Oregon Hidden Gems: Columbia River Gorge Self-Drive Guide - Waterfalls + Scenic Highways

【Core Tips】Know These to Avoid Pitfalls
✨The border river gorge between Oregon and Washington states, USA
📍Location: Along the Historic Columbia River Highway (from Troutdale in the west to The Dalles)
🚗Only 30 minutes from Portland! Recommended 1-2 days for an in-depth trip
🌈Two major highlights: densely packed famous waterfalls + vintage scenic highway

🔥【Must-Visit TOP 4】Tested and Worth It!
1️⃣ Crown Point Vista House
🕙Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (seasonal adjustments)
🌟Landmark building from 1917 👉 climb to the top for panoramic gorge views
📸Photo tip: The nearby Portland Women's Forum viewpoint offers even better shots!

2️⃣ Multnomah Falls
🌊635 feet, the tallest waterfall in the state‼️
📍Trail length: 2.4 miles to the upper falls / only 0.4 miles to the lower falls
⏰Peak season crowd hack: visit before 9 AM or after 4 PM

3️⃣ Hidden Waterfall Trio 💦
✓ Latourell Falls: horizontal cliff waterfall + 3 km Wizard of Oz trail
✓ Bridal Veil Falls: gentle bride’s veil waterfall + hidden post office
✓ Wahkeena Falls: native favorite, the most beautiful waterfall

4️⃣ Hood River Town
🏄‍ Windsurfing paradise + stunning wineries
🍷Recommended: Sunshine Mill Winery for wine tasting (don’t forget the cheese platter!)

🚗【Self-Drive Guide】Pitfall Prevention
✅Must drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
⚠️Note: runs parallel to Highway 84, don’t take the wrong road!
⛽Recommended routes:
1-day quick tour: Portland → Troutdale → waterfall hopping → Hood River
2-day deep tour: Day 1 waterfall route + Day 2 surfing/winery experience

🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】
✓ Edgefield Hotel (Troutdale)
✨Converted from a monastery + has its own brewery
👻Rumored to be haunted but super atmospheric!
✓ Hood River hotel cluster
🌉River view from the window + walking distance to restaurants

💡【Essentials Checklist】
🧥Big temperature difference between morning and night! Thin jacket is a must
👟Non-slip shoes! Waterfall trails are very slippery
🗺️Offline maps! Mountain areas often have no signal

🌟Ultimate tip:
The beauty here lies in unexpected encounters~
Stop anytime to get the best experience!