Things to Do in Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood
A river canyon through the Cascades, lined with waterfalls and viewpoints.
See top-rated activities »Oregon Waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is the place to see Oregon waterfalls, and it begins barely 30 minutes east of Portland. Over millions of years the Columbia carved a canyon up to 4,000 feet deep through the Cascade Range, and the creeks that drop off its basalt walls on the Oregon side form the greatest concentration of tall waterfalls in North America. The Historic Columbia River Highway, built between 1913 and 1922 as a scenic road, winds past many of them, starting at Vista House, a domed stone rest stop on Crown Point with a sweeping view up the river.
Multnomah Falls is the star, dropping about 620 feet in two tiers, the tallest in the state, with a stone lodge at its base and a footbridge across the middle. Latourell, Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls are a short drive away, and the Oneonta Gorge area has some of the most rewarding trails. In summer, timed-entry permits have sometimes been required for the waterfall corridor or the Multnomah Falls parking area, so check the current rules before you go. Spring is the best time to see the Oregon waterfalls at full flow.
Farther east, Bonneville Lock and Dam has a visitor center and fish ladders, Cascade Locks sits at the foot of the Bridge of the Gods, and Hood River is a lively town known around the world for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with breweries and the Fruit Loop of orchards and farm stands in the valley below Mount Hood. The mountain itself, Oregon's highest peak, has year-round skiing on its upper slopes and the historic Timberline Lodge. Beyond Hood River, the landscape turns dry and the road climbs to the Rowena Crest viewpoint above a famous looping curve of the old highway.
Riverboats also sail the Gorge. Our sister sites cover Columbia River Gorge cruises port by port and Columbia and Snake river cruise itineraries following Lewis and Clark, and you can request a Columbia River cruise quote.
Don’t Miss
A two-tier waterfall of about 620 feet, with a lodge, a viewing bridge and a trail to the top.
A 1918 stone observatory and rest stop with one of the best views of the Gorge.
The 1910s scenic highway past waterfalls, viewpoints and stone bridges.
Visitor centers with fish ladder viewing windows and a fish hatchery with giant sturgeon nearby.
A river town for windsurfing and kiteboarding, breweries and the Fruit Loop of orchards.
A 1930s mountain lodge built by the Works Progress Administration, with skiing and trails.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Columbia River Gorge
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of Oregon may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Columbia River Gorge — FAQ
Do you need a permit to visit Multnomah Falls?
Permit rules for the Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall corridor and the Multnomah Falls parking area have changed from season to season. Check the US Forest Service Columbia River Gorge site before your trip; guided tours and public transit options can avoid the parking question.
What are the best Oregon waterfalls to see in one day?
From Portland, drive the Historic Columbia River Highway to Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah and Horsetail falls, all within about 15 miles. Silver Falls State Park, south of Portland near Salem, is a separate day with ten falls on one loop trail.
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