Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

On this full-day tour, you’ll see the best of the Portland area including downtown's Pioneer Square, the famous food carts, eclectic neighborhoods and the  Columbia River Gorge. Along the way, learn about Portland’s interesting history and modern-day culture from your guide.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Pass By: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

The nation’s second National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge is also the largest and most densely populated, offering the amenities of urban centers close to the wild beauty of the outdoors. And that beauty is matched only by the stories that can be told here: of tribal people fishing, trading and thriving along its banks; of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery epochal 1805-06 journey; of pioneers launching their worldly possessions down its rapids; of Samuel Hill championing the nation’s first scenic highway and enticing generations of visitors to this heady, handsome place. It’s fitting that the Columbia River Gorge is known as one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. We will drive through this area as we explore the Gorge.

Pass By: Columbia River Highway, State Highway 30 from Troutdale to The Dalles, Troutdale, OR 97060

Constructed from 1913 to 1922, the seventy-four-mile Columbia River Highway extended east from the Sandy River near Troutdale to The Dalles. With its pioneering advances in road design, the road is an outstanding example of modern highway development in twentieth-century America. We will drive along this highway as we explore the Gorge.

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

Perched atop one of the most panoramic overlooks in the Columbia River Gorge, Vista House provides the most majestic view of the Gorge. Often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge,” Vista House was built between 1916 and 1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers, a scenic viewpoint, and a comfort station for those traveling on the newly constructed Historic Columbia River Highway. The Vista House and the view it offers are sure to amaze and inspire you.

Duration: 15 minutes

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

This dazzling waterfall plunges 249 feet (76 m) over a massive wall of basalt and then rushes through the forest into the Columbia River. The falling water of Latourell is framed by some of the most perfect columnar basalt formations in the Pacific Northwest that are adorned with a large florescent patch of yellow lichen and shrouded in brilliant green flora. We’ll venture down to the punch-bowl pool below the falls, where you’ll hear the tremendous rush of water and feel the cool mist that it creates. You’ll easily realize why this special place is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Multnomah Falls, 53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010

Fed by underground streams that originate miles above on Larch Mountain, this ancient 620 foot (189 m) waterfall is divided into two sections; the upper falls plummets an impressive 542 feet into a pool and again drops 69 feet to form a creek that runs into the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States and the highest in Oregon, and is Oregon’s number one natural attraction, drawing over 2.5 million visitors a year from around the world. At the base of the waterfall sits the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, a full-service day lodge complete with restaurant, gift shop, snack and espresso bar and interpretative center. You will have time to walk to Benson Bridge and explore the lodge.

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave Broadway between Morrison and Yamhill, Portland, OR 97204-1410

In the heart of downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the urban park at the center of events, community, and all things Portland. We will drive around this amazing location and your guide will tell you about the history here so you can come back later and explore!

Stop At: International Rose Test Garden, 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205-5883

Let the fragrance of our Rose Garden embrace you with over 550 different varieties of roses, and delight your senses with the lush and beautiful Washington Park, featuring some of the most amazing cascade mountain views around. You will have time to explore this garden and stop to smell the roses!

Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Washington Park, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221-2760

Washington Park is a special place. It's an unusual place. Filled with gardens and museums; a zoo and a forest. Right in the heart of the city. The opportunities for exploration in the park can feel endless. We will drive through part of the park so that you can come back and explore more!

Pass By: Pearl District, 404 NW 10th Ave # LL1, Portland, OR 97209-3184

Easily one of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, the Pearl District is home to some of the city’s best-known chefs and restaurants, world-class art galleries, and vibrant shops and boutiques. Formerly a neglected corridor of abandoned warehouses and railways, the Pearl District has earned a worldwide reputation for urban renaissance.

Stop At: Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209-3957

Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures. Built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou, one of Portland’s sister cities, Lan Su Garden is considered one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. The Garden is a reflection of Chinese culture featuring fragrant blossoms, covered walkways, open pavilions, artistic and symbolic elements, and more than 500 species of Chinese plants. Step inside the Garden to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. You will have time to explore this garden and soak in the peacefulness.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210-5099

A French Renaissance Chateau listed on the national registry of historic places. Enjoy the spectacular views from the grounds of the Pittock Mansion. A meticulously preserved architectural landmark that symbolizes Portland’s transformation from a small lumber town into a bustling city. Home to the Pittock family and their descendants until 1958. It was severely damaged in the 1962 Columbus Day Storm, and then was nearly destroyed in the early 1960’s when plans surfaced to turn the site over to developers. Spurred by community activists to preserve the historic home, City of Portland officials bought the estate in 1964. The house opened to the public as a museum in 1965. Please note the mansion is closed during the month of January. You will have time to explore the grounds and interior of the mansion.

Duration: 25 minutes