11 Marvelous Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
With all the things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll need a couple of weeks to see it all! With that said, we understand you might only have a few days, so how about a rundown of the best of the best—the most bang for your buck (or, I guess I should say, time)?
This list includes places both in Oregon and Washington. One of the things to note is that there are some excellent camping options along The Gorge, so you can position yourself at the doorstep of your adventures every day! And we highly recommend you do, if possible, so you don’t waste too much time heading back and forth from the city. Let’s get into it!
Map of the Best Columbia River Gorge Activities
Top Things to Do in the Columbia River Gorge
1. Chase Waterfalls
OK, this is going to be the most obvious of things to do in The Columbia River Gorge! I’ll keep this short as we do have some hikes to waterfalls mentioned below as well, but here’s a quick list of the absolute easiest-to-reach and most worth-it waterfalls near Portland in the area:
- Multnomah – Oregon’s most famous waterfall; you can see it a mere few steps from the parking lot.
- Bridal Veil Falls – Another great waterfall that requires minimal effort.
- Panther Creek Falls – Off the main drag and hidden in the forest but easily reached within just a few minutes of walking.
- Starvation Creek Falls—A weird name, yes, but another easy-to-reach waterfall from the parking lot. There are a few more falls along a paved path if you’re willing to walk a bit further.
- Elowah Falls – Just a short walk to get to, and one of the most underrated waterfall in the area.
- Horsetail Falls – Also seen pretty much straight from the road!
2. Views at Vista House
The not-to-be-missed Vista House is located on the Historic Columbia River Highway. This house was built in 1917 to give travelers a place to rest as they came down the Gorge. And the architecture is just as stunning as the view.
The house sits on a high point that lets you take in a panoramic view of the Gorge. Volunteers with The Friends of Vista House are on-site to give you more information about the history of the house and the Gorge.
3. Visit The Dalles Lock and Dam
The Dalles Lock and Dam is another great thing to do to round out a day or weekend of discovery. There’s one visitor center for this dam, and it’s on the Oregon side of the river. Here, you can watch a short film about the dam, explore interactive displays, and see fish migrating up the fish ladder.
4. Windsurfing at Hood River
Hood River is known as the windsurfing capital of the world. The local geography, weather, and the Gorge all combine to make the perfect storm for windsurfers. And you don’t have to be an expert to try it.
There are plenty of beginner windsurfing excursions and lessons in Hood River. Beginner lessons will include everything you need, like a wetsuit, helmet, booties, board, and sail.
Some local teachers even say they can get first-timers to surf within minutes. Also, don’t worry if you come to Hood River on a particularly unwindy day. You can still rent paddleboards, jet skis, and kayaks too!
5. Reed Island State Park
If you’re going out to the Washington side to do a Gorge hike, why not stop by Reed Island State Park on your way back? This park is actually an island in the Columbia River.
Just one thing. The park is accessible only by water. However, that makes things more fun, right?
Grab a paddleboard or kayak and paddle on over. Once you’re there, you can enjoy views of the Vista House and basalt cliffs to the south and watch for wildlife in the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge to the north. You can even set up camp if you don’t want to leave.
6. See The Rowena Crest Turn in the Road
For a cool shot and vista point, head up, up, up to the Rowena Crest viewpoint. Just off to the side, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of a cool horseshoe turn in the road from above! This is one of the most famous viewpoints in the area, but there’s also a nice hike as well if you want to stretch those legs.
7. Go for a Hike
Ok, we can’t lie, this is a really hard section to write up because there are at least 50 trails I want to mention here. You’ll find some of Portland’s best hikes in this area, but if I had to narrow it down to just a few, here you go!
Escape the Crowds at Dry Creek Falls
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 898 feet
The Dry Creek Falls hike pretty much has everything you want for an easy day hike, making it one of the best in the area. Lots of shade, a small elevation gain, and a huge waterfall as the grand finale.
The waterfall is a towering 74-foot high, and although impressive in itself, the surrounding natural amphitheater just tips it over the edge from impressive to incredible.
Despite this, it is one of the less trodden trails in The Gorge, so if you want to escape the crowds, this could be a good shout. The entire round trip is just 4.4 miles, so it could be the perfect add-on to another Columbia River Gorge adventure.
Hike the Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Loop Trail
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1640.42 feet
This loop trail is popular and for a good reason. You won’t just see Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls as you make your way around – there are five named waterfalls and plenty of smaller cascades that are still a delight to see.
Multnomah Falls is arguably the most impressive, at 620 feet, and definitely the most famous of them all. Then there’s the gushing 242-foot Wahkeena Falls. Doing this five-mile loop to see all the waterfalls here is one of our favorite things to do in the area. Come in the spring when the creeks are at maximum volume to see a seriously impressive show.
Dog Mountain
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
The Dog Mountain trail isn’t your average walk in the park; it’s a challenge that rewards the brave with some of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the Pacific Northwest come springtime.
Notably lacking a waterfall but standing tall in its own right, this hike is best tackled from late April through June when the meadows are a riot of colors, and the views over the Columbia River Gorge are nothing short of breathtaking.
Be prepared for a steep climb, but know that your efforts will be rewarded with panoramic vistas and floral fragrances that make every drop of sweat worth it. A permit is required for weekend hiking during peak season, so plan ahead to secure your spot on this iconic trail!
8. Beer and Wine Along the Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is not just about jaw-dropping natural beauty; it’s also a paradise for beer and wine drinkers! Wooo!
This region is dotted with breweries and vineyards that take full advantage of the fertile lands and scenic views. From cozy taprooms offering craft beers inspired by local ingredients to vineyards where the wine tastes like heaven bottled up, there’s enough here to make any palate sing (after drink #3 or so, probably).
The best part? Many of these spots come with a side of stunning views, making that sip of pinot or IPA all the more enjoyable. Late spring through early fall is prime time for patio sittings and vineyard tours, but honestly, a glass of local brew or wine tastes great any season. Our personal favs:
- pFriem Family Brewers
- Thunder Island Brewing Co
- Level Beer
- Cathedral Ridge Winery
9. Visit Bonneville Dam
Why don’t you head down to the dam for a closer look? It’s awesome to see such a feat of engineering up close. The Bonneville Dam has visitor centers on each side of the river.
That makes it easy for people in Oregon and Washington to learn more about it. The visitor centers are open from 9 am to 5 pm every day and provide fun and educational experiences for your whole family. Also, a team of rangers is available to answer any questions you might have.
10. Visiting Hood River
Set along the Columbia River, Hood River is the picture-perfect small town with a big personality, especially when it comes to outdoor adventures, local produce, and a community spirit.
Their farmer’s markets are a trove of local fruits, veggies, and handmade goods. Strolling through Hood River’s bustling streets, you’ll find a delightful mix of quaint shops, mouthwatering eateries, and, of course, access to some of the best beer and wine in the Gorge.
Visiting in the fall? You’re in for a treat with harvest festivals and the chance to taste the freshest picks straight from the source.
11. Camping in the Columbia River Gorge
As you’re well aware, there are tons of Columbia River Gorge hikes. To get the most out of the area, why don’t you consider camping? There are a number of great spots, but here are some top choices:
- Ainsworth State Park: Ainsworth Campground is located right in Ainsworth State Park and it’s a short walk from the Horsetail Falls trailhead. Also, it’s pretty central to any spot in the western Gorge area and is what you’d expect from a great campsite. There are about 40 full-hookup spots you can reserve along with six walk-in tent sites (our personal fav!).
- Deschutes River State Recreation Area: This campground is right where the Deschutes River flows into the Columbia. That means it’s a great spot to access eastern-Gorge trails like the Rowena Plateau Trail and the Memaloose State Park Loop. The campground has 34 electrical sites, 25 primitive sites (just drinking water and restrooms), and four large group tent/RV sites that accommodate up to 25 people each.
- Viento State Park: Viento State Park is just a minute away from Mount Defiance Trail and a bunch of waterfalls. It’s in a great area, though it’s a bit less popular than other campsites. That means there’s almost always a spot to camp when other sites are full. Just don’t get stuck with a site near the train tracks as the train comes through at all hours. Ask us how we know…
These spots offer a great place to base for your Columbia River Gorge adventures. It will be well worth it to avoid the hassle of going back and forth from Portland.
Related read >> Guide to camping for beginners
We hope you loved this list of things to do in the Columbia River Gorge!
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Guest Author
Nina and Garrett are two PNW-obsessed travelers who love hanging out in the outdoors. You can catch them exploring the PNW in their trusty 1974 VW Bus named Lucy and helping fellow travelers explore the West Coast.
