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Full-Day Gorge Waterfalls, Hood River and Mt. Hood Loop with Local Guide

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Portland
Full-Day Gorge Waterfalls, Hood River and Mt. Hood Loop with Local Guide (1/12)
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Full-Day Gorge Waterfalls, Hood River and Mt. Hood Loop with Local Guide (12/12)

The guide on this Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood loop is a fifth-generation Oregonian, and the van is a high-roof touring van. The Gorge has the highest density of year-round waterfalls in the United States, and the day covers its best-known falls before turning to Hood River and the mountain. The route runs on the Historic Columbia River Highway from Portland through Troutdale. Stops include Vista House at Crown Point (1918), Latourell Falls at 249 feet, Shepperd's Dell, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls at 620 feet with its Benson Bridge, and Horsetail Falls. Oneonta Gorge is seen from the road, along with its tunnel from 1914. Along the way the guide covers Native American and pioneer history, geology and plants. In Hood River the group has about an hour of free time to eat. The drive then crosses the orchards and vineyards of the Fruit Loop, with a possible stop at a roadside fruit stand, and climbs through Mount Hood National Forest to Timberline Lodge at over 6,000 feet. Highway 26 returns through Government Camp, following parts of the historic Barlow Road. Pickup is usually at the hotel chosen when booking.

What's included

  • Guests will be treated to cold bottled water, refreshing flavored seltzer waters and light snacks (granola bars/or other)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

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  1. 2001 S River Dr, Portland

    Most guests are picked up at the hotel chosen at booking. Without a hotel selection, the default pickup is at 2001 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201. Drivers can park at the Douglas Garage, 1835 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201.

  2. Vista House

    The van heads for the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway with a running narration about Portland and the area, passing through Troutdale. The first stop is Vista House at Crown Point, dating from 1918, where the marble and mahogany restroom doubles as a museum and way station for Gorge travellers. Views of the Gorge are wide.

  3. Latourell Falls

    A 249-foot waterfall that drops straight from an overhanging cliff, showing both columnar and entablature basalt. A short trail leads down from the wooded parking area to the mist at the base, among ferns, salmonberries, wildflowers in spring and summer, and bright yellow-green lichen on the dark lava.

  4. Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area

    A hidden two-tiered waterfall of 92 feet, in a ravine crossed by the historic Sheppard's Dell bridge. Young's Creek cuts through the lava here on its way to the Columbia River, and the guide explains what makes the place special.

  5. Wahkeena Falls

    A 242-foot waterfall just off the historic highway, with a stone viewing platform and benches. A steep but short hike goes to the lower falls and another historic bridge. Depending on timing and the group, the guide either walks more here or goes straight to Multnomah Falls. It was once called Gordon Falls and was renamed with the Yakima word for most beautiful.

  6. Multnomah Falls

    At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is Oregon's tallest waterfall and the second tallest year-round fall in the country. Guests can watch from the viewing platform at the base or walk the short switchback trail to Benson Bridge, built in 1914, 105 feet in the air. The historic lodge has a restaurant overlooking the falls, a gift shop, restrooms and an information centre with trail maps.

  7. Oneonta Gorge

    A slot canyon known as the Gorge within the Gorge, where moss, lichen and ferns cover 25-million-year-old lava cliffs. The U.S. Forest Service protects it as a botanical zone because of species that live nowhere else. Reaching Lower Oneonta Falls (100 feet) means wading and swimming up the creek. The tunnel blasted through basalt in 1914 is visible from the road as the van passes.

  8. Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

    A 176-foot waterfall close to the highway, with a plunge pool at its base and easy photo angles a few steps from the van. A trailhead here leads to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls and viewpoints over Oneonta Gorge. The route then passes Ainsworth State Park, rejoins Highway 84 and offers close views of 848-foot Beacon Rock, with the Washington side of the Gorge across the river.

  9. Hood River

    The route follows the Columbia eastwards through changing geology and plant zones, with stories of pioneers and Lewis and Clark. Hood River is a walkable town of 17,000, known for kiteboarding and windsurfing, with microbreweries, winery tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries. After a short drive through town, guests have about an hour of free time to wander and choose where to eat.

  10. The Fruit Loop

    After lunch the road climbs into the foothills of Mt. Hood among the orchards and vineyards of the Fruit Loop, the top Anjou pear region in the U.S. Depending on season, weather and timing, there may be a stop at a roadside fruit stand to sample produce and buy marionberry or huckleberry jam, hard cider or regional wine.

  11. Timberline Lodge

    The route crosses a million acres of National Forest to over 6,000 feet on Mount Hood, Oregon's highest peak at 11,249 feet, with 11 glaciers and five ski areas. It is the only mountain in North America with year-round chairlift skiing. Timberline Lodge was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937. Guests can walk through the lodge, have a drink or hike toward the alpine ridges, which carry wildflowers in spring and summer.

  12. Government Camp

    A mountain town with a sledding hill, a small beginner ski area, shops and restaurants. Ski Bowl, the largest night skiing area in the U.S., lies across the highway. Highway 26 follows part of the historic Barlow Road used by Oregon Trail pioneers. The forest has wild rhododendrons and autumn colour among Douglas fir and hemlock, and the guide tells the story of the pioneers' Laurel Hill before the quiet drive back to Portland.

  13. 2001 S River Dr, Portland

Not included

  • Guests are free to wander at their leisure through the charming town of Hood River and choose where to have lunch from the many tasty restaurants, cafes, microbreweries and winery tasting rooms!

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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.
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  • Up to 12 travelers per booking.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Guiding available in: en.

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