Recently Viewed
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls: Half-Day Tour
4.9
62 Ratings
Experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge on this half-day tour. Discover stunning waterfalls, explore old growth forests, and capture amazing photos at the Historic Vista House. Snacks, beverages, and luxury transportation included.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
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.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Additional Information
Participants on this excursion will experience a picturesque journey down the Historic Columbia River Highway, with stops at 4 or 5 distinct and mesmerizing waterfalls, including the globally renowned Multnomah Falls. Tour members will delight in multiple brief strolls through secondary and primary aged forests, while gaining knowledge about the local plants and wildlife. The tour also includes a visit to the Historic Vista House, a spot perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Throughout the expedition, the guide will share intriguing historical, geological, and cultural insights. Refreshments, luxury van travel, and pick-up and drop-off services are covered in the tour cost.
- This tour is offered primarily in English, however our guides are also fluent in Spanish and can accommodate Spanish speaking travelers as well.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(62 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Duyen_t
May 24, 2024
For Water Falls Lovers - I enjoyed this tour very much for its itinerary and the beauty of most of falls in Portland. Ryan is exceptionally awesome tour guide. He would goes out of his way to meet your needs and make sure you enjoy the journey. Highly recommended this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Mary_b
May 20, 2024
Excellent tour & Excellent Tour guide! - David was an excellent guide and he knows his stuff. Every question anyone asked was answered. The falls were far more beautiful than I expected, and amount Hood was exceptional as well. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Review provided by Viator
Companion590709
May 3, 2024
Majestic Waterfalls - Our tour guide Jim was awesome!!! He knew historical, geographical and cultural history of the area. He shared a great deal about the waterfalls history that we visited.
This trip was one of the best we’ve been on! The waterfalls after the rains were magnificent! The falls were powerful. We went to several and they were beautiful and different.
The ride up along the Columbia River was pretty scenic too.
I wholeheartedly recommend this tour, especially if Jim is your guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M8428ffamandav
Mar 26, 2024
Worth the $ - Such a great trip! The tour guide Jim went above and beyond. There was so much history shared during the tour. This is great for people who want to visit different waterfalls without doing much hiking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Theresag425
Dec 12, 2023
Even if you are from Oregon, you may learn something. - This tour was amazing with beautiful waterfalls and Oregon trivia! My working team of collogues had a 3-day meeting in Portland. We booked a private tour, just the driver and 9 of us. I grew up in Oregon and moved away at 45yo, none of my colleges were from Oregon. Our guide shared some great tips about Portland and a load of Oregon trivia. I was surprised, I learned many things about Oregon I didn't already know. Definitely worth the experience even if you are from Oregon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_p
Oct 23, 2023
Great half day trip, amazing sights with a knowledgable and fun guide - Great way to see the falls without worrying about the hassle of car rental or parking. Our guide Ryan was amazing!
Review provided by Viator
Belindagr
Oct 22, 2023
Don't miss this!! - Awesome. Our driver, Adam was an amazing guide. He was so knowledgeable and a great story teller. We throughly enjoyed every minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorena_p
Oct 6, 2023
Wonderful! - Breathtaking scenery and our tour guide, Adam, was so helpful and knowledgeable. He picked us up at a hotel that was easy to get to from our AirBnb. And he dropped us off at Powell's City of Books, which was our next destination for the day. This tour was one of the top highlights of our trip to Portland!
Review provided by Viator
Regina_l
Sep 27, 2023
Peaceful and enlightening waterfalls - Looking at the waterfalls and learning how the gorge was formed. We also learned about the different trees and vegetation.
Review provided by Viator
Y1002yamarkr
Sep 20, 2023
BREATHTAKING - First off… Our guide Jim was TOPS!!!! Accommodating, knowledgeable, sense of humor, everything you want in a tour guide!!
We were picked up at our hotel, given a tour of Portland on our way to the Gorge. Learned so much on the way!!! THEN… the beauty of the Gorge itself!!!! Hit all the major waterfalls!!! Breathtaking!!!! Photos won’t do them justice!!! And afterwards dropped off at our eatery of choice in town!! Highly Recommend this tour!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
