• Vista House - Guests will be treated to an engaging narration highlighting the cultural gems of Portland and its surroundings as they journey towards the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway in a luxurious high-roof touring van. The route passes through the delightful community of Troutdale en route to the renowned waterfall row! The Columbia River Gorge boasts the highest concentration of year-round waterfalls in the United States, offering breathtaking natural beauty, stunning vistas, lush ancient forests, numerous hiking trails, and captivating Native American and pioneer history. The first stop is the historic Vista House (Crown Point), dating back to 1918. Guests can use the “million dollar” restroom, which doubles as a museum and way station for Gorge travelers, adorned with marble and mahogany, and enjoy the incredible views that complement the building’s elegant architecture. There are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities!
• Latourell Falls - This 249-foot waterfall is a splendid example of both columnar and entablature basalt, formed by the many lava flows that shaped the region’s impressive geological formations. Latourell Falls is unique as it cascades straight down from the overhanging cliff without touching any other surface before reaching the ground, creating an impressive mist (and rainbows) if the lighting is just right! A short trail descends from the wooded parking area to a sensory delight as chartreuse-colored Golden cobblestone lichen stands out against the dark natural “cathedral” of lava draped in ferns, salmonberries, clovers, wild cucumber vines, wildflowers in spring and summer, and towering firs and maples. Enjoy the invigorating scent of the forest and feel the mist of the falls on your face, refreshing the soul and spirit!
• Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area - Discover this often-overlooked hidden two-tiered waterfall that tumbles 92 feet down a dramatic ravine spanned by the historic Sheppard’s Dell bridge above Young’s Creek, which carves its way through the lava, creating intriguing shapes and features before flowing into the Columbia River. The guide will explain why this place is so special!
• Wahkeena Falls - This elusive 242-foot gem is located just off the historic highway, crashing and plunging powerfully through the lush lava landscape with multiple twists and turns before its crystal-clear outflow creek reaches a lovely stone viewing platform with several benches and interesting historical notes. There is a steep but short hike to the lower portion of the falls, fronted by another historic and scenic bridge. The guide will provide more history as the group passes by and indicate whether there will be more walking here or a move to Multnomah Falls, depending on the day’s timing 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, meaning “the most beautiful”… a name truly fitting for this special place!
• Multnomah Falls - Towering over this world-famous location, the 620-foot Multnomah Falls stands as the second-tallest year-round waterfall, Oregon’s tallest cascade, and one of the crown jewels of “waterfall row”! Visitors can admire 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-foot-long “deck arch” bridge dramatically floats 105 feet in the air, offering visitors a miraculous view, perched directly on top of the lower falls while the spray from above enhances the experience, carried aloft by the natural wind created by the falls’ enormity! While visiting this magnificent natural wonder, guests can also 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 region’s flora and fauna.
• Oneonta Gorge - This fascinating and mostly hidden “Gorge within the Gorge” has been a local favorite for adventurous water-oriented hikers for generations. This unique slot-canyon style hike conceals three hidden waterfalls amidst the 25-million-year-old moss, lichen, and fern-covered sheer lava cliffs, 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 100-foot-tall Lower Oneonta Falls at the chasm’s end. Middle and Upper Oneonta Falls can be viewed via longer hikes that wind through this fascinating area. A recently restored tunnel, blasted through the basalt outcropping back in 1914, can be easily seen from the road as the group passes by and learns more!
• Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge - This 176-foot-tall stunning waterfall presents itself grandly close to the highway with a refreshing plunge pool at its base. “Horsetail” is a larger genre of waterfalls, which also lends its name to this beloved cascade. The easy access and aesthetically pleasing shape of the falls provide world-class photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate its unique character and raw beauty just a few steps from the van. For adventurous individuals who wish to return later to the Gorge on their own and explore further, there is also a trailhead here leading to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls, and several dizzying vistas of the dramatic and famous Oneonta Gorge. After visiting Horsetail, the tour continues past Ainsworth State Park and rejoins the main highway 84 with several close-up views of the 848-foot-tall Beacon Rock as the group loops back to Portland. Enjoy expansive views of the majestic Columbia River and scenic vistas of the Washington State side of the Gorge.
• Hood River - The journey continues eastward, paralleling the mighty Columbia River, and enjoying the changing landscape, geology, and flora as the tour transitions between several distinct biozones. After stories of pioneers, Lewis & Clark, and noteworthy local fun facts, the group arrives in the extreme sports town of Hood River! This charming and easily walkable hamlet is renowned as one of the top three places in the world for kiteboarding and windsurfing and also offers incredibly easy access to mountain biking, class 4 & 5 whitewater kayaking/rafting, phenomenal resort and backcountry skiing, hiking, fishing, birding, SUP’ing, and sailing. This quaint town of 17,000 people is filled with top-notch microbreweries, local winery tasting rooms, restaurants, cafes, bars, music venues, city parks, art galleries, and jewelry shops. After a brief tour through town, guests will enjoy an hour or so of free time to wander the streets, choose a restaurant of their liking, and eat and drink to their heart’s delight.
• The Fruit Loop - After a delicious lunch, the group boards the “party wagon” for a trip into the incredibly picturesque rolling foothills of Mt. Hood, adorned with the orchards and vineyards of the world-famous “Fruit Loop.” This area is the number one Anjou Pear producing region in the U.S. and prides itself on growing sumptuous apples, cherries, berries, apricots, wine grapes, and many other agricultural delights. Depending on the season, weather, and timing, there may be a stop at one of the many local roadside fruit stands to allow guests to sample the tasty produce and purchase some marionberry or huckleberry jams, hard cider, or regional wines to take home.
• Timberline Lodge - The tour passes through 1 million acres of National Forest, eventually reaching over 6,000 feet on the side of Oregon’s tallest and most famous peak, Mount Hood! This incredible volcanic playground offers five different ski areas and is the only mountain in North America to offer year-round chairlift-accessed skiing and snowboarding, attracting skiers from many Olympic teams worldwide, including the U.S. team. “Wy-East,” as locals lovingly refer to her, rises to 11,249 feet above sea level, and thanks to those lofty heights, she sports 11 glaciers fed yearly by sometimes over 40 feet of snowfall in the winter! Timberline Lodge, dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1937, provides visitors with a unique window into mountaineering and skiing heritage. Guests will enjoy a walk through history, a classy cocktail, a cold microbrew, or a short hike into the high alpine ridges covered with an abundance of colorful wildflowers throughout spring and summer!
• Government Camp - This quirky mountain town is filled with local lore, pioneer history, a sledding hill, a tiny beginner ski resort, shops, and restaurants, and the largest “night skiing” area in the U.S., Ski Bowl, is directly across the highway. This Mt. Hood Loop (Highway 26) follows directly in the wagon tracks of portions of the historic Barlow Road, an alternative overland route to Willamette Falls and the Willamette Valley for the early pioneers who ventured west to seek their fortune on the famous Oregon Trail! Enjoy the views of the pristine Mt. Hood National Forest, speckled with wild rhododendrons and colorful deciduous foliage (in the fall) scattered amidst the towering Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees. Learn about the challenges of the dreaded “Laurel Hill” from pioneer days, several quaint mountain villages, and relax throughout the peaceful drive through the woods back to Portland!

• Snacks provided
• Climate-controlled vehicle

• Lunch

The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Loop Tour, guided by a fifth-generation local Oregonian, offers an inspiring and interactive exploration of some of the most sought-after attractions near Portland. This tour is perfect for those eager to play, hike, relax, and learn while being captivated by the world-renowned waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an essential experience for anyone wanting to uncover the unique beauty of Oregon! The Gorge boasts the highest concentration of year-round waterfalls in the U.S., surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, stunning views, lush old-growth forests, numerous hiking trails, and fascinating Native American and pioneer history. Enjoy Hood River’s delightful restaurants and breweries, and experience Mt. Hood’s famous Timberline Lodge along with the spectacular views from 6,000 feet atop a snow-capped volcano, making this tour truly unparalleled!

• Child or booster seats should be both provided and installed by the child’s parents or guardian. Thank you! Call for further questions regarding this detail.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.