The Gorge is known for its waterfalls, stormy creeks and hikes suitable for all fitness levels. From its Discovery Center and Museum to Rowena Crest Viewpoint and Multnomah Falls’ easy hike upstream – everyone will find something they enjoy here.
This destination offers ample opportunity for wine tasting, from pinot noir grown on the West Coast to tempranillo from the East. A walk up Multonomah Falls along its winding trail can provide ample opportunities to do just that!
1. Hike to Multonomah Falls
No matter who you are – outdoor adventurer, wine connoisseur, or simply looking to relax while taking in some stunning scenery – Columbia River Gorge has something special in store for you. Plan a day trip or weekend adventure and check out these top activities in the Gorge!
One of the most popular things to do in the Columbia River Gorge is hike to Multonomah Falls, an impressive tiered waterfall cascading over a basalt cliff. The trail begins with short flights of stairs that lead straight to where you can catch incredible views of this gorgeous natural wonder while playing online slot games on websites mentioned over the https://moxiecafe.com; further on up, you can even hike behind it!
Multonomah Falls are easily reached on an easy and rewarding hike through various stunning waterfalls, so don’t forget your camera for plenty of great photo opps! Once you’ve enjoyed these waterfalls, head on over to Rowena Crest Viewpoint for breathtaking gorge views and take in its beauty from above!
If you’re feeling more daring, continue along the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop for a longer hike with more challenging ascent. This trail also leads to Upper Latourell Falls – an attractive 2-tier waterfall which can be explored up close (though tread carefully on some slippery rocks).
If waterfalling has you exhausted, head over to Carson Hot Springs from the 1920s era for a relaxing soak or take in one of America’s most impressive hydroelectric dams – Bonneville Dam. Allow for plenty of travel time when planning your journey through Columbia River Gorge during peak seasons as this will ensure a successful visit.
2. Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum
As the official interpretive center for Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, this museum should not be missed when visiting. Designed to blend into its surrounding scenery and offer visitors an optimal experience, the interior features minimalist decor which blends perfectly into its surroundings – earning it an American Institute of Architects Honor Award. Inside you’ll find exhibits that trace its history – from volcanic eruptions and floods to the unique plants found throughout its terrain – while outside you can enjoy a sculptural park and hiking trails that complete this experience!
The Gorge is also home to numerous wineries, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Hood River Vineyards and Winery, Columbia Gorge Vineyards, and Cathedral Ridge Winery are among the premier vineyards. Wine tasting tours are offered at these wineries among others in the Gorge region.
Birdwatching is another popular pastime in the Columbia River Gorge, as the area is home to an abundance of species from coast to inland regions and beyond. Birding can be particularly rewarding during spring and fall migration when migrating birds are most abundant.
Gorge offers stunning waterfalls, scenic overlooks and hikes for all to enjoy – so much natural beauty that it has earned recognition as a National Scenic Area!
3. Take a Cruise on the American Queen Voyages
American Queen Voyages is one of the Columbia River Gorge’s premier activities, providing modern travelers with an opportunity to experience what river life might have been like two centuries ago. This luxurious vessel provides guests with comfortable accommodations, impeccable service and delectable meals; plus visits to tiny riverside towns that feel authentically American! While traditionally targeted towards older travelers (ie people aged 60s+), I think anyone looking for relaxation, old-timey vibes and small town charm should give this cruise serious consideration!
My trip included three generations, from grandparents and aunts and uncles, to couples in their 20s and a pregnant couple – everyone loved the cruise!
Hikers should visit this park as it offers two trails that feature stunning views of the Gorge and nearby mountains, and The Rowena Crest Viewpoint at its highest point offers amazing opportunities for photography of Mt. Hood and Adams on clear days.
Stevenson offers many restaurants, some offering breathtaking river and gorge views. For instance, Walking Man Brewing pub provides great beer with your burger or salad and Big River Grill is another casual dining choice. For spa enthusiasts seeking an experience outside Washington state’s borders, Carson Hot Springs on Washington side of gorge is worth seeing; built upon natural mineral springs it features spa services, sauna services, massage sessions and other treatments available at their facility.
4. Visit a Brewery
The Gorge’s breweries are a haven for craft beer fans, boasting more breweries than waterfalls combined! Cascade Locks – which connects Oregon and Washington states via an iconic steel-truss cantilever bridge – boasts two great options for sampling local beers!
The Columbia River Gorge offers many exciting sights and activities, but for an immersive sightseeing experience consider joining an organized tour. Tours may include hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking and other fun activities that make an amazing day trip experience – perfect for families, couples or groups looking to maximize their trip!
Cascade Gorge Discovery Tours are among the most sought-after excursions. This tour takes visitors to some of the area’s premier sites and includes lunch at a brewery; here, they learn more about its geology, history, and surrounding landscape while sipping delicious beverages!
Beacon Rock offers incredible views of the Gorge’s cliffs, islands dotting Columbia River and Mts Hood and Adams in Oregon and Washington – an easy two-hour trek which will have you admiring every bit of it’s beauty! Don’t forget your water and snacks before embarking on this amazing experience.
5. Visit a Winery
Visit wineries is one of the best activities to do in Columbia River Gorge for wine enthusiasts, offering some of the most charming scenery around. Mild weather all year makes this spectacular region ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to windsurf or kiteboard in Hood River; ski at nearby Mount Hood; or just stroll along scenic trails and charming towns.
No matter the occasion – anniversary, wedding or romantic getaway – Columbia River Gorge provides plenty of reasons for a trip. Boasting breathtaking waterfalls that cascade over steep cliffs and thrilling hikes that allow adventurers to traverse its many terrains, this Pacific Northwest gem makes the ideal location to pop the question or celebrate an anniversary or milestone event.
Experienced wine enthusiasts know the pleasures of visiting a vineyard can go far beyond simply visiting its tasting room. At Syncline Vineyards in Oregon, however, that experience goes one step further by providing not only wide selection of wines in their cozy tasting room but also outdoors on picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and hammocks – ideal seating options! Owner and winemaker Kelly Johnson was previously an academic but now uses both her scientific background as well as passion for crafting wines to craft unique varietals – including pinot noir, chardonnay along with Riesling Gewurztraminer and Merlot wines!
Idiot’s Grace Vineyards are worth visiting; this dog-friendly winery boasts organic vineyards and orchards for you to pick your own fruit in summertime. Their focus is creating small production wines with low alcohol levels to complement their light bodied grapes; their menu boasts sauvignon blanc blends as well as barbera, dolcetto and primitivo wines – so everyone is sure to find something they like at this family-owned winery!