Columbia Gorge Waterfalls: Full Day Mt. Hood Tour

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Embark on a full-day tour of the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood, led by a local Oregonian guide. Discover the stunning natural beauty, captivating history, and enchanting waterfalls that make Oregon unique.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Vista House - 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! - Latourell Falls - 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! - Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area - 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! - Wahkeena Falls - 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! - Multnomah Falls - 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. - Oneonta Gorge - 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! - Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge - 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. - Hood River - 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. - The Fruit Loop - 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. - Timberline Lodge - 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! - Government Camp - 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!

What's Included

Snacks provided
Climate-controlled vehicle

What's Not Included

Lunch

Additional Information

Led by a 5th generation Oregonian native, our Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Loop Tour offers an immersive and captivating exploration of some of the most popular attractions within a day’s journey from Portland. Whether it’s frolicking, trekking, unwinding, or acquiring knowledge amidst our globally renowned waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, it is an absolutely essential experience for anyone eager to uncover the genuine charm of Oregon’s distinctiveness. With the utmost concentration of year-round waterfalls in the United States, the Columbia River Gorge is teeming with awe-inspiring natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, verdant ancient forests, an abundance of hiking trails, and compelling Native American and settler history. The appealing eateries and breweries of Hood River combined with Mt. Hood’s prominent Timberline Lodge and the striking views from 6,000’ above a snow-clad volcano make this expedition unlike any other!

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(134 Ratings)

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F7974ucalexisc

Sep 28, 2024

10/10 experience 🤩 - You guys, this tour was absolutely breathtaking. Truly, I was blown away. Ryan, our tour guide did SOOO good. I was so appreciative of him, his knowledge around Oregon & the hidden gems he took us to. Such a wonderful tour & day. The weather was perfect for it all also. Thank you Ryan!!! You definitely made my first time in Oregon a dream come true with this tour.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Voyage68579833384

Sep 27, 2024

Excellent excursion - Ryan was an excellent knowledge guide we had a very enjoyable experience. It was a very well organized excursion a great way to see many beautiful locations.

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Gonellie

Sep 26, 2024

A Dreamy Experience! - This tour and our guide Rylie exceeded our expectations on every level. The communication by text to arrange hotel pick-up was very helpful, and made the pick-up prompt and smooth. Rylie greeted us with enthusiasm and made us comfortable right from the start! He was very kind to take extra time to assist fellow tourists that needed extra care & attention to board and exit the vehicle. There were eight of us and it almost instantly felt like a little family. Rylie shared so much valuable information and entertained many questions along the way! Water & snacks were provided as well as adequate rest stops with clean facilities. The time allowed at each attraction was plenty to explore and grab photos without feeling too strict or rushed. There are many options for lunch in Mt. Hood (including gluten-free & dairy-free at Double Mountain Brewery). We felt very safe with the driving style and the temp was comfortable in the van. Each planned stop was scenic and worthwhile for sure. I could go on & on as this was the best tour ever...but will end with a big ten star thank you to Rylie!

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Bobbj3574dn

Sep 16, 2024

Satisfied traveler - Driver was very well informed and entertaining. Appreciated that he kept informed on pick up times even when delayed. 👍

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Kristen_p

Sep 16, 2024

Amazing day! - This tour under promises and over delivers. It’s fast paced, you’re never bored, and our guide Riley was lively, informative and just amazing overall. Will never hesitate to book again!

Review provided by Viator

Jerold_h

Sep 10, 2024

Perfect Day - Jim was purely amazing in taking us on this journey. Hopefully, you are fortunate enough to have him sharing his historical and today’s knowledge with you.

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Kathy_b

Sep 8, 2024

Great day! - Loved the waterfalls and Jim was great and very knowledgeable. Would not choose Double Mountain for lunch next time

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Dennis_a

Sep 8, 2024

Gorge Trip - The trip was memorable but we particularly enjoyed Mt. Hood and the Timberline Lodge. Our guide, Jim, was entertaining, knowledgeable and very engaging throughout the entire trip. He afforded us the best views of the falls and in general, away from the crowds.

Review provided by Viator

806wendyz

Sep 7, 2024

Columbia River Gorge Mt Hood - Our guide and driver Rylie was very knowledgeable and helpful along the tour, taking us to several key attractions as described as well as a couple of hidden gems. He was always there closeby to answer any questions and lend a hand for group photos. He provided ample local history and background when we were in the van in transit. I was somewhat concerned with typical activity used tour van being small and rather uncomfortable, but was pleasantly surprised that the Ford high roof transit van we were in was very new, clean and super comfortable.

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Ashley_h