Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour

33 Reviews4.94 out of 5 stars Based on 33 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Portland, USA

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3 to 4 hours (Approx.)
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Overview

The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren't a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this tour you'll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed "waterfall alley" where we'll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.

What's Included

  • PA system so people in back can hear their guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Gratuity (always appreciated)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA

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The meeting point is Director Park, which is 1 city block, 200 ft (60 m) on each side. The guide will pull over wherever there is an opening, on either side of the park. Look for a black, high-top, extended-length Transit or Sprinter.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

On the eastern edge of the Portland Metro Area is the western edge of the beautiful 85-mile long Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
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3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Columbia River Highway

Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Sandy River

We'll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Vista House

This 100-year-old 'fanciest rest stop in the world' sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Latourell Falls

A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area

This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bridal Veil Falls State Park (Pass By)

An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.
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Wahkeena Falls (Pass By)

A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.
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Multnomah Falls

The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oneonta Gorge (Pass By)

A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.
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Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Beacon Rock (Pass By)

View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.
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Rooster Rock State Park (Pass By)

As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!
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Show 12 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-120361P7

Reviews

4.94
33 reviews

Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 33 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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