Half Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Guests on this tour will be treated to a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and see 4 or 5 unique and breathtaking waterfalls, including world-famous Multnomah Falls. They will enjoy several short walks through secondary and primary old growth forest while learning about the flora and fauna of the region. One of the stops along the way includes the Historic Vista House which allows for amazing photo opportunities. Their guide will provide interesting historical, geological and cultural highlights throughout the tour.
Snacks, beverages, luxury van transportation, pick-up and drop-off are included in the price of the tour.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Vista House, 40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019-9725

Guests will enjoy an interesting narration describing the cultural highlights of Portland and the surrounding area as we head towards the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway in our comfortable high-roof luxury touring van. We pass through the charming community of Troutdale on our way towards world famous waterfall row! The Columbia River Gorge plays host to the highest density of year-round waterfalls anywhere in the United States and abounds with jaw-dropping natural splendor, stunning vistas, lush old growth forests, a plethora of hiking trails and riveting Native American and pioneer history. Our first stop will be the historic Vista House (Crown Point) which dates all the way back to 1918. Guests can use our “million dollar” restroom (which serves as a museum and way station for Gorge travelers) covered in marble and mahogany and enjoy the truly incredible views which complement the elegant architecture of the building. Incredible photo opportunities abound!

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Latourell Falls, Guy W. Talbot State Park., Corbett, OR

This 249-foot tall waterfall provides a wonderful example of both columnar and entablature basalt, formed by the numerous lava flows that created many of the impressive geological formations of the region. Latourell Falls is also unique in the fact that it falls straight down from the overhanging cliff above without tumbling off any other surface before hitting the ground below in an impressive eruption of mist (and rainbows) if the lighting is just right! A short trail leads down from the wooded parking area to a true feast for the senses as chartreuse-colored Golden cobblestone lichen pops brightly against the dark natural "cathedral" of lava draped in ferns, salmonberries, clovers, wild cucumber vines, wildflowers of every sort in the spring and summer and towering stands of firs and maples. Drink in the clean invigorating sent of the forest and feel the mist of the falls upon your face while invigorating the soul and the spirit!

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area, State Highway 30, Troutdale, OR 97060

Enjoy this often overlooked hidden two-tiered waterfall which tumbles 92 feet down a dramatic ravine spanned by the historic Sheppard's Dell bridge above Young's Creek which slices it's way through the lava, creating interesting shapes and features before spilling into the Columbia River. Your guide will explain why this place is so special!

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, OR

This elusive 242-foot tall gem sits just off the historic highway, crashing and plunging powerfully through the lush lava landscape with multiple twists and turns before it's crystal clear outflow creek arrives at a lovely stone viewing platform boasting several benches and some interesting historical notes. There is a steep but short hike to the lower portion of the falls which is fronted by another historic and scenic bridge. Your guide will give more history as we pass by and indicate if we'll be walking more here or heading on to Multnomah Falls, depending on timing of the day and guest interest and ability level. Originally named Gordon Falls, it was renamed by the legendary mountain climbing group, the Mazamas, to better honor and feature the local Native American Yakima word, Wahkeena, which means "the most beautiful"... a name certainly more fitting of this special place!

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Multnomah Falls, Interstate 84, Troutdale, OR 97014

Towering above this world-famous locale, 620-foot tall Multnomah Falls looms large as the 2nd-tallest year round waterfall, Oregon's tallest cascade, and one of the crown jewels of "waterfall row"! Take in the falls from the viewing platform at the base or hike the short switchback trail through lush temperate rainforest vegetation leading to the historic Benson Bridge built in 1914. This 45’ long "deck arch" bridge floats dramatically 105' in the air and offers visitors a miraculous view, perched directly on top of the lower falls while the spray from above adorns the experience, carried aloft by the natural wind created by the enormity of the falls themselves! While visiting this magnificent natural wonder, guests can also choose to explore the historic Multnomah Lodge which houses a restaurant with incredible views of the falls, a gift shop with plenty of postcards, restrooms, and an information center with trail maps and information about the flora and fauna of the region.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Oneonta Gorge, Cascade Locks, OR 97014

This fascinating and mostly hidden "Gorge within the Gorge" has been a local favorite of adventurous water-oriented hikers for generations. This unique slot-canyon style hike keeps three hidden waterfalls tucked away out of sight amidst the 25-million year old moss, lichen and fern-covered sheer lava cliffs which have been declared a rare and protected botanical zone by the U.S. Forest Service due to the multiple endemic species that live only here and nowhere else on the planet. There is no paved or gravel trail as waterfall seekers must hike, wade and swim through the freezing cold waters of Oneonta Creek, clambering over boulders and log jams to reach the prize of the 100' tall Lower Oneonta Falls at the end of the chasm. Middle and Upper Oneonta Falls can be viewed via longer hikes that wind through this fascinating area. A recently restored tunnel, blasted right through the basalt outcropping back in 1914 can be easily seen right from the road as we pass by and learn more!

Stop At: Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge, Columbia Gorge Map link, Hood River, OR

This 176'-tall stunning waterfall presents itself in grand fashion shockingly close to the highway with a refreshing plunge pool at its base. "Horsetail" is a larger genre of waterfalls, which also lends itself to the specific name of this beloved cascade. The easy access and aesthetically pleasing shape of the falls provides for world class photo options and a chance to appreciate its unique character and raw beauty just a few steps from the van. For adventurous folks who wish to return later to the Gorge on their own and explore further, there is also a trailhead here which leads to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls and several dizzying vistas of the dramatic and famous Oneonta Gorge. After visiting Horsetail, we'll continue on past Ainsworth State Park and rejoin the main highway 84 with several close up views of 848' tall Beacon Rock as we loop back to Portland. Enjoy expansive views of the majestic Columbia River and scenic vistas of the Washington State side of the Gorge.

Duration: 10 minutes



Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Stroller accessible"
"Near public transportation"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This tour is offered primarily in English, however our guides are also fluent in Spanish and can accommodate Spanish speaking travelers as well."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"



Start Time: 10:30 AM
Duration: 4 To 5 Hours
Start location: McCormick & Schmick's Harborside at the Marina, 309 SW Montgomery St, Portland, OR 97201, USA
Traveler pickup is offered
IF YOU DO NOT SELECT A SPECIFIC HOTEL!!! ... please plan on meeting us at our general pickup location ((ADDRESS: 309 SW Montgomery St., Portland, OR 97201))
This is right in front of MCCORMICK & SCHMICKS HARBORSIDE AT THE MARINA RESTAURANT in the South Waterfront Park area (near the circle roundabout).

***PARKING OPTION*** - If you're driving to the general pickup location, we recommend THE DOUGLAS GARAGE for parking as it's less than a block from McCormick & Schmick's Restaurant. Douglas Garage Parking address is: 1835 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201.

***HOTEL PICKUP*** - If you would like to be picked up at a specific hotel, please indicate in your booking which hotel (from our list of available hotel pickups in the drop down menu) you would like to be picked up at. As long as you select a specific hotel from the list during the booking process, is it NOT necessary to email or call to confirm your hotel selection. Thank you!

***TOUR VEHICLE(S)*** - Most of our tours are run in a white Ford Transit, high roof, 12-passenger tour van. You may also be picked up in a silver & black Honda Pilot SUV or other tour vehicle which your guide will describe to you the night before your tour via text.

***PRE-TOUR GUIDE CONTACT & CONFIRMATION *** - Your tour guide will reach out to you via text (or email if no cell # is provided) the night before your tour (usually before 8:00pm PST) to confirm your pickup location, pickup time and to give you any further information related to the tour that is necessary. Please keep an eye on your phone and respond to your guide's text to confirm your pickup location and pickup time. Pickup times often start as early as 30 minutes BEFORE the tour departs. Your guide will give you any further specifics on pickup location and timing the night before the tour (or the day of the tour) if necessary. Please keep an eye on your phone for updates and respond quickly to your guide if contacted.

***WHAT TO BRING*** It's always a good idea to bring a layer or two for warmth, a good rain jacket, good walking or hiking shoes (& a hat and gloves in winter) on all tours as the climate is often variable in Oregon and our tour itineraries often vary widely in elevation and micro-climate. We provide light snacks (granola bars) and waters. We always encourage travelers to bring their own refillable water bottle (full) if they have one with them while they're traveling (ex: Nalgene, Clean Kanteen, Hydroflask, etc...) to reduce our plastic consumption and our impact on the planet. Feel free to bring more snacks if you'd like. Full day tours have a lunch stop (lunch is at guest's own expense) and 1/2 day tours do NOT have a lunch stop.
*NOTE - Our vans cannot accommodate large suitcases (but a small day pack, purse or similar is fine, as long as it can sit at your feet on the floor during the tour).

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Bottled water
• Snacks

Not Included

Facilities