Scenic Columbia River Gorge Loop.

Your vacation to Portland won’t be complete unless you plan a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge and travel along the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway on both sides. You’ll start and end your trip in Portland traveling the Oregon side of the river first and returning on the Washington side. Along the way, you’ll see incredible views, hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and enjoy a taste of history.

You’ll travel about eighty miles each way so start your day early and head out of Portland on Interstate 84 towards Troutdale. Your route along the gorge will take you all the way to The Dalles where you will take US 197 across the river into Washington. From there, you’ll take Washington State Route 14 west all the way back to Portland. In between, you’ll have plenty of spots where you’ll want to pull off the road and enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way or plan on stopping for lunch in the quaint, windswept town of Hood River.

As you begin your loop, stop in the historic downtown area of Troutdale where you’ll find two historic museums, an art gallery, and antique shops. Spend a little time here if you wish but not too much, you have a full day ahead.

The Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint (also known as Chanticleer Point) is a must-stop on your tour. This viewpoint offers incredible views that you won’t want to miss. Take the extra time to walk the Rooster Rock access road and enjoy several different lookout spots.

Vista House at Crown Point

A few minutes drive from there is the Vista House at Crown Point. This scenic memorial to Oregon’s pioneers is said to be the most photographed site along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Vista House sits atop a 733-foot tall cliff that overlooks the river below. Samuel Lancaster, who was the engineer of this magnificent highway, believed this point offered one of the most spectacular views in the world. Get out of the car and see for yourself.

Latourell Falls

Continue traveling east and you’ll come upon some of the waterfalls that define this area of the gorge. First, you’ll find Latourell Falls, which are just a short hike away from the highway. Other waterfalls you may wish to stop at include Shepperd’s Dell and Wahkeena Falls. These are lovely falls within easy reach. But the main attraction is Multnomah Falls a few miles further down the road.

Multnomah Falls is the tallest of the falls found here and is the nation’s second highest year-round waterfall. It cascades down two tiers for over six hundred feet. You can view it from the visitor’s area or take a small hike up to the Benson Bridge for an up close (and wet) view.

Another popular waterfall is Horsetail Falls which is visible from the parking lot without leaving your car. Stop for a quick look or stretch your legs on the nearby trails.

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a fun trail to hike or ride your bike. Take the Toothrock Trailhead just off exit 40 and hike to the Eagle Creek Overlook. Here you can watch Salmon swim and view the Bonneville Dam. Keep your eyes out for “Big John” which is billed as the first flush toilet found in a forest service facility.

Cascade Locks is a scenic town named for the locks built nearby. It is also home to the “Bridge of the Gods” and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Punchbowl Falls

Hood River is your next major town known as the “Windsurfing Capitol of the World”. Stop and watch with awe as these amazing athletes perform impossible maneuvers and catch big air. The river’s current, waves, and high winds combine to create conditions where sailors can launch themselves off the wave “ramps” and do jumps, loops, and incredible tricks. The town itself is funky and fun. Mt. Hood looms above.

Next, head to exit 69 where you’ll find the Gorge Discovery Center and the Wasco County Museum. These two museums showcase living history exhibits, interactive exhibits, and films about the 10,000 year history of the area.

Next, head for The Dalles, the largest city in the area. As you drive through the city, enjoy the 19th century homes and churches. Cross over the Columbia River on US 197 to Washington State Route 14 west. From here, you’ll travel along the Gorge on the Washington side and see the incredible views from another perspective.

You’ve had a long day trip so far and you’re on the last leg. Plan on a stop at the Skamania Lodge which is off of exit 44 about an hour from The Dalles. By now, you’ll be ready to get out of the car and hike some easy walking trails. You can also check out the US Forest Service Information Center in the lobby of the lodge and plan future hikes and adventures during your Portland vacation.

Finally, get back on the highway and travel another hour or so until you are back in Portland where your day trip began. Wind down your day with a stop at one of the areas many microbreweries and enjoy a taste of the Pacific Northwest.

This incredibly scenic journey is about 80 miles each way from Portland and back to Portland. It is one of the most incredible sights in the world. Plan your vacation now. Make your Portland Oregon hotel reservations early.

For the convenience of our users, we've included common misspellings and
abbreviations such as oragon, oregan, origon, or, ore, oreg, oregon and oregone.