5 bucket list hike's along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon
As an experienced hiker, the Columbia River Gorge is one of my favorite hiking areas. I'm a geek for waterfalls and if you are too, than this is a must see! Ready for a countdown of waterfalls galore, some sight seeing, or just a beautiful drive? Grab your camera because these are must see places to explore.
Place #1
Multnomah Falls
About a 30 minute drive from Portland gets you to this beautiful waterfall, located off the I-84 Highway off Exit-31. From the parking lot (no parking fee or pass required) You'll notice that at the base of the waterfall sits a historical building built in 1925 which serves the thousands of tourists year-round. Take advantage of the gift shop which offers postcards, mugs, bumper stickers and all of the shenanigans and collectibles you can think of. (Even though I'm a local I always find myself buying something new)
Next to the gift shop is a wonderful Multnomah Falls restaurant and if time permits, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with award winning wine selections and locally brewed beers. To view the menu's check out the link below!
http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/page/restaurant
If you're short on time, grab a quick ice cream cone and make your way up the 2.2 mile round-trip trail to the top of the falls which overlooks the Columbia River Gorge and the entire waterfall. The view's from the top are absolutely spectacular as this is the nation's 2nd tallest waterfall reaching 542 feet. If you aren't ready to end your hiking trip just yet, continue along the trail which is a 5.4 mile loop that leads you to Wahkeena Falls.
Keep in mind that this is a MAJOR tourist attraction and in my best advice going there during the weekdays will help you avoid the foot traffic. To prepare for this hike all you need is some durable tennis shoes, weather permitting clothing, and to stay hydrated.
Place #2
Angels Rest
Angels Rest is another Popular year-round trail located about 45 minutes from Portland, off the I-84 Highway. Just take exit 28 towards Bridal Veil. This 4.8 Mile round trip hike reaches an elevation of 1450 feet which leaves you with stunning views of the Columbia Gorge. It is definitely worth the trip.
From the parking lot, ( No required fees or passes) walk towards the information sign, and then cross the street to the short set of stairs. From there, start your 1.4 mile ascend, but make sure to bring weather permitting clothing, durable tennis shoes, and to stay hydrated. You can also bring your furry pal, on a leash of course. Grab your camera because this place has multiple stunning views!
Word of advice, this trail can be crowded! If you plan on bringing the whole family stay close because there are no hand rails, but don't worry there is plenty of space and many gorgeous views along the way. Going during the weekday or perhaps a rainy day will get you away from the crowd.
Place #3
Vista House
Built in 1917 this beautiful scenic building along Highway I-84 is impossible to pass up. Take Exit 22 towards the town of Corbett and take a left at the 3-way intersection. Stay along the historic Columbia River Highway until you reach the parking lot for Vista House. (no fees or passes required) If weather permits, grab a cup-of-joe and check out the museum and the gift shop which offers Vista House items. The building is open from 9am-4pm depending on the weather.
This is one of the famous windiest places to visit with winds sometimes exceeding 100mph. Take a look at this video from 2010 of reporters trying to measure the wind!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhF2m60lvJE&index=3&list=PLgURdLcXLaMjzkyX4lGVIq-p5Ru55V35u
The vista house isn't always this windy, sometimes there's no wind at all. The overlook of the Columbia River and parts of the city is one memorable experience. The parking lot is open 24/7. If you're looking for more adventure, continue on this Historic road which will take you to the Gorges many wonderful hiking spots and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
Place #4
Oneonta Gorge
I'll have you know that this is one of my absolute favorite short hikes. If you don't feel like getting wet than this hike is definitely not for you.. The hike starts at the scene of a bridge and a historic tunnel. Once you head down the stairs and below the bridge you'll see a trail... but, the creek is the trail and it is wonderful during hot summer days.
The journey is a 0.6 mile hike and starts you out with a climbing challenge over some logs. Once over the logs, walk between a wondrous gorge through water that reaches just half way to your ankles. As you walk further, the crystal clear water gets as deep as your waistline and leads you to a dry-ish area with the view of an unforgettable waterfall that has created a small pool area over time.
If you're up for this wet challenge, drive down the I-84 Highway and take Exit-35 towards Ainsworth Park. Drive the Historic Scenic Highway until you reach the parking lot after the tunnel, but if there are no spots you can take advantage of the Horsetail Falls parking lot. (No fees or passes required)
This trail can be somewhat difficult and if you decide to bring little ones along, make sure to stay by their side especially through the logs and the waist deep water.
Place #5
Punchbowl Falls
Punch Bowl Falls from Eagle Creek is a 3.8 mile round-trip hike located off of the I-84 Highway, then take Exit-41. Make sure to provide your Northwest Forest Pass or pay the $5 day parking fee. Trust me it is well worth it. At the very end of the parking lot, follow the path which starts along the Eagle creek and it slowly starts to ascend. Once you reach a certain point you'll notice cable wires along the rock (pictured above) to hang on to as you pass the breathtaking valley.
From the valley you'll start heading in to a forest-rich area with multiple waterfalls along the way. After walking 1.9 miles there's an open area that allows you to take 3 different routes. Punch Bowl Falls is located on the route that slowly descends straight ahead towards the right. After about 5 minutes in you'll notice a small set of stairs and from there the first waterfall area is revealed! Pictured above is a photo of a crowd surrounded by the falls in the first photo on one of Oregon's hot sunny day's. This hike is absolutely perfect on summer days and is family and fur friendly:) If you plan on bringing little ones make sure to keep them close by especially along the cable wire area. If you plan on bringing your fur friend keep them on a leash as there has been some accidents along the route in the past.
To prepare for this easy-moderate difficulty hike make sure to wear weather permitting clothing, durable hiking shoes, a towel if you plan to jump in the crystal clear waters, and to stay hydrated. In my advice there's less traffic during rainy days or during the week, but it is absolutely beautiful on hot summer weekend's!
These are just 5 of the many beautiful hikes along the Columbia River Gorge. If you drive along the Historic Columbia Highway you can see many other waterfalls and hiking spots along the way! Make your way to cross these beautiful sites off your bucket list. As always, stay hydrated, bring comfortable shoes and take your camera... or the one on your phone :)
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPubs&parkId=108
Place #1
Multnomah Falls
About a 30 minute drive from Portland gets you to this beautiful waterfall, located off the I-84 Highway off Exit-31. From the parking lot (no parking fee or pass required) You'll notice that at the base of the waterfall sits a historical building built in 1925 which serves the thousands of tourists year-round. Take advantage of the gift shop which offers postcards, mugs, bumper stickers and all of the shenanigans and collectibles you can think of. (Even though I'm a local I always find myself buying something new)
Next to the gift shop is a wonderful Multnomah Falls restaurant and if time permits, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with award winning wine selections and locally brewed beers. To view the menu's check out the link below!
http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/page/restaurant
If you're short on time, grab a quick ice cream cone and make your way up the 2.2 mile round-trip trail to the top of the falls which overlooks the Columbia River Gorge and the entire waterfall. The view's from the top are absolutely spectacular as this is the nation's 2nd tallest waterfall reaching 542 feet. If you aren't ready to end your hiking trip just yet, continue along the trail which is a 5.4 mile loop that leads you to Wahkeena Falls.
Keep in mind that this is a MAJOR tourist attraction and in my best advice going there during the weekdays will help you avoid the foot traffic. To prepare for this hike all you need is some durable tennis shoes, weather permitting clothing, and to stay hydrated.
Place #2
Angels Rest
Angels Rest is another Popular year-round trail located about 45 minutes from Portland, off the I-84 Highway. Just take exit 28 towards Bridal Veil. This 4.8 Mile round trip hike reaches an elevation of 1450 feet which leaves you with stunning views of the Columbia Gorge. It is definitely worth the trip.
From the parking lot, ( No required fees or passes) walk towards the information sign, and then cross the street to the short set of stairs. From there, start your 1.4 mile ascend, but make sure to bring weather permitting clothing, durable tennis shoes, and to stay hydrated. You can also bring your furry pal, on a leash of course. Grab your camera because this place has multiple stunning views!
Word of advice, this trail can be crowded! If you plan on bringing the whole family stay close because there are no hand rails, but don't worry there is plenty of space and many gorgeous views along the way. Going during the weekday or perhaps a rainy day will get you away from the crowd.
Place #3
Vista House
Built in 1917 this beautiful scenic building along Highway I-84 is impossible to pass up. Take Exit 22 towards the town of Corbett and take a left at the 3-way intersection. Stay along the historic Columbia River Highway until you reach the parking lot for Vista House. (no fees or passes required) If weather permits, grab a cup-of-joe and check out the museum and the gift shop which offers Vista House items. The building is open from 9am-4pm depending on the weather.
This is one of the famous windiest places to visit with winds sometimes exceeding 100mph. Take a look at this video from 2010 of reporters trying to measure the wind!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhF2m60lvJE&index=3&list=PLgURdLcXLaMjzkyX4lGVIq-p5Ru55V35u
The vista house isn't always this windy, sometimes there's no wind at all. The overlook of the Columbia River and parts of the city is one memorable experience. The parking lot is open 24/7. If you're looking for more adventure, continue on this Historic road which will take you to the Gorges many wonderful hiking spots and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls.
Place #4
Oneonta Gorge
I'll have you know that this is one of my absolute favorite short hikes. If you don't feel like getting wet than this hike is definitely not for you.. The hike starts at the scene of a bridge and a historic tunnel. Once you head down the stairs and below the bridge you'll see a trail... but, the creek is the trail and it is wonderful during hot summer days.
The journey is a 0.6 mile hike and starts you out with a climbing challenge over some logs. Once over the logs, walk between a wondrous gorge through water that reaches just half way to your ankles. As you walk further, the crystal clear water gets as deep as your waistline and leads you to a dry-ish area with the view of an unforgettable waterfall that has created a small pool area over time.
If you're up for this wet challenge, drive down the I-84 Highway and take Exit-35 towards Ainsworth Park. Drive the Historic Scenic Highway until you reach the parking lot after the tunnel, but if there are no spots you can take advantage of the Horsetail Falls parking lot. (No fees or passes required)
This trail can be somewhat difficult and if you decide to bring little ones along, make sure to stay by their side especially through the logs and the waist deep water.
Place #5
Punchbowl Falls
Punch Bowl Falls from Eagle Creek is a 3.8 mile round-trip hike located off of the I-84 Highway, then take Exit-41. Make sure to provide your Northwest Forest Pass or pay the $5 day parking fee. Trust me it is well worth it. At the very end of the parking lot, follow the path which starts along the Eagle creek and it slowly starts to ascend. Once you reach a certain point you'll notice cable wires along the rock (pictured above) to hang on to as you pass the breathtaking valley.
From the valley you'll start heading in to a forest-rich area with multiple waterfalls along the way. After walking 1.9 miles there's an open area that allows you to take 3 different routes. Punch Bowl Falls is located on the route that slowly descends straight ahead towards the right. After about 5 minutes in you'll notice a small set of stairs and from there the first waterfall area is revealed! Pictured above is a photo of a crowd surrounded by the falls in the first photo on one of Oregon's hot sunny day's. This hike is absolutely perfect on summer days and is family and fur friendly:) If you plan on bringing little ones make sure to keep them close by especially along the cable wire area. If you plan on bringing your fur friend keep them on a leash as there has been some accidents along the route in the past.
To prepare for this easy-moderate difficulty hike make sure to wear weather permitting clothing, durable hiking shoes, a towel if you plan to jump in the crystal clear waters, and to stay hydrated. In my advice there's less traffic during rainy days or during the week, but it is absolutely beautiful on hot summer weekend's!
These are just 5 of the many beautiful hikes along the Columbia River Gorge. If you drive along the Historic Columbia Highway you can see many other waterfalls and hiking spots along the way! Make your way to cross these beautiful sites off your bucket list. As always, stay hydrated, bring comfortable shoes and take your camera... or the one on your phone :)
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPubs&parkId=108
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