Attractions & Sightseeing: Columbia River Gorge

Iconic Landmarks

These sites define the Columbia River Gorge experience and are prominent stops for visitors.

From grand waterfalls to historic viewpoints, each location tells a part of the Gorge's story.

Vista House at Crown Point

Hours: Vary seasonally; check Oregon State Parks website for current operating times.
Fees: Free to enter the Vista House. Parking can be challenging during busy times.
Panoramic Views: Offers expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge from a historic observatory.
Conditions: Can be very windy at the viewpoint. Best views on clear days.

Multnomah Falls Guide

Features & Access

Oregon's tallest waterfall, plunging 620 feet in two tiers.
Formed by Missoula Floods; a central feature of the National Scenic Area.
Generally accessible dawn to dusk; visitor center hours vary seasonally.
Viewing is free. Timed-use permits or shuttle passes may be required during peak season (May-September). Visit GetYourGuide for tour options.
Private tours from Portland often include Multnomah Falls as a stop.
Expect crowds, especially on weekends and in summer.

Insider Tips & Views

Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late (after 4 PM) for fewer crowds, especially on weekdays.
Weekdays in the shoulder season (spring/fall) are generally less busy.
Trails above the upper falls via Larch Mountain Trail offer different perspectives but involve a substantial hike.
The paved path to Benson Bridge is accessible. The trail to the top is steep.

Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current permit requirements before your visit.

Bridge of the Gods

Fees: A toll bridge (cash or electronic tag), approximately $2.00 per vehicle.
PCT Significance: A major landmark on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), where hikers cross the Columbia River.
Views: Offers great views of the river and surrounding cliffs, ideal for unique photos of the Gorge.
Connection: Links Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Stevenson, Washington, across the Columbia River.

Hood River Waterfront

Wind Sports Hub:
A world-renowned destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding due to consistent strong winds.
Public Access:
Features public parks like Waterfront Park and Nichols Basin Park, free to access.
Dining & Brews:
Enjoy restaurants, breweries, and gear rental shops located along the Columbia River.
Activity Viewing:
Observe windsurfers and kiteboarders, especially on windy summer afternoons.
Lessons & Rentals:
Available from local outfitters for various water sports activities.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

The Columbia River Gorge offers several museums and cultural institutions that provide insight into the region's history.

Discovery Center & WAAAM

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

Official interpretive center for the Gorge National Scenic Area.
Focuses on natural and cultural history, including geology, Native American history, and pioneer settlement.
Features interactive exhibits on Missoula Floods, Ice Age mammals, and live raptor demonstrations.
Open year-round, daily.
Admission fee applies (e.g., $16 for adults).
Learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition's journey through the Gorge.

Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum WAAAM

Houses one of the largest collections of antique operational aircraft in the U.S.
Over 100 airplanes and 150 vehicles on display, many still functional.
The museum frequently holds events where they operate vehicles.
Open daily.

Admission fee applies (e.g., $17 for adults).

Fort Dalles Museum

Located on an 1850 U.S. Army fort site, it offers a look into frontier life with pioneer tools and vintage wagons.

The Society Hotel Bingen

A beautifully restored historic schoolhouse that often hosts community events and art shows.

Maryhill Museum of Art

An eclectic art museum with European, American, Native American, Rodin, and fashion collections overlooking the Columbia River. Explore tours.

General Museum Information

Visitor information for cultural institutions often includes specific hours and fees.

Admission fees are common for most museums and specialized institutions.
Always check websites or call ahead for current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
Inquire at local visitor centers for brochures or up-to-date details on exhibits and events.

Historical Sites

The Columbia River Gorge is rich in history, with sites that tell stories from ancient times to pioneer settlement and modern engineering.

These locations offer tangible connections to the past.

Ancient & Pioneer History

Explore sites that mark significant moments in Native American heritage and pioneer journeys.

Archaeological & Historical Sites

Memaloose Island: A sacred Native American burial ground, visible from I-84 (not publicly accessible).
Celilo Falls: A former major fishing ground for Native American tribes, now submerged but commemorated with interpretive signs.
Historic Columbia River Highway: A National Historic Landmark with ornate stone bridges and tunnels.

Industrial & Military Heritage

Sites that showcase the region's industrial advancement and military past.

Dam & Fort Sites

Bonneville Dam: A major hydroelectric dam and fish hatchery with a visitor center (free).
The Dalles Dam: Another large hydroelectric dam on the Columbia River (public access limited).
Fort Dalles Museum: Located on the site of an 1850 U.S. Army fort, depicting frontier life.

Memorials & Expeditions

Visit monuments and trails commemorating significant events and journeys.

Noteworthy Markers

Stonehenge Memorial: A full-scale concrete replica, built as a WWI memorial (free).
Lewis and Clark Expedition Sites: Interpretive signs and markers along the river document their journey.
The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center provides detailed expedition information.
Native American legends of a natural land bridge called "Bridge of the Gods" are integral to the region's history.

Historic Town Centers

Explore the preserved architecture and heritage of towns within the Gorge.

Explore Local Charm

Downtown Hood River: Historic buildings showcase its logging and fruit-growing past, now housing local businesses.
Downtown The Dalles: Features a historic main street with buildings dating back to the mid-19th century.
These areas reflect their roles as stops on the Oregon Trail and other historical journeys.

Cultural Significance

Past Narratives

The area holds deep significance for Native American tribes.
Pioneer settlement narratives are woven into the towns and trails.
Geological events, like the Missoula Floods, shaped the landscape and history.

Preservation Efforts

Historic status for features like the Columbia River Highway helps preserve its legacy.
Ongoing efforts protect archaeological sites and historical buildings.
Interpretive centers provide educational resources for understanding the past.

Natural Attractions

The Columbia River Gorge is a treasure trove of natural attractions, from lush parks to dramatic geological formations and diverse wildlife habitats.

Parks & Gardens

Explore extensive state and national forest lands offering diverse outdoor settings.

Scenic Waterfalls

Discover numerous cascades along the Historic Columbia River Highway, forming the famous Waterfall Corridor.

Wildlife & Ecosystems

Experience areas for bird watching, fish viewing, and encountering local forest creatures.

Explore the Natural Beauty

The Waterfall Corridor Oregon Side

A dense concentration of major waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including Horsetail Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Find Waterfall Tours

Rowena Crest Viewpoint Oregon Side

An iconic horseshoe bend in the Historic Columbia River Highway, known for wildflower displays in spring and expansive river views.

Learn about scenic drives

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

Visit to see large sturgeon and salmon up close, offering insight into fish conservation efforts.

Visit the Hatchery

Columbia River Access

Offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and various water sports, with access points in towns like Hood River and Cascade Locks.

Book River Tours

Lost Lake near Mount Hood

A scenic lake with stunning Mount Hood views, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping. A fee or pass is required for access.

Explore Lost Lake

Geological Wonders

Learn about the powerful forces that shaped the Gorge's dramatic landscape.

Features

Basalt Cliffs: Dominant features formed by ancient lava flows of the Columbia River Basalt Group.
Missoula Floods Evidence: Massive Ice Age floods left behind glacial erratic boulders and channeled scablands.
Dry Falls (Washington Side): A dramatic remnant of a colossal waterfall from the Missoula Floods, a short drive east.

Parks & Outdoor Spaces

The Gorge is home to various state and national park areas.

Famous Parks

Oregon State Parks: Ainsworth, Viento, Memaloose, and Crown Point State Parks offer camping and day-use.
Washington State Parks: Beacon Rock and Columbia Hills State Parks provide access to unique features.
National Forest Lands: Mount Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests extend into the Gorge, offering vast recreation.
Numerous trails within these parks offer opportunities to spot deer, elk, and diverse birdlife.

Planning Your Natural Journey

Always check for timed-use permits, parking fees, and current trail conditions, especially during peak seasons and for popular spots like Multnomah Falls.

Adhere to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty for future visitors. Respect wildlife from a distance.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known attractions, the Columbia River Gorge holds numerous hidden gems, offering unique experiences with fewer crowds.

Waterfalls & Views

Discover less-traveled waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

Secluded Natural Spots

Wahclella Falls (Oregon Side): A shorter, powerful multi-tiered waterfall with rewarding views and less traffic.
Tom McCall Preserve at Rowena (Oregon Side): Offers panoramic views and abundant wildflowers in spring.
White River Falls State Park (South of The Dalles): Features impressive waterfalls and historic hydropower plant remnants.

Trails & Unique Paths

Explore trails and historic pathways that offer distinct perspectives and experiences.

Paths Less Traveled

Coyote Wall (Washington Side): Popular for hiking and mountain biking with expansive Gorge views and unique rock formations.
Mosier Tunnels (Oregon Side): Old tunnels converted into a pedestrian and bike path on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
Dog Mountain (Washington Side): A strenuous hike with spectacular Gorge views and abundant wildflowers in spring (permits needed on peak weekends).

Outdoor Solitude

These locations offer a chance to experience the Gorge's natural beauty with fewer people around, creating a more tranquil visit.

Considerations

Ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking quiet moments.
Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Best visited during weekdays or outside peak tourist season for true solitude.

Always be mindful of local regulations and conditions when visiting these less-traveled areas.

Planning Your Visit

While less crowded, some hidden gems still have specific requirements or considerations for access.

Access Information

Some sites, like Wahclella Falls, require a Northwest Forest Pass or a day-use fee for parking.
A Discover Pass is needed for parking at Washington State Parks, including Coyote Wall.

Check current conditions and requirements before heading out.

Best Seasons

The experience at these hidden gems can vary significantly with the seasons.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Ideal for wildflower viewing at Tom McCall Preserve and Dog Mountain.
Summer: Provides clear views and good hiking conditions, but plan for early starts.
Fall: Enjoy fall foliage, often with fewer crowds after summer.

Each season brings its own unique charm to these special spots.

Additional Notes for Hidden Gems

Navigation

Detailed trail information and maps are available on apps like AllTrails. Always carry a map and water.

Footwear

Wear appropriate footwear, as trails can be uneven or steep. Water-resistant shoes are often helpful.

Leave No Trace

Always pack out what you pack in. Staying on marked trails protects fragile ecosystems.

Plan Ahead for Serenity

Visiting hidden gems means you might encounter fewer facilities. Be prepared with snacks, water, and knowledge of the area before you go. These spots provide a wonderful opportunity for a more intimate experience with the Gorge's natural wonders.

Attractions & Sightseeing