Half-Day Columbia Gorge Waterfall Hikes with Local Legends, Portland Pickup

The Columbia River Gorge runs for 80 miles between steep rock walls, and its western end is where the waterfalls are. This half-day tour keeps the walking short: brief hikes, overlooks and viewpoints, with the guides choosing the stops on the day. The list usually includes the best-known falls and a few quieter ones. Latourell Falls, a plunge-style fall over columnar basalt, is the benchmark. Depending on conditions, small hidden waterfalls and a second plunge-style fall with columnar basalt may be added. The tour runs in rain or shine. A van collects guests at one of the pickup spots and drives 15 to 30 minutes into the Gorge. Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, comes with time for Benson Bridge and the gift shop. The long, steep trail to the top is not part of the tour. At Latourell there is the option of a longer walk of up to 2 miles (3 km). Wahkeena Falls is a 1/2 mile (1 km) hike, and Vista House closes the route when it is open. The guides talk about geology and botany, about pioneers and road-builders, and about older stories of gods, animal spirits and a Beaver princess who became a waterfall. Weather, traffic, road closures and highway construction can change the order or swap a fall, but the tour always reaches at least three waterfalls and a viewpoint.