Multnomah Falls Hike the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls

Multnomah Falls Hike the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls

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 Multnomah Falls, tallest in Oregon and one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world, 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'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
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

After meeting you at the starting point, we'll head out in one of our Mercedes Sprinters. The tour all takes place in the Columbia River Gorge, in the waterfall-laden western end of an 80-mile (130-km) canyon.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Multnomah Falls, Interstate 84, Troutdale, OR 97014

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. We'll stop at the falls for photos and the 1/4 mile / 1/2 km hike to the iconic Benson Bridge.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Latourell Falls, Guy W. Talbot State Park., Corbett, OR

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.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Vista House, 40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019-9725

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.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Portland Women's Forum | State Scenic Viewpoint, 39210 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA

View an expansive vista of the Columbia River Gorge, take photos, and hear the story of who was here before us. We'll also tell you how the waterfalls were created.

Duration: 10 minutes