The Ultimate Road Trip – Explore The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s great treasures for hiking, windsurfing, historic significance, amazing scenery and a gentle drive.
Begin your Columbia River Gorge odyssey in Portland; take Hwy I-84 to Troutdale and stop for lunch at McMenamins Edgefield, historically the depression-era Multnomah County Poor Farm, transformed into a unique entertainment center. Head east to Corbett and take the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road with spectacular photo opportunities at the Women’s Forum State Park and Crown Point Vista House. Continue through the lush forest, with stops at the Columbia Gorge famous waterfalls for hikes of varying length and ease. Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking 2-level waterfall, viewed from below at Multnomah Falls Lodge, from a scenic bridge in the middle, or from above with a rigorous 2-mile hike. Return to I-84 for a stop at Bonneville Dam including the underwater viewing fish ladder, museum exhibits and hatchery. If time allows, board the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge in Cascade Locks for a narrated river cruise along the Columbia. Stop for dinner and overnight at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel on the cliffs overlooking the river or at the Hood River Inn, a historic boutique hotel in the town of Hood River. The next morning, shop for art in the town of Hood River, visit the Carousel Museum or try your hand at windsurfing. In spring, plan 1/2 day to meander up Hwy 35 through the Fruit Loop, marveling at the many orchards in bloom, coating green hillsides with white blossoms. Continue on the Historic Scenic Highway to the Gov. Tom McCall Preserve, where the spring wildflowers bloom on a bluff high above the river and stroll through its endless meadows. Spend your second night in The Dalles, with the culinary experience of yak burgers at Cousins’ Restaurant. Don’t miss the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles on Day 3 before heading back to Portland or head east to the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway.
1.
Hammerheads at McMenamins
Begin your Columbia River Gorge odyssey in Portland; take Hwy I-84 to Troutdale and stop for lunch at McMenamins Edgefield, historically the depression-era Multnomah County Poor Farm, transformed into a unique entertainment center (If you've got a designated driver, try a picher of their Hammerhead Ale together with Halibut Fish and Chips)
2.
Into the Falls
Head east to Corbett and take the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road with spectacular photo opportunities at the Women’s Forum State Park and Crown Point Vista House. Continue through the lush forest, with stops at the Columbia Gorge famous waterfalls for hikes of varying length and ease. Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking 2-level waterfall, viewed from below at Multnomah Falls Lodge, from a scenic bridge in the middle, or from above with a rigorous 2-mile hike.
3.
Counting Salmon
Return to I-84 for a stop at Bonneville Dam including the underwater viewing fish ladder, museum exhibits and hatchery. If time allows, board the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge in Cascade Locks for a narrated river cruise along the Columbia. Stop for dinner and overnight at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel on the cliffs overlooking the river or at the Hood River Inn, a historic boutique hotel in the town of Hood River.
4.
Braving the Winds and Yak Burgers
The next morning, shop for art in the town of Hood River, visit the Carousel Museum or try your hand at windsurfing. In spring, plan 1/2 day to meander up Hwy 35 through the Fruit Loop, marveling at the many orchards in bloom, coating green hillsides with white blossoms. Continue on the Historic Scenic Highway to the Gov. Tom McCall Preserve, where the spring wildflowers bloom on a bluff high above the river and stroll through its endless meadows. Spend your second night in The Dalles, with the culinary experience of yak burgers at Cousins’ Restaurant. Don’t miss the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles on Day 3 before heading back to Portland or head east to the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway.