway and twin tunnels trail between Hood River and Mosier.

I visited for the first time in mid-August. I was a little concerned because so many reviews noted how many things would be close and the fires damaged so much of this area. I am so happy I went to see for myself - I've never been in one place with so many waterfalls and hiking trails. Yes, there were a few areas closed. But, there were also endless trails/waterfalls open. I highly recommend! Loved it! These are amazing waterfalls and hikes! I stayed at the Skaminia Lodge for two days - great base. I really have no complaints. Must see in Oregon!!

If your into just relaxing or want to hike or do water activities, there is something for everyone. We went to relax and enjoy the pool and work on our tans, but there is plenty to do and see in this area.

This is a beautiful drive in one of the better ones in the Pacific Northwest. Just be sure that you're a passenger in the vehicle and not the driver so you can really take in the sights

This area is so beautiful. We only spent one full day here and wished we could’ve spent more! So many views, hikes, waterfalls....even just driving the interstate you get to enjoy it. Would definitely recommend taking time to spend in this area.

This is a beautiful drive. There are several waterfalls that can be viewed from the road as well as several which require short hikes. I recommend going early before the crowds and tours start. Definitely recommend stopping at vista house!

Separating the middle of the states of Washington and Oregon, the mighty Columbia is home of shipping, sightseeing, and water sports. Roadways on either side of the Columbia-state route 14 on the Washington side and I-84 and US-30 on the Oregon side-provide visitors with excellent views and viewpoints, with a handful of bridges from just east of The Dalles to Troutdale, just east of Portland. Trails and waterfalls dot the Oregon side along US-30, but even just driving I-84 is a worthwhile endeavor. The Washington side is more rural, with some nice viewpoints just west of the toll bridge to/from Hood River.

A nice trip along the gorge. Many places to stop and enjoy. Beutiful nature and the scenary is so nice.

Our friend who was visiting us from Paris, France relied upon us for things to do while visiting Portland. The first item on the list was a drive along the historic Columbia Valley highway featuring a stop at the Vista House and Multnomah fall.

The Columbia Gorge is like no place on earth. There are thousands of things to do and see in this area.

Wow. Lots of hikes and several waterfalls along the way. Truly jaw dropping. Inspiring to see such beauty.

We enjoyed driving down the gorge on both sides of the river. We were interested in the damn and also the fish hatchery. At the damn we were able to go into the Visitor Center and see the salmon swimming Upstream it was remarkable.

Take your time and explore every aspect that you possibly can all along both sides of the Gorge (Oregon and Washington). We've made two trips now, and have loved every minute, from the waterfalls, to the scenic view points, to the interesting people we've met along the way. Be aware that food and restrooms are few and far between along the Gorge, and there are only 2 bridges across the river between Portland and The Dalles (the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks) and the Hood River bridge), and both are toll bridges. Explore and soak it all in!

Driving from Portland to Bridge of the God’s. The views are stunning. Several spots to stop along the way and enjoy river views, water falls, and other scenic beauty.

Right after passing the Dalles area I looked up to the south side of the Highway I-84 , and to my surprise there were several Big Horn sheep grazing on the slope!

I, absolutely, love the Columbia River Gorge ! It’s got everything! Love the trails! Get out on the River! The Trainer (RN)* Personal Trainer, “One On One Only”

The trip up the Columbia is a learning experience, both in terms of US history as well as in terms of geologic history. This is not the Grand Canyon or anything close, but it has its own majesty and story to tel..

So many waterfalls to see. Download the Gorge Trip app for $1. Worth it. Multiple levels of hiking. Parking can be challenging, but not impossible. We visited in March. Imagine it to be more difficult during peak season.

I strongly recommend making a reservation with the Waterfall Trolley a Hop-on/Hop-off trolley that allows you to see all 10 waterfalls in the area as well as the most amazing views of the river from Vista House. The trolley has an excellent price and is very easy to use. This made our trip fabulous. A day earlier, before we took the trolley, we discovered that you must have a permit with a scheduled time in order to see the waterfalls - you can drive by not can't stop or park without the permit. The trolley allowed us to stop at any of the waterfalls that we wanted to and we didn't need to figure out where to park or have to get the permit. It was totally awesome. We also got lots of history of the area (recording) as well as the driver provided lots of guidance of the area and what would be the best for us to see. He was amazing, friendly and a wealth of information. This made our trip the best.

Take Hwy 14 on the Washington side and stop at Maryhill Winery for wine, a snack and the views. Take a spin to the Rowena overlook and then head to Hood River for some great dining. We will be back!

It was beautiful! We were there on a very hot Monday, and it was still quite crowded. We got lucky securing a spot in the small Multnomah parking lot.

We loved our visit to this area! The view are beautiful and driving along the river coast was wonderful!

We spent four days wine tasting and touring the area. The scenery is spectacular with waterfalls, cliffs, a wide river and a dormant, snow covered volcano. There was also a dam, fish ladder and licks to see. Very enjoyable mini-vacation.

Incredible drive through along the gorge. Plenty of places to eat and stay along the way. So many winery’s to stop and visit. No brainer!

Words fail me! Just continuous beautiful vistas. We stayed in two different hotels overlooking the Gorge and vistas were beyond description. My first trip to Oregon but hopefully not my last. View from Westcliffe Lodge in Hood River

The old Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway is an easy drive from Portland, and there are also tours March to November.
The highway goes right up to the bases of several waterfalls, and literally goes around Vista House. So if you are physically limited, you can still see some wonderful sights.
For the more adventurous, there are trails up to the tops of several of the falls, including a 2.5 miles round trip hike to the top of Multnomah Falls that goes up over 800 feet - pretty strenuous for an old guy like me, but very doable and worthwhile.

This is such a beautiful area! We had a fantastic day hiking up to waterfalls and visiting wineries. What a great mix of activities!

We loves Oregon and one of the best area us the drive alklong the Columbia river gorge. It is peaceful, beautiful and just perfect for a picnic in one of the overlook or rest area and also to take amazing pictures.

We were recommended this route by a friend from our motor club and it is worth it. For the best views and points of interest stay on the historic route 30 and avoid the highway. Think about the time of day for the best light. Drive the south side in the afternoon and the northside in the mornings. Check out one of the fish hatcheries- definitely worth a stop to view the salmon run during the season. Do drive at least as far as The Dalles for some incredible canyon and prarie vistas. There is plenty of accommodation and eating options at the The Dalles and Hood River.

Fun to watch the surfers in the river from the walk along the Hood River Waterfront Park. Lots of places to enjoy the views.

Awesome visit to the beautiful area. I could live here in a minute. So much to see and do. What a wonderful place !

The whole drive along the Columbia River from Portland to Hood River is just amazing. Stop and see many spots and views along the way - both the Oregon and Washington sides of the river are stunning!

More to see here than we ever imagined. A lot of the old trail has gone or has been closed due to fire but there is still loads to see and do. Visit Hood River for great restaurants and shops. Cascade Locks to see the native american fishing and the sternwheeler. Bonneville Dam is also a great stop off

We have been on the old scenic highway and seen all these beautiful falls and hiked the trails. This time we were able to visit Multnomah Falls, but the scenic road west from there is mostly closed for work clearing dead trees and loose rocks/rock falls. If you approach the falls from the west and take the Corbett exit you will be able to get to Crown Point and the spectacular views there plus continue on to a few of the waterfalls.

Three stars for a brilliant view?

Unfortunately although a great spot to view the gorge it was hazy so it was a minimum view but I bet on a good day a picnic awaits!

Pay little attention to this review if you get the chance to see it!

Wife and I took a day of our Pacific NW vacation to drive along the highway and visit all the waterfalls. It was amazing. If you truly want to experience God's handiwork in nature, take this trip and see all the beauty of vegetation, waterfalls, the river, etc. Highly recommend. Pictures truly cannot do it justice.

Always enjoy my drive through the Gorge. Was glad to see it still is beautiful even after the severe fires they had there last year.

The scenic view from bottom and top . The true awesome rapid water from the top to the bottom of the falls so gorgeous. You look from bridge down to the pond below looks like a heart check the pictures

We couldn't drive on the scenic highway as it was closed due to the fire, but I-84 was quite a beautiful drive. Stopped at Bridal Veil Falls (beautiful), Multnomah Falls (beautiful but too touristy and crowded - perhaps because the trail was closed). Planned to stop at Horsetail Falls, but could not access it because of the road closure. The guide at Multnomah recommended Starvation Creek Falls and we are so glad he did. It was beautiful and secluded with only a few people there. We had a lovely picnic near the base of the falls.

I embarked on this trip for Mother’s Day with my husband and adult son,thinking how wonderful to spend this time together with them, it was a very scenic trip and the weather was fabulous on this sunset cruise for dinner. On this trip you get a bit of the history of the gorge, view wild life, a sunset if the weather permits, and dinner.
The ship is run down and in need of some cleanup and sprucing. It is dark dreary and very used looking.
The dinner service was ok but, the food was another story for the price that is paid. The dinner salad was the saddest looking I have ever seen. The main course was very tiny served with limited vegetables which, were under cooked. Carrots that were baby, whole, and needed cutting. Hope to shout that they don’t go flying across the table and hit someone! The dessert choices were simple and the usual of the typical cheesecake,chocolate and fruit choices. Along with a special choice of a caramel crunch layer cake that was an up charge-if you chose it. This being a tacky situation for you and your server. After paying 258. For dinner for 3 (paid extra for the window seat and the preboarding picture . I understand that we need to pay more for alcohol, we each had two cocktails...total with tip was 360.00.
I feel this was not worth what is being charged. I get that it is a business and they need to make money, I own a business too.
But this is seriously not worth it. Drive the gorge to Hood River and have a wonderful dinner there. There are so many excellent restaurants there to visit and the views are equally rewarding.

We drive this stretch of I84 between the Tri Cities and Portland, and it's beautiful in a different sort of way each season. While generally a safer option than most mountain passes in the winter (due to low elevation), it can be subject to icy conditions so always check out road reports if there has been any weather in the area. Lots of cool little stops along the way. Be sure to check out the restaurant scene in Hood River, and stop for photos at one of the numerous waterfalls as you get near Portland.

The gorge is a wonder that we who live in the Pacific Northwest treasure! Wines and fruit, amazing scenery, hiking, windsurfing, memorable bridges--so much to do. We live in the Gateway to the
Gorge so we often drive into the gorge when we want to get away anytime of the year except in the dead of winter when the roads are often icy between Portland and the gorge.

If you've never been you need to go. The sheer size of the gorge is impressive, but the addition of fog, colors, waterfalls, bends in the river . . . make it a truly beautiful place. Took some people from Louisiana and they had their eyes glued out the window.

There is so much to see and do. We explored the fish hatcheries, the drive along the gorge, the sights are lovely.

There are many things to enjoy.

The drive along the south shore of the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most scenic drives we've ever taken. In my opinion is rivals California's Pacific Coast Highway for scenic beauty. Our biggest disappointment was that most of the Historic Columbia River Highway has been closed due to the 2017 forest fires in the middle gorge, which leaves I-84 as the only option for exploring much of the southern side of the gorge, which does not lend itself to leisurely sight-seeing if you know what I mean. Nevertheless, even with that restriction the gorge, from The Dalles to Corbett, was a true natural wonder to behold. (Local Route 30 west of The Dalles offers a low-speed alternative to I-84 at least as far west as Hood River.)

I live here in the beautiful Columbia Gorge. I grew up here... our family moved to this area in 1963.... in the mid 80's the windsurfing phenomenon "discovered" the gorge and the federal gov't also created the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, an 80K+ acre national park that straddles both sides of the Columbia River from just east of PDX to the Deschutes River and Maryhill Winery on the upper end. There is an abundance of sights to see, things to do and places to go.... too many to list really. Those who live here, love it. Those who don't, wish they did. Come explore, enjoy and see if this is the place you might like to call "home" too. It's unbelievably beautiful.

from the moment you cross the sandy river you will experience the beauty of the Columbia River and the Cascade range as you follow I84 East. From the Vista overlook to the monolith and on to the Dam at Bonneville the sheer beauty envelops you. On to Hood River and its quaint downtown filled with microbreweries and wineries and Cider shops and the windsurfing capital of the Universe the sights abound. The topography changes as you approach Mosier and the contrasts of the high desert hills come into view. Finally, the gorge opens up to the amazing wineries of the Columbia Valley with Walla Walla and Yakima close by. When visiting the Northwest the Gorge is a must see!

This place is designated as a national scenic area for good reason. You would be hard-pressed at every twist and turn of the road not to find a beautiful view! We were there on a rather Misty, rainy September morning, but somehow it just added to the ethereal quality of the mountain views. Truly a stunning place and a stunning drive.

Abundance of hiking trails and waterfalls, even driving on I-84 along the Columbia river is a joy. Plenty of raptors, beautiful geography and lots of trees.

My favorite drive of all times is the drive through the Gorge from Portland past The Dallas! Just breathtaking

The Columbia Gorge is so beautiful in the fall. Driving from Portland the leaves are changing and the day was sunny. Take a hike, eat in town, i walked around the sjops. The people are friendly. Such a lovely place to visit for a day or weekend.

Beautiful drive along the Columbia River with several scenic stops for viewing, Be sure to see the Multnomah Falls and the lodge there for dining....very nice.

The Columbia River Gorge is spectacular. It is worth a half or full day to see it all. The best parts start outside of Portland along I-84 eastbound. It parallels the Columbia River and ends at Hood River. It's approximately 40 miles long one way and takes about an hour to drive or two hours for a round trip.

Having visited the area you are not experiencing the best parts if you skip stops along the way and only do a drive by. I highly recommend visiting Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls. The hikes are less than a half mile round trip. The paths are easy and the views are stunning.

There are more falls to visit, but they have longer hikes that take time. You should have proper shoes and water for those hikes.

The single biggest issue with every stop is parking and crowds. My personal recommendation is to go in the spring or fall when it's off season. We were able to find parking right at the falls. There is no way we would have been able to park in the middle of the summer. Consider using a shuttle out of Portland that does hop on/hop off all day if you are visiting in peak summer season. The shuttles stop running out of season.

We drove from Portland to Hood River then down to Mt Hood. Beautiful all the way. Stop at the overlook and the falls. We traveled off peak - the week after Labor Day- so the crowds were manageable as was the traffic and parking. The road south from the river offers great views of Mt Hood. We took our time and it required about half a day. Timberline Lodge is a great place to stop and relax after the drive.

The gorge has many beautiful vistas despite recent forest fires. The hikes in the areas have always been well known for their gorgeous waterfalls, cliffs, views of the gorge, and rare wildflowers. I have enjoyed the area now for more than 3 decades. My favorites include Eagle Creek's Tunnel Falls, Triple Falls, Wahkeena Falls,Angels Rest, Beacon Rock, and Wahclella Falls.

We went with our son, his wife and 3 kids ages 8, 6, & 4. This was a delightful day to go because people were practicing for the sailboarding contest the next day. I saw 44 right in front of us. There were also cleared paths to take and the kids enjoyed the rock wall, climbing equipment, and spiny toys! It was breezy so you might want a jacket and a cap!

Such a beautiful site. Love coming, hiking, biking and just hanging. The shopping, breweries, the food, not to be missed.

The route through the Columbia River Gorge takes one along the Columbia River for many miles. The area is incredibly beautiful, with forests, waterfalls, and streams to take in. It is fascinating to see how the river created the many distinctive layers through the earth during the thousands of years of the formation of the Gorge. There is no shortage of paces to stop for photos, sustenance, or any other needs. The beauty and splendid scenery of the entire gorge is mesmerizing, magnificent and most memorable.

A place of tradition in class. The grounds are lovely and the location on the river is hard to beat. A place of tradition and history They have done a nice job of retaining that feel right down to keeping the old wooden doors That were needed before the air-conditioning was installed.

Viewed the gorge from both sides of the Columbia - stunning and beautiful - look forward to recreating on that water someday

Drive on the Washington side! We drove down the Gorge from Hood River to Stevenson on the Washington side of the river as part of our travels from California to Washington. Way better than the Oregon side (which we have done previously) First, the drawbridge across the river at Hood River is really cool. Then as you drive along 14, the close-up views of the river and the amazing steep mountains on the other side are wonderful. You drive through a couple of tunnels too on this side as you follow the train tracks. We even saw a train.

This is a very beautiful venue. It is also very long. The price is right - no cost. You need a car. You also need to get off the interstate and take route 30 to get the whole experience.

Posted reviews at individual stops but overall this is a great day trip from Portland. We had a car rental, not sure how to do it without your own wheels.

Image shows a very helpful map we were given when visiting last week to show what is currently open and closed. You are able to access vista house, Latourell Falls, and bridal veil via the Columbia River highway but then must get back on 84 to get to multnomah falls.

This is a definite “MUST SEE” for anyone visiting the West Coast of America! But get off the I-84 Freeway and follow the old
Columbia River Gorge Highway at 45 mph for maximum enjoyment! Stop at every one of the many waterfalls and soak in their peace and tranquility. Your trip will be longer... but you will have a lifetime of memories!

Family get together at the Gorge. Loved the hatcheries around. Enjoyed watching the gianormous sturgeons swimming at the own pace. Walterfalls were magnificent. Hikes to the waterfalls were worthwhile

My family of 4 rented the Ebikes to tour the 5 waterfalls and it was fantastic. We picked up the bikes at a meeting spot near Bridal Falls, there is no store front, but a pull off which was easy to find. Taylor gave us a quick overview of how the bikes work. He also gave us very helpful tips on what to do and what to see. We rented the bikes for 4.5 hours but didn't need that much time. We did pack a lunch and enjoyed eating at the Overlook in Bridal Falls. The bikes allowed us to see all the falls in a fun and easy manner. They were easy to ride and we felt very safe the whole time. We highly recommend renting from Ebike Multnomah!

Having always heard about the Columbia River Gorge, this summer we had the opportunity finally to drive it. It was indeed beautiful. We had some wet weather, but that didn't stop the fun or obscure the beauty. We had brought raingear, and still enjoyed hiking the trails to the numerous waterfalls along the way. Hood River and the drive to Mt. Hood was also a great experience, along with the many farm stands in the area.

This is a drive you can just do in a car, enjoying the scenic pullouts. Or, a drive you can doddle along, doing hikes, eating, sleeping, etc. You'll enjoy it either way, and enjoy spectacular views.

Beautiful area with a ton of things to do. Great hiking in the area as well. I recommend the book Curious Gorge which lists all of the hikes in the area. A great event in this area is the Hood River Half Marathon which beings and ends in Hood River.

We were on a river cruise with American Cruise Lines, starting in Portland, Oregon. The ship was comfortable and the hospitality great, but it was the awesome Columbia River that stole the show. It's big, wide and constantly changing. The excursions were also very good, but we thought of them as a bonus.

Take old scenic route 30 and you will have many turnouts to look at the over 90 waterfalls they have in the area. The top 3 are Multnomah, Bridal veil and horseshoe, but there are many more with TONS of pull offs and hiking. The highway is faster and you get to see them from afar as you travel down the gorge.

Discovered the Gorge in the 1990s. The drive from Portland is spectacular no matter which side you drive on but the scenery "up river" beyond Hood river is amazing. You leave the clouds and trees behind to discover that high prairie can be beautiful. Get info from Friends of The Gorge on hikes, drives,etc. You can spend two weeks just getting introduced and a lifetime discovering the nooks and crannies ( of which there are many).

This Gorge is very pretty and still one of my favorite things to visit when I am in Portland. Its interesting to drive on both sides of the river. Beautiful till a bit before the Dallas.
From the multnomah hiking trail quite some nice views of the river. ( consider the long hike after the top of these falls, there still a bunch of other nice less busy falls).
They have some good kitesurfing spots in the river.

Always beautiful! Be sure to stop at Monmouth Falls! It’s free & breathtaking.
Our fav brewery is River Tap in The Dalles.

If you can work this into a road trip, or can plan a few days to play along this river, do it! Incredible views for miles and miles, great water sport options and hikes too!

We stopped at Vista House, Horse tail falls and Latourell falls. All were beautiful and required little walking to enjoy the views. Tried to go to Multhumah falls, but it was too crowded and that was on a weekday in May. Can't imagine what it's like in the summer, but the drive on Rt 30 and the places we stopped were just beautiful.

We love visiting nature from a car. We love driving through fantastic scenery and stopping at vista points to take photos. This drive is perfect for our tastes. The scenery is breathtaking and there are masses of stopping points. From the Columbia River itself to breathtaking waterfalls, this trip had it all. Drive it and you too will love it.

Our two families with kids from 10 -15 had challenging but safe hikes on both the Oregon and Washington side of the Columbian River. Unfortunately many of the Oregon trails were still closed due to the Eagle creek fire in 2017 but you can still visit Multnomah Falls, hike part of the a Pacific Coast trail or the Dalles. The longer trails are only open on the Washington side. Wind mountain was a great family hike with amazing views of the gorge, Mt Hood , Mt St Helens and Mt Adams.

If you visit the northwest Columbia River Gorge is a must see! It is simply awesome! The best way to view it is along the historic Columbia highway 30. Waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Enjoy some of the best views around. Stop in the small towns and enjoy friendly people and great drinks and food. Best Pizza is in Bingen, WA at Beneventi's Pizza and the best dinner is in White Salmon at Feast.

We stayed at the Columbia Gorge Hotel for a few days. Very quaint and the food was excellent. From hear you can travel along the river and relish the scenery. The Multnomah Falls are a must to see. Go early so you can park right by the falls because parking is very limited. Be sure to have breakfast at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. This is not an overnight lodge but it is historic and the restaurant is very good.

Stunning scenery and awesome display of what mother nature can do over thousands of years. Waterfalls everywhere, great for sports, fishing and something for the whole family especially in Hood River

Driving through the Columbia Gorge as the sun goes down is a lovely experience. The colors are breathtaking! (If you drive on the Oregon side the sun won’t be in your face, if you drive on the Washington side bring sunglasses!)

14-15 trips here 2001-2013 because we loved it. Have lived here for six years because we love it. Not inexpensive, but can't beat being on vacation year round.

The Columbia River Gorge is quite scenic. The terrain and scenery change quite dramatically as you drive along. At Hood River (and to the east), the climate is fairly drive and less trees on the hillsides. However, go west a bit and it becomes more of a rain forest and higher cliffs on both sides of the river.

Travelling East of Portland, towards the Dalles and Mt Hood (a big ski area). Along the scenic route highway, passing numerous waterfalls, running parallel with the wide Columbia river. A highlight being a stop at both the Vista House and the Multnomah Falls - nestled between the Cascade Mountains with stunning views of the Columbia River. Travelling as far the township of Mt Hood - a popular place for locals and tourists alike. Very scenic and a pleasant day’s drive.

The gorge is great to visit as in both sides of the river is dotted with small towns. Each has great places to eat and smalls shops. Just east of portland it’s easy to hop in the car or on your bike an go for the day.

Even after the wild fire this fall, the Gorge is still beautiful. The fall leaves of orange, yellow & red certainly help make up for some of the scorched areas.
We were happy to see the stunning views were nearly the same.

Took a whole day to visit. Portland to Maryhill museum and back. Visiting several waterfalls and a few hikes

We took a day and drove from Portland to Hood River. It is a beautiful trip and there are several spots to stop and take pictures and see waterfalls.

The Columbia River Gorge Is one the Most Amazing Places to visit in The Northwest. There is beauty year around. It has all Four Seasons. Winter to Summer. Take your pick. Very relaxing to go and just spent a weekend or more. So many places to see and visit some of the most amazing towns in the area. From The Dalles to Cascade Locks. Bonneville Dam is a great place to take children and feed the large trout and see the huge sturgeon also. Don't be afraid to check out both sides of the river. You can make a loop from The Dalles to Cascade Locks. A bridge spans the river in both Towns. This area has wonderful places to stay, and also some of the finest and fun restaurants you will ever encounter. Great area for all Couples, Family of all ages, Friends, or Singles. Give it a try. Relax and have Fun.

What a beautiful area! We did the Route 14 from Portland to Maryhill on the Washington side and old Route 30 from The Dalles to Hood River. Spectacular views from the top! Lots to see. Good restaurants, beautiful falls, and wineries. Did not like the museum in The Dalles but the area is worth a visit for sure.

Spectacular scenes in the Columbia River Gorge. 2 suggestions -Take an extra 30 minutes to take “old Hwy 30” between The Dalles & Hood River to enhance your experience AND stop by Bonneville Lock & Dam.

Drove the gorge all the way to Mayhill and back. Stopped at Rooster Rock, the Dalles, Hood River City, Maryville, Beacon Rock.

Drove around and visited few places and good restaurants ! nice place to spend a day with friends or family. Nice waterfalls to take photos.

Such a beautiful natural place to visit. The panoramic views were tremendous, hundreds of hiking opportunities, waterfalls to visit. it would have been fun to be on the water to see a different view. Bring food and beverages as places close by 9pm.

We drove around and visited several business and resturants in the Hood River area. So many beautiful area's and things to see. Would have liked to stayed longer but we will be back.

We saw the Columbia River Gorge from Bonneville Dam to Troutdale. We loved all of our stops : The Bonneville Dam, the Fish Hatchery, Multnomah Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Latourell Falls and Vista House. The other falls were unreachable in June 2018 because the road and the complete area around those falls was closed due to a forest fire in 2017.

Gorge stands for gorgeous views along the way and especially if you can get up at the highest point such as what we used to call Rooster Rock. But from Portland to The Dalles and beyond, you see the Columbia River and other beauty spots. Multnomah Falls, Crown Point, lots of places to stop and enjoy, Bridge of the Gods, Horsetail Falls, Bonneville Dam and great areas just to get out and relax.

We went on the dinner cruise and it was wonderful. The food was great and the staff was very accommodating. I would definitely recommend it.....great for a group people. Our group had so much fun and enjoyed the cruise very much, BTW, the dress is variable ..we were stuck in traffic for over an hour due to a seven car accident and drove straight to the cruise....we had everything from shorts to jeans on....Some other participants wore dresses or nice shirts and slacks...

No one cares.

Although nowhere near as beautiful as the Grand Canyon it has its moments. Many of the good Vistas are hidden through the trees. Sometimes you have to stop and climb a mountain somewhere to see the real Beauty. But still if you have time to explore it's a wonderful place

The Columbia River Gorge is a must see! Plenty of photo opportunities, hiking, waterfalls, wildflowers, scenic drives, etc. This area is so beautiful and it’s waterfall after waterfall. I loved every minute of our trip and would love to come back again someday!

Whether you're just driving by or participating in some water activity, Columbia River Gorge is a great spot in Oregon. The drive along the river is very scenic, and activities on the water include boating, jet skiing, kite boarding, flyboarding, water skiing, etc., etc. There's something for everyone, I should think!

The Columbia River Gorge has to be one of the best places for landscape photography. Strongly recommend spending several days hiking to the various waterfalls. It is well worth the effort. The weather can frequently be wet, windy and cold so recommend dressing appropriately.

Wonderful kiting at a world famous location. The town itself is a cozy, sleepy little retreat with wonderful restaurants and sites.

We were expecting a boring long drive to Portland from Walla-Walla was the exact opposite stunning scenery and changes as you get to Portland along the Columbia River, did not take the inter state instead used route 14 till Hood bridge to get onto the inter state, you can stop more easily

The Columbia River Gorge stretches for 80 miles from the coast inland and it the home to many iconic natural sights in the United States including Multnomah Falls, Mt. Hood, Bridal Veil and Beacon Rock. You could spend a month and not see and do it all.

I have to pinch myself often as I drive through this incredible beauty. The Columbia River Gorge is filled with lush greenery and majestic mountains. You must visit at least once in your lifetime.

Our tour guide TJ was outstanding, learned some interesting history, beautiful scenery, I would do this tour again in a heartbeat if TJ was the guide.

Truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen! The river, the mountains, the gorgeous trees- and such an interesting thought that just across the river you’re in another state! Everyone should visit!

This area of Oregon has spectacular views. It also have charming small towns with great restaurants and Inns. And, of course, wineries. Truly a must-visit place!

The Columbia River has carved out a gorgeous valley, with cliffs, water, parks, boats, all in a mix of beauty. The weather is interesting as well, making for different photographic opportunities from every angle. We really enjoyed the two lane drive on the Washington side. Stop at the parks and views along the way. Best time of year here is fall.

The Columbia River Gorge offers so much!! You can take the old highway and get closer to the parks and beautiful waterfalls. There are many stops along the way with well-maintained trails, clean bathrooms and picnic/eating areas. You can make your way to rivers, ponds, hikes or fishing. There's literally something for everyone! IF you want to hike quite a distance or a short 30 minute jaunt, both are available within miles of each other. Taking the Oregon side offers a faster highway (unless you take the side, older highway) - or the Washington side has a more narrow, winding (yet better weather!) highway with more trail options. Both sides offer opportunities to visit local wineries with relaxed, friendly tasting facilities. You can't go wrong taking a one day, three day or even week-long trip along the Gorge!

We only had a few hours to visit the highlights of the historic road, but we made the most of it! Several waterfalls can easily be seen from the road. Vista house is a quick but beautiful stop. Research the gorge and figure out what appeals to you most and go!

Whether you want to hike, water sports, shop, eat, drink it is the perfect place for all. Absolutely beautiful

While the scorched and burned trees are quite visible between Wyeth and Troutdale, along with most of the waterfall trails are still closed, there is still a lot of green to be seen on the drive through the Columbia River Gorge. The trail to the lower observation point of Multnomah Falls is open.

We returned to have another stellar day at the Coluumbia River Gorge. We enjoyed seeing the year round waterfalls. Views from the Vista House of the Columbia River area always stunning. We went to th fish hatchery. Its always fun to see, especially the sturgeon area.

We went to the dam. We had lunch in Cascade Locks and drove across to the Washington side via the Bridge of the Gods.

There is always a lot to do in the area. We did not have good views as we sometimes do of the moutnains as it was a somewhat drizzly day.

Make no mistake this is a therapeutic drive, especially if you have time to stop at the waterfalls and overlooks. We found the Mitchell Overlook on the south side particularly good. However, the view is different depending on which side you are driving and the time of day as well as the season. I'd say it takes several visits to fully appreciate what's there. We diverted half way back between Hood River and Portland on the north (Washington) side of the river to take in dramatic views of Mt. St. Helens but this will consume an extra hour or so of time. We thought it was worth the detour. Be aware that many roads in this area are closed in April and even later because of snow and other driving hazards, so check before setting out.

Be sure to visited Multnomah Falls and dine at the restaurant on site. Easy walk up to the view from the bridge.

We had an absolutely wonderful time driving through the Columbia River Gorge! The fall foliage, the mountains in the distance and the incredible waterfalls made for a picture perfect day.

Nice area with very scenic waterfalls, hills and the river. There are yours or you can always just rent a car and drive there since it's pretty straight forward.

We live in Portland, so we have been to the Gorge many times. We had not been there since the wildfires engulfed numerous acres last Summer. Even with the horrific burn it is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen.
If you are traveling to Portland, make time to drive to the gorge. Hood River is a charming town on the Columbia River just an hour from Portland, and will give you an opportunity to soak in the gorge and have some nice amenities too. I recommend a river view room at Columbia Cliffs Hotel.
Currently I believe the historic Columbia River Hwy is closed while they clean up from the fires. If open, it is also a must see. Check out many beautiful waterfalls along this route, and soak in Oregon history. Many easy hikes around the various falls. My favorite falls is Bridal Veil. See which one is yours! Multnomah falls of course is a can’t miss, but there are many other cool falls. I just discovered s new one last weekend at the Columbia Gorge Hotel.
You can cross the river and return on the Washington side for a different view. Skamania Lodge in Stephenson a great spot to spend the night on the way back if you have the time. Tons of great breweries up and down both sides of the river from Cascade Locks, OR to Hood River and The Dalles up to White Salmon, and down to Washougal, WA on the way back-lots in between. Do your research if this is of interest to you. Also wineries in Hood River and a great Cidery in Mosier, OR, a tiny community just East of Hood River.
If you make it to the Dalles, there is a cool, historic hotel in Dufur, OR, South of the Dalles called Balch Hotel.
Make time to soak it all in.
Oh, and aside from all of my boozy recommendations, there are a lot of amazing hikes. One of my faves is on the Washington side-Beacon Rock. Go on a clear day for incredible views and a relatively easy hike. Great for active kids too. For a beautiful, but nut busting day hike, check out Dog Mountain, also on the WA side. Go in May when the wildflowers are in bloom-wowza!

Driving from California to Washington State, the route took us along the Columbia River for many miles. The area is incredibly beautiful. It was fascinating to see how the river creates the many distinctive layers through the earth during the thousands of years of the formation of the Gorge. At times viewing the flow of the River and the River’s sculpting of the rocks, was mesmerizing!

Spent the night in Hood River & enjoyed the small town atmosphere & some great food at a local eatery. Everyone was so friendly!

We traveled to the gorge as first timers. We went to Vista House at crown point. Wonderful views and Art Deco style architecture for the building. Easy in and out. We stopped at latourell falls, bridal veil etc. traveling west on I-84 they did not allow traffic to enter gate to Multonah Falls. We loved the Bonneville locks visit. Caught up with a private group of college students being given a tour by a ranger. They said we could join them. We learned a lot, got to see the turbines, why they shoot firecrackers, how they are working to improve the mortality of the fish. And of course we got to see the locks in action. Later we double backed on I-84 west and got into the gate for Multonah Falls. Drove through Cascade and the next day drove over the Bridge of Gods. It’s a bridge. The story is far more interesting.

This is a beautiful drive with many gorgeous stops along the way. Sadly we only had a half day to explore -- we could've spent days doing day trips in the area. Come, bring your camera and a relaxed schedule so you can see the sights.

It's beautiful and there is some much to see and do. Last year's fire took away some of the hiking and the Pacific Crest trail. Yet the gorge is still gorgeous. Come play in the gorge .

Enjoyed the waterfalls and hikes. There is more to see and it’s all picturesque. My. Hood is close, lavender farms, much history to enjoy.

Have spent the last couple of days visiting various sights down the river. This area is definitely worth taking the time and effort to visit. Many different types of things to see and things that will appeal to different age groups.

The entire drive through the gorge was beautiful. There are several hikes you can checkout in this area

The Columbia Gorge is where I come to rest and recharge. The natural beauty is unparalleled and so peaceful.

The drive up the riverfront from Portland is amazing. So many beautiful waterfalls and so much water. It's a fantastic trip. A must see when in the area.

The whole drive along the Columbia River Gorge is so beautiful. There are many waterfalls, parks, hiking trails, and other points of interest.

We were in the Gorge area from Mary Hill Winery in Washington down to Hood River on the Oregon side. The kite surfers were fun to watch in the Hood River area. We did not get to see the falls because of fires.

The Columbia River Gorge has some spectacular scenery and so many things to do, from shopping crafts and antiques, to sampling beers at the valley's many craft breweries. Don't miss driving the historic sections of highway 30, which offer incredible views out over the river valley. Also, loads of beautiful waterfalls.

This area is wonderful for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a long vacation. The warmer months offer dozens of activities and local events. But even in the winter you'll find indoor and outdoor adventures, museums, and fun local haunts.

Beautiful place for a road trip during the pandemic. We drove through the gorge heading west, and initially the view was obstructed by thick smoke from a nearby fire. But once we reached Mt. Hood, the smoke somehow lifted and we were able to enjoy the section between Mt. Hood and Portland, which I believe is the most beautiful part. Part of the scenic byway and most of the waterfalls were still closed because of covid. We were excited that the most well known waterfall, Multnohmah was open for visitors during the day. I'm happy to see that outside venues are opening again. With little effort, visitors can socially distance outside, and I don't understand why the state keeps trails and parks closed. If open, I highly recommend driving the scenic route instead of the freeway, views are vastly better and you have the opportunity to pull over for great pictures. The scenic way is windy and steep at times, while the freeway route is wide and flat. I would recommend checking ahead of time what is open so you aren't disappointed when you arrive.

Spectacular drive out of Portland. Lots of pull offs, water falls, and hikes of you are into that sort of thing. Great experience, highly recommend.

One of the most amazing places in the world. Take a long slow drive down one side and stop everywhere you can, then cross a bridge and return on the other side. Beautiful

I would give this a 10/10 all day every day! It is a beautiful atmosphere to experience even during a pandemic! They continue to serve the most amazing cider we have ever had! The you pick here is abundant! It’s just a great place to spend the day!

One of the most beautiful places in the United States. A lot cooler than Florida. Many sites to visit

The Columbia River Gorge with it's hiking trails and waterfalls is a normally a fabulous experience. It was damaged last year by a huge fire and many of the trails are closed. Best to check with Hood River Country Sheriff and put off your visit until the burned areas are stabilized and open up again.

My GF traveled to the Columbia River Gorge for a weekend getaway from our home in Hillsboro. Driving along Rte 14 on the Washington side gives you a more relaxing drive with much views than 84 on the Oregon side.

No matter what time of year (even in the hard winter, if the roads are clear enough), traveling along either side of this amazing geographic wonderland, the Columbia River, is sure to bring ooo's and ahhh's! The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular as they reflect on the water. There are so many spots to stop for picnics, hikes, waterfall watching, picture taking. There are several little quaint communities along the highways on both the Oregon & Washington sides that hold treasures like the eclectic wind-catching sculptures in Stevenson, or the huckleberry festival in Bingen. There's fabulous ice cream in Cascade Locks and of course, the Sternwheelers. Multnomah Falls offers a whole afternoon of glorious waterfalls, scenery, hikes, gifts, and food. And don't forget historic and scenic Beacon Rock. The switchback walk to the top is a bit of a challenge, but very doable and SO worth it! Vineyards and orchards line the eastern shores, as do wineries, breweries and the best windsurfing in Hood River! All the bridges are cool (I love bridges) and you can visit Maryhill for the historic Museum, wine-tasting and the albino peacock. One of the world's most breathtaking areas!

Once you drive along the river and starting at Hood River there are numerous good wineries to visit. There are also numerous hiking trails, waterfalls and much scenery along the way. A stop at Multnomah falls provides a great view of the falls and for those more adventurous folks a hike to the falls is worth the walk

Since I live here in Portland Oregon I enjoy this beautiful drive many times in all the seasons!
It never is the same no matter how many times I travel it🥰🥰

We camped along the river and had a great time. We drove up and down the river on both sides visiting waterfalls and towns. Lots to do and lots of places to camp along the river.

In one hour from Portland, you can see one of the most amazing places in the world. Different seasons gives you a different look. Leaf colors in the fall, to frozen waterfalls in the winter, to the beautiful green hills and trees, to the dry grasslands and wildflowers in the summer. Amazing and breathtaking!

We visited the 7 falls that are located right beside the Hood river. They are all gorgeous but also somewhat similar so you may want to skip the smaller ones. Most of the falls allow you to walk all the way up by using staircase but be warned that some will require a good physical condition as they are pretty steep. Parking can also get pretty crowded during high season.

I moved to the gorge in White Salmon WA. This place is stunningly beautiful. Everyday you get to see what the weather reveals depending on the weather. We have snow, rain, fog, hail, SUNSHINE and wind!! The wind suffers are all over the Gorge and beautiful to watch. We have several parks and hiking trails. It should be on your bucket list. AMAZING VIEWS. Come to the gorge!!

Beautiful, stunning, even on a wet December day!! Perfect for a two day overnight trip out of Portland. Clouds hung low over the mountains, but the valley was still enjoyable, with short walks in state parks, to the Multnomah Falls, and around Hood River. Highway 30 between The Dallas and Hood River gives awesome views.

Visiting some of the falls along the Columbia River Gorge is a must for visitors to the area. If you are driving a rental car, as I was, I would forget about parking in any of the small lots provided for the main falls found on Route 30. I would use one of the shuttle services just off the highway exit from Portland. I chose Sasquatch which costs $10 per person plus $5 to park. There are port-a-potties there. A bus departs every 45 minutes to take you to the big falls along Route 30. The bus runs on a loop, so you can ride to each falls site. Bridal Veil falls is 150 yards up hill from the parking lot, and the Bridal Veil Post Office, the oldest in the the state is nearby. If you are ready for a 2/3 mile hike, I'd recommend getting off at Wahkeena Falls and hiking, mostly downhill, to Multnomah Falls, the biggest. That's where you'll find food and restrooms. Then take the bus to Horsetail Falls and back to your car.

Beautiful drive, great waterfalls. Love the transition when you begin in the golden, flat praries of Pendleton. Those soon become golden rolling hills, that later turn to green forested, craggy canyon walls with sweeping river views. Multnomah Falls is great, but be sure to visit the other falls nearby also. They are just as nice, and less crowded.

What an incredible part of our country! Beauty for miles with tons of water sports surrounding the area. We had warm weather and absolutely enjoyed our time in nature. Gorgeous place!

Phenomenal place. The trees are majestically tall, waterfalls are beautifully cascading to the ground. There are plenty of short and long trails for everyone, and parking spaces are ample.

I suggest that you get off the main highway and jump onto Oregon Historic 30. Take the turnouts and savor the scenery.

Just got back from 6 days in Portland. We spent one day exploring the Columbia River Gorge area. It is absolutely gorgeous - do not hesitate to make the trip there from Portland. Only regret is that we didn't spend more time there. We hiked to Dead Creek Falls, to check out the waterfall - I think it's just over 4 miles. Then went and had lunch in Hood River, walked along the waterfront. We thought we would make a quick stop at Multnomah Falls on the way back to Portland. Unfortunately, the parking lot was full and closed. We found this site super helpful for researching hikes and determining trails open/closed: gorgefriends.org

We enjoyed 2 days of driving and camping along the river/gorge. We drove on both sides of the river in both Washington State and Oregon.

I' m not sure what I can add that hasn't been said. Do NOT miss Vista House, Historic Highway 30 which will lead to Multnomah Falls & multiple other waterfalls, hiking. State parks are available for day use & camping; Rooster Rock has a clothing-optional beach. The Gorge is spectacular year round, no matter what the weather.

I've lived in Hood River for a long time and get this question often from visitors, "where is The Scenic Columbia River Gorge"? It struck me as such a funny question but after I heard it many times I realize visitors think there is a defined, specific destination - a single place where you go to see "The Scenic Columbia River Gorge".

Most travelers likely realize or figure out that it is a large area (maybe spanning 80+ miles) with many scenic places to visit and many activities to pursue from windsurfing and kiting to hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, fishing, camping and wine tasting! I could go on and on.

A short drive takes you up to some Cascade highlights like Mt Hood on the Oregon side which is open for skiing/snowboarding all summer and Mt Adams on the Washington side.

Come in the summer or fall for our best weather! Wind sports are best May through September with mid-June through August being the best months as the Columbia River water temperatures have warmed up and the winds are more consistent and predictable.

Take the highway when you can and stop by a waterfall or two... or three or four! This gorge is peaceful and beautiful and the vibe is chill and open. One of my favorite drives in the country.

Must see area if you are close to Portland. Scenic drives, more waterfalls than you could hope for (some over-crowded, some with barely anyone), some steep hikes (and some easier ones), some beaches to relax on. Definitely worth spending a day exploring. Highly recommend stopping in Hood River for lunch/dinner.

For those who wish to do this tour on their own, please know that you will be stopped by Rangers after Bridal Veil Falls if you do not have a purchased permit specifying the time slot allotted to visit. They need to enforce crowd control during high tourist season. Road is narrow & winding. Parking spaces are limited. An alternative is to ride the shuttle.

Just a great ride from Portland east up the Columbia River. Get off on historic Hwy 30 when you can as the freeway does it little justice. We did Highway 30 all the way to the Dalles ( you go on and off freeway - watch signage). Be sure to go to Crown Point a 1920's project with stunning views - can be very crowded. The downside both summer and winter is the waterfalls and other main spots are crowded with very limited parking. Want to see it, hire a bus guided tour or you will get frustrated. The Oregon south side Hwy 30 is very different from the Washington dry side Hwy 14. Lots of winerys as you proceed up, watch your drinking and driving, very curvy roads. Spend some time, see both sides which are different from night is from day. In summer get on top of the Gorge and see all the orchards and get fresh fruit. I bet you could spend weeks here, but a few days works.

Forget Portland, its riots, crime and weird people, go up the Columbia River Gorge for real views and people that work - not trust funders slumming with low lifes.

The Columbia River is one of the most scenic rivers I've ever seen. Just the drive along I-84 or 14 Highway is fantastic. Work seeing from both the OR and WA sides. Lots of falls along the way to check out along the river.

Both I-84 in Oregon and Hwy 14 in Washington are great roads to see the gorge. I-84 is a four lane highway with freeway speeds. Hwy 14 is a two lane road more rural and speeds are slower, but the views on both roads are spectacular. Take your time and enjoy the sights.

Amazing scenery and local history. We were on River cruise by American Cruise Lines. We traveled along Columbia and Snake rivers on riverboat. Awesome food and service!

Visiting Portland? A day trip up the Columbia River Gorge should be on your to-do list. Rent a car and drive up the Gorge and around Mt. Hood, about 100 miles total. There are also several tour companies running buses out of Portland. As of April 2018, many of the waterfall sites and trails are closed because of last year's wildfire, but the Gorge is still beautiful. Take a tour of the Bonneville Dam, stop by the Vista House or check out the beach on the Columbia in Hood River and have lunch at pFriem Brewery, A great day trip! Do check the weather before going.

Lots to see and do! Leave early AM as parking is often at a premium. It was pretty busy in October. The scenic drive is great, and there are plenty of spots to stop and hike to waterfalls. Latourell, Bridal Veil, and Wakeena are all worth a look in addition to the star of the show, Multnomah. Hood River is a fun place to walk around- plenty of commerce. We also did the Fruit Loop drive with great views of Mt Hood.

Incredible day along the Columbia River Gorge! Start at the View House for unending views. Gorgeous drive down the mountain along Hwy 30 to begin the waterfall visits! Do your research to choose your stops and figure out the requirements for various stops using official websites because some information listed in reviews may have changed or be slightly inaccurate.
During peak times go early! Lots of beautiful trails as well. Restaurants in the small and larger towns.
Another beautiful drive is to cross the Hood River Bridge and take a left on Hwy 14 in Washington state. Drive along the gorge and choose your stops until you reach the Bridge of the God’s to cross back into Cascade Locks, Oregon.

Gorgeous views all along the river. Old time hotels with plenty of great restaurants in the Hood River town. The river comes alive with sailboards. Every afternoon.

We drove both sides of the river crossing over at Cascade Locks and Hood River bridge. Even got a ride in the paddle steamboat. It was a beautiful day and we loved it!

The view from the scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge is absolutely beautiful. And all the lovely waterfalls along this road are an added bonus. This was a great time to be here as there were not too many tourists around yet, but the snow was gone and it's so lush and green by all the waterfalls. Huge ferns growing everywhere.

The Columbia Gorge should be one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Take your time and explore every town, water fall and view point. Truly spectacular!