What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge (2024)

Some 14,000 years ago, the first in a series of regional deluges known as the Missoula Floods swept across modern-day western Oregon and carved the Columbia River Gorge.

Today, the 80-mile (128 km) long, 4,000-foot (1,219 m) deep Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stretches from the edge of the Portland area in the west to the community of The Dalles at its easternmost point. Along the way, the gorge transitions from a mossy, forested procession of waterfalls into an arid landscape where summertime temperatures can top 100F (38C). That ecological diversity has helped turn the gorge into an outdoor wonderland that’s beloved by hikers, sightseers, paddlers and cyclists today — and federally protected as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area since 1986.

Where to Go in the Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area measures 80 miles (128km) long — and is home to several picturesque stretches and communities worth visiting. From west to east, those include:

Waterfall Alley

At the western edge of the gorge sits Waterfall Alley, a winding stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway where you’ll see several of Oregon’s favorite waterfalls — including one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States: Multnomah Falls. Unmissable views in this area include the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint (where you can peer into the heart of the gorge) and the Vista House at Crown Point, which sits at the highest point in the gorge accessible to vehicles and offers 270-degree views of the rugged surroundings.

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Credit: Travel Oregon

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Cascade Locks

Long a Watlala fishing village before the first white colonizers arrived, Cascade Locks today oozes with small-town charm. Score a bike rental from Bike the Gorge and ride the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail (a disused section of the old highway that’s now open exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists), fill up on fresh seafood at the Native-owned Brigham Fish Market, grab a pint of local craft beer at Thunder Island Brewing Co. and treat yourself to an ice cream cone at the Eastwind Drive-In. If staying the night, set up camp among Pacific Crest Trail hikers in Marine Park alongside the Columbia River.

Hood River

The hip heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a popular basecamp for all manner of outdoor adventure. Sip local beers at pFriem Family Brewers and Ferment Brewing Company (both afford views of windsurfers on the Columbia River), savor farm-to-table fare at Celilo Restaurant & Bar, enjoy wood-fired pies topped with seasonal ingredients at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza and spend a night in the vintage Hood River Hotel in downtown.

Hood River Valley

Just south of Hood River lies the Hood River Fruit Loop — a self-guided tour of over two dozen markets, U-pick farms, wineries, fruit orchards and more across its namesake valley. Most stops are open in spring, summer and fall, but views of Mount Adams (in Washington) and Mount Hood (in Oregon) abound year-round.

Credit: Katie Falkenberg

Moiser

Just east of Hood River, Mosier’s sun-kissed community offers easy access to another car-free stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail — this one leading through the impressive Mosier Twin Tunnels.

The Dalles

This community sits at the eastern edge of the gorge. Learn about regional history at the exhaustive Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, snap photos of the horseshoe-shaped bend in the Historic Columbia River Highway at the Rowena Crest Overlook and fill up with down-home fare at Cousins’ Restaurant & Saloon.

Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge

Dozens of hiking trails totaling hundreds of miles crisscross the region, many of which pass waterfalls and ascend to sweeping viewpoints. Get started with help from the Oregon Hikers Field Guide and the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge advocacy group; both websites provide tools to help you plan the perfect outing — complete with mileage, elevation gain and points of interest.

Note that some gorge trails are still closed following a 2017 wildfire. Check conditions with the U.S. Forest Service and Ready, Set, Gorge before heading out.

Water Sports in the Columbia River Gorge

Hood River sits where the wet weather of western Oregon collides with the sunny, arid eastern side of the state — creating the perfect conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing. So renowned is the city for its wind-powered water sports it’s been dubbed the “windsurfing capital of the world.”

For a more laid-back experience, Gorge Paddling Center rents stand-up paddleboards and leads guided outings — including a popular sunset tour — between May and September.