3-Day Deep Dive into Columbia River Gorge

The biggest perk of our deep-dive itineraries? You stay in the same accommodation throughout.🙂 That means no time spent re-packing and unpacking—resulting in a more relaxed pace and more energy left over to savor each day to the fullest.

Recommended lodging location: Hood River (White Salmon and Bingen across the river can work too, but you'd then need to pay a $3.50 fee online when crossing the Hood River Bridge.)

Day 1: The Columbia River Gorge

Even after having been here countless times, we fail to get bored of the gorge scenery. I die a little inside when someone says they only did a quick out-and-back to Multnomah Falls to see the gorge... because, while very beautiful and certainly the most photographed, Multnomah Falls is just one tiny part of what this gorge has to offer. Travel like locals and make a road trip out of this region.🚗

First off, the west end of the Historic Columbia River Highway: Starting from Chanticleer Point (also known as Portland Women's Forum), you'll keep driving east making stops at Vista House, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Horsetail Falls in that order.

• The first two spots, Chanticleer Point & Vista House, are primarily viewpoints with no good hiking options. I still recommend starting with them to take in the river scenery that changes dynamically throughout the year.

• When you get to Latourell Falls, consider exploring the area a bit instead of snapping a pic and taking off right away. It's a well-maintained, pretty trail that doesn't get too busy. You could do the full loop which is a bit over 2 miles and allows you to see the upper falls, or you could spend just 10-15 min wandering the trail just beyond the main falls, looking for a wildflower or a snail or what have you.

  

  
  

The next destination is Multnomah Falls. This is the most popular, crowded part of the gorge, and you need to reserve a permit here to use the parking lot between late May and early September.

• If the permit sounds like a hassle, once you're parked at Wahkeena Falls you may leave you car there and walk ~15 min east (via Return Trail #442) to get to Multnomah Falls.

• If Wahkeena Falls doesn't have a parking spot, or if you simply don't want the Return Trail #442 hike, the "standard" method of using the Multnomah Falls parking lot would be the way to go. Unless it's a busy weekend, you should have no issue getting the permit around when you arrive at Horsetail Falls, so no sweat.

• FYI the Multnomah Falls permit isn't required if you visit before 9am or after 6pm, although this typically doesn't fit well into any driving route.

Now that we're done with the west section of the Historic Columbia River Highway, let's head east.

• For an easy hike with multiple epic views, make a stop at Wahclella Falls. The trail is about 2.5 miles and packs some jaw-dropping forest and waterfall scenes. Parking is $5, or free if you carry Northwest Forest Pass, National Forest Recreation Day Pass, or Interagency Pass.

Day 2: Hood River and the surrounding area

Railroad tour: click on 'Tickets' at www.mthoodrr.com to see their seasonal tour offerings and book online.

Town of Hood River:

• Art galleries and/or History Museum of Hood River in the town of Hood River

• Hood River Fruit Loop drive: participating farms/venues change throughout the season, and you can refer to their website for the up-to-date list of currently open stands.

  

• In Summer, right next to Stave & Stone is Hood River Lavender Farm with a properly quaint lavender field with a properly regal Mt.Hood backdrop. Visiting and taking pictures are free here (drones aren't allowed FYI), while you may choose to pay $14 to u-pick a bundle of lavender stems if you fancy a lavender scented rest of your trip.

• WAAAM (western antique aeroplane and automobile museum) is also nearby if you are into vintage planes and cars.

  
  

If you're rather looking for nature-focused activities than exploring the town, check out the Mosier Twin Tunnels. From the Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead, it's just a 15–20 minute walk to reach a series of historic tunnels that offer a unique experience, with views overlooking the Columbia River. Parking is $10 per vehicle or free with an Oregon State Park Pass.

Now to our last gorge destination: Rowena Crest where massive plateaus surround you from all directions with a gorgeous river backdrop. 

• ✧Local's tip✧ there is no porta potty (or any amenity for that matter) at Rowena Crest. Probably wise to use a bathroom at one of the previous spots.

• The view is readily impressive even right at the parking lot. But if you are looking for an extra activity, there are two great hiking options here. The uphill trail from the parking lot to McCall Point is well-known for its wildflower colors from late April through May. If you are feeling like a flat stroll, Rowena Plateau Trail is right across the road, just as beautiful and majestic.

Finally, why not wrap up your final night with beer tasting at pFriem or Ferment Brewery?🍺

Day 3: Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood day! There are numerous well-loved hiking trails of all lengths and difficulty levels in this area. To avoid cluttering up this page I have the recommended trails organized in this separate post. Browse through to find one (or two) based on your interests and energy level.

Tip: If your Day 3 lands on a weekend or a holiday and you're planning to go on a popular hike, consider heading out early. You'll beat the crowds, enjoy a quieter trail, and have a better shot at scoring a good parking spot.

Timberline Lodge is an architecturally attractive building with that beautifully isolated look, worth stopping by even if you aren't interested in hiking trails around it. It's famous for starring in the horror movie The Shining, but even without that I think it's simply a marvelous art piece to visit. You can also find a range of dining and bar options inside (official website link).

If you are into mountain biking, Timberline Lodge runs Bike Park where you can purchase a trail use pass and rent bikes and accessories as well.

Trillium Lake is a nice stop even if you don't plan to hike here, because this picturesque lake sits right at the foot of its parking lot.

Tip: If you hang around late enough, the sunset scene is gorgeous right to the west of Timberline Lodge. If the sky is clear when you visit, something to take into account.