Overview
The 80 miles of the Columbia River Gorge’s steep rocky sides offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world: pounding waterfalls, eagles, century-old trees, ferns, flowers, ancient rocks. This half-day of exploring and meditating on wonders with very short hikes and visits to overlooks and vistas will have you gasping in awe.
We'll visit waterfalls and overlooks, selected by our guides to include both the most iconic, like the unmissable Latourell Falls, a stunning plunge-style falls that is one of the most iconic in Oregon, and the special. Depending on weather conditions, this could include a few small hidden waterfalls and another spectacular plunge-style falls with columnar basalt. We operate rain or shine!
We'll also tell you stories, not just of the geology and botany and the oft-repeated tales of pioneers and road-builders, but also the old stories we've learned, of gods and animal spirits and the Beaver princess tragically turned into a waterfall.
Itinerary
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Duration: 45 mins
After meeting you at the starting point, 833 SE Main Street #124, we'll head out in one of our comfortable vans. The tour all takes place in the Columbia River Gorge, in the waterfall-laden western end of an 80-mile (130-km) canyon; we will drive about 35 minutes from our shop into the Gorge to start the tour.
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Duration: 40 mins
Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state and one of the most impressive, and most photographed, waterfalls in the U.S. If you're chasing waterfalls: this is the one many are seeking to catch. Our time here will include enough to go up to the iconic Benson Bridge and visit the gift shop; the hike to the top of the waterfall is long and steep, we will not include that in this tour.
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Duration: 20 mins
We will pass through the town of Bridal Veil, once home to a lumber operation that dominated the Columbia Gorge, now home to a tiny post office and a nunnery, among other things! We will stop at least once in the Bridal Veil area.
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Duration: 30 mins
This hidden waterfall is one of the state's most visited and most romantic. A 2/3 mile, 1km hike takes us down to the gorgeous spot that we believe is a genuine fairy land.
**Due to weather or traffic conditions or road closures, this waterfall is sometimes replaced with an alternative!**
Through May 2026, several construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
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Duration: 30 mins
Latourell is the most impressive of the plunge-style waterfalls, tumbling over layers of 15 million-year-old columnar and entablature basalt frosted with lichens and, according to local legend, carries the spirit of a Beaver princess who led a tragic life. At Latourell, you'll have the opportunity for a longer hike, up to 2 miles or 3 km. Breathe deep: you'll experience the rich variety of the forest with all its healing power and spiritual truths.
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Duration: 20 mins
***If time and highway construction permits***
Horsetail Falls is a favorite for summer because it is a wonderful waterfall to dip your toes in; it is also great for winter because it wows with so much spray and thunder it takes your breath away! Whenever we get a chance we will visit this beauty. One of our alternate waterfalls is Wahkeena Falls, a whole different kind of magic but also breathtaking!
Through May 2026, several construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample waterfalls in the itinerary!
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Duration: 20 mins
***Vista House is currently open limited hours and highway construction is preventing easy access through September 2025. If it is closed and schedule permits, we will stop to take photos of this architectural icon and see the view.***
At the most beautiful rest stop in Oregon, we'll stop, take a walk to the upper deck (weather permitting), learn about the architectural history, and enjoy what could be the most expensive public bathroom in the Pacific Northwest. We'll also remember the Wasco people, who found this one of their holy places.
Through May 2026, several construction projects on the highway will often change our itinerary. We will always visit at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint; we have included sample viewpoint in the itinerary!
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Duration: 35 mins
We will pass through the town of Troutdale on our way back to the city. Our 35 minute drive back to Portland includes exiting the mouth of the Columbia Gorge and passing through the quaint suburb of Troutdale.
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