Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day
Our Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Loop Tour (led by a 5th generation local Oregonian native guide) provides an inspiring, engaging, interactive look into some of the most highly sought after attractions within an easy day's adventure of Portland. Playing, hiking, relaxing, learning about and standing mesmerized amongst the magic of our world famous waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge is an experience that is an ABSOLUTE MUST for anyone looking to discover the true beauty of what makes Oregon unique! The Columbia River Gorge plays host to the highest density of year-round waterfalls anywhere in the United States and abounds with jaw-dropping natural splendor, stunning vistas, lush old growth forests, a plethora of hiking trails and riveting Native American and pioneer history. Hood River's charming restaurants and breweries and Mt. Hood's famous Timberline Lodge and wildly beautiful vistas from 6,000' atop a snow-capped volcano make this experience like no other!
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Vista House, 40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019-9725
Guests will enjoy an interesting narration describing the cultural highlights of Portland and the surrounding area as we head towards the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway in our comfortable high-roof luxury touring van. We pass through the charming community of Troutdale on our way towards world famous waterfall row! The Columbia River Gorge plays host to the highest density of year-round waterfalls anywhere in the United States and abounds with jaw-dropping natural splendor, stunning vistas, lush old growth forests, a plethora of hiking trails and riveting Native American and pioneer history. Our first stop will be the historic Vista House (Crown Point) which dates all the way back to 1918. Guests can use our “million dollar” restroom (which serves as a museum and way station for Gorge travelers) covered in marble and mahogany and enjoy the truly incredible views which complement the elegant architecture of the building. Incredible photo opportunities abound!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Latourell Falls, Guy W. Talbot State Park., Corbett, OR
This 249-foot tall waterfall provides a wonderful example of both columnar and entablature basalt, formed by the numerous lava flows that created many of the impressive geological formations of the region. Latourell Falls is also unique in the fact that it falls straight down from the overhanging cliff above without tumbling off any other surface before hitting the ground below in an impressive eruption of mist (and rainbows) if the lighting is just right! A short trail leads down from the wooded parking area to a true feast for the senses as chartreuse-colored Golden cobblestone lichen pops brightly against the dark natural "cathedral" of lava draped in ferns, salmonberries, clovers, wild cucumber vines, wildflowers of every sort in the spring and summer and towering stands of firs and maples. Drink in the clean invigorating sent of the forest and feel the mist of the falls upon your face while invigorating the soul and the spirit!
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area, State Highway 30, Troutdale, OR 97060
Enjoy this often overlooked hidden two-tiered waterfall which tumbles 92 feet down a dramatic ravine spanned by the historic Sheppard's Dell bridge above Young's Creek which slices it's way through the lava, creating interesting shapes and features before spilling into the Columbia River. Your guide will explain why this place is so special!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, OR
This elusive 242-foot tall gem sits just off the historic highway, crashing and plunging powerfully through the lush lava landscape with multiple twists and turns before it's crystal clear outflow creek arrives at a lovely stone viewing platform boasting several benches and some interesting historical notes. There is a steep but short hike to the lower portion of the falls which is fronted by another historic and scenic bridge. Your guide will give more history as we pass by and indicate if we'll be walking more here or heading on to Multnomah Falls, depending on timing of the day and guest interest and ability level. Originally named Gordon Falls, it was renamed by the legendary mountain climbing group, the Mazamas, to better honor and feature the local Native American Yakima word, Wahkeena, which means "the most beautiful"... a name certainly more fitting of this special place!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Multnomah Falls, 53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010
Towering above this world-famous locale, 620-foot tall Multnomah Falls looms large as the 2nd-tallest year round waterfall, Oregon's tallest cascade, and one of the crown jewels of "waterfall row"! Take in the falls from the viewing platform at the base or hike the short switchback trail through lush temperate rainforest vegetation leading to the historic Benson Bridge built in 1914. This 45’ long "deck arch" bridge floats dramatically 105' in the air and offers visitors a miraculous view, perched directly on top of the lower falls while the spray from above adorns the experience, carried aloft by the natural wind created by the enormity of the falls themselves! While visiting this magnificent natural wonder, guests can also choose to explore the historic Multnomah Lodge which houses a restaurant with incredible views of the falls, a gift shop with plenty of postcards, restrooms, and an information center with trail maps and information about the flora and fauna of the region.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Oneonta Gorge, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
This fascinating and mostly hidden "Gorge within the Gorge" has been a local favorite of adventurous water-oriented hikers for generations. This unique slot-canyon style hike keeps three hidden waterfalls tucked away out of sight amidst the 25-million year old moss, lichen and fern-covered sheer lava cliffs which have been declared a rare and protected botanical zone by the U.S. Forest Service due to the multiple endemic species that live only here and nowhere else on the planet. There is no paved or gravel trail as waterfall seekers must hike, wade and swim through the freezing cold waters of Oneonta Creek, clambering over boulders and log jams to reach the prize of the 100' tall Lower Oneonta Falls at the end of the chasm. Middle and Upper Oneonta Falls can be viewed via longer hikes that wind through this fascinating area. A recently restored tunnel, blasted right through the basalt outcropping back in 1914 can be easily seen right from the road as we pass by and learn more!
Stop At: Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge, Columbia Gorge Map link, Hood River, OR
This 176'-tall stunning waterfall presents itself in grand fashion shockingly close to the highway with a refreshing plunge pool at its base. "Horsetail" is a larger genre of waterfalls, which also lends itself to the specific name of this beloved cascade. The easy access and aesthetically pleasing shape of the falls provides for world class photo options and a chance to appreciate its unique character and raw beauty just a few steps from the van. For adventurous folks who wish to return later to the Gorge on their own and explore further, there is also a trailhead here which leads to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls and several dizzying vistas of the dramatic and famous Oneonta Gorge. After visiting Horsetail, we'll continue on past Ainsworth State Park and rejoin the main highway 84 with several close up views of 848' tall Beacon Rock as we loop back to Portland. Enjoy expansive views of the majestic Columbia River and scenic vistas of the Washington State side of the Gorge.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Hood River, Hood River, Oregon
We continue eastwards paralleling the mighty Columbia River and enjoy the changing landscape, geology and flora as we transition between several distinct biozones. After stories of pioneers, Lewis & Clark and noteworthy local fun facts, we arrive in the extreme sports town of Hood River! This quaint and easily walkable hamlet enjoys the reputation of being one of the top 3 places in the world to kiteboard and windsurf and also boasts incredibly easy access to mountain biking, class 4 & 5 whitewater kayaking/rafting, phenomenal resort and backcountry skiing, hiking, fishing, birding, SUP’ing and sailing. This quaint town of 17,000 people is choc full of top shelf microbreweries, local winery tasting rooms, restaurants, cafes, bars, music venues, city parks, art galleries and jewelry shops. After a brief spin through town, guests will enjoy an hour or so of free time to wander through the streets, choose a restaurant of their liking and eat and drink ‘til their heart’s delight.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Fruit Loop, OR
After a delicious lunch we board our “party wagon” for a trip into the incredibly picturesque rolling foothills of Mt. Hood adorned with the orchards and vineyards of the world famous “Fruit Loop”. This area is the #1 Anjou Pear producing region in the U.S. and prides itself on growing sumptuous apples, cherries, berries, apricots, wine grapes and many other agricultural delights. Depending on the season, weather and timing, we may stop at one of the many local roadside fruit stands to allow guests to sample the tasty produce and buy some marionberry or huckleberry jams, hard cider, or regional wines to bring home with them.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Timberline Lodge, Timberline Lodge, Clackamas County, Oregon
We pass through 1 million acres of National Forest eventually coming to rest at over 6,000 feet on the side of Oregon’s tallest and most famous peak, Mount Hood! This incredible volcanic playground offers 5 different ski areas and is the only mountain in North America to offer year-round chairlift accessed skiing and snowboarding which draws skiers from many Olympic teams around the world, including our very own U.S. team. "Wy-East" as we locals lovingly refer to her, rises to 11,249 feet above sea-level and thanks to those lofty heights she sports 11 glaciers which are fed yearly by sometimes over 40 feet of snowfall in the winter! Timberline Lodge, dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937 provides visitors with a unique window into our mountaineering and skiing heritage. Guests will enjoy a walk through history, a classy cocktail, a cold micro-brew or a short hike into the high alpine ridges covered with an abundance of colorful wildflowers throughout the spring and summer!
Duration: 35 minutes
Pass By: Government Camp, Government Camp, Clackamas County, Oregon
This funky mountain town is filled with local lore, pioneer history, a sledding hill, a tiny beginner ski resort, shops and restaurants and the largest "night skiing" area in the U.S., Ski Bowl, is directly across the highway. This Mt. Hood Loop (Highway 26) follows directly in the wagon tracks of portions of the historic Barlow Road, an alternative overland route to Willamette Falls and the Willamette valley for the early pioneers who ventured out west to seek their fortune on the famous Oregon Trail! Enjoy the views of the pristine Mt. Hood National forest, speckled with wild rhododendrons and colorful deciduous foliage (in the fall) scattered amidst the towering Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees. Learn about the challenges of the dreaded "Laurel Hill" from pioneer days, several quaint mountain villages and relax throughout peaceful drive through the woods back to Portland!
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"Child or booster seats should be both provided and installed by the child's parents or guardian. Thank you! Call for further questions regarding this detail."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Hora de Inicio:
09:00 AM
Duración: 8 To 9 Hours
Lugar de comienzo: McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at the Marina, 309 SW Montgomery St, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Traveler pickup is offered
IF YOU DO NOT SELECT A SPECIFIC HOTEL!!! ... please plan on meeting us at our general pickup location ((ADDRESS: 309 SW Montgomery St., Portland, OR 97201))
This is right in front of MCCORMICK & SCHMICKS HARBORSIDE AT THE MARINA RESTAURANT in the South Waterfront Park area (near the circle roundabout).
***PARKING OPTION*** - If you're driving to the general pickup location, we recommend THE DOUGLAS GARAGE for parking as it's less than a block from McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant. Douglas Garage Parking address is: 1835 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201.
***HOTEL PICKUP*** - If you would like to be picked up at a specific hotel, please indicate in your booking which hotel (from our list of available hotel pickups in the drop down menu) you would like to be picked up at. As long as you select a specific hotel from the list during the booking process, is it NOT necessary to email or call to confirm your hotel selection. Thank you!
***TOUR VEHICLE(S)*** - Most of our tours are run in a white Ford Transit, high roof, 12-passenger tour van. You may also be picked up in a silver & black Honda Pilot SUV or other tour vehicle which your guide will describe to you the night before your tour via text.
***PRE-TOUR GUIDE CONTACT & CONFIRMATION *** - Your tour guide will reach out to you via text (or email if no cell # is provided) the night before your tour (usually before 8:00pm PST) to confirm your pickup location, pickup time and to give you any further information related to the tour that is necessary. Please keep an eye on your phone and respond to your guide's text to confirm your pickup location and pickup time. Pickup times often start as early as 30 minutes BEFORE the tour departs. Your guide will give you any further specifics on pickup location and timing the night before the tour (or the day of the tour) if necessary. Please keep an eye on your phone for updates and respond quickly to your guide if contacted.
***WHAT TO BRING*** It's always a good idea to bring a layer or two for warmth, a good rain jacket, good walking or hiking shoes (& a hat and gloves in winter) on all tours as the climate is often variable in Oregon and our tour itineraries often vary widely in elevation and micro-climate. We provide light snacks (granola bars) and waters. We always encourage travelers to bring their own refillable water bottle (full) if they have one with them while they're traveling (ex: Nalgene, Clean Kanteen, Hydroflask, etc...) to reduce our plastic consumption and our impact on the planet. Feel free to bring more snacks if you'd like. Full day tours have a lunch stop (lunch is at guest's own expense) and 1/2 day tours do NOT have a lunch stop.
*NOTE - Our vans cannot accommodate large suitcases (but a small day pack, purse or similar is fine, as long as it can sit at your feet on the floor during the tour).
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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