Explore Columbia River Gorge Half Day Small Group Tour

5.0 (40 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

40 reviews

5.0

Explore Columbia River Gorge Half Day Small Group Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Credit: Jordan & Dani — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren't a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this tour you'll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed "waterfall alley" where we'll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.

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At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 14 people
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Terran Travels

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–7 years) · Adults (8–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: PA system so people in back can hear their guide
Included: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Bottled water
Included: Snacks

Not included

Not included: Gratuity (always appreciated)

Itinerary

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

3 hours

On the eastern edge of the Portland Metro Area is the western edge of the beautiful 85-mile long Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Columbia River Highway

2 hours

Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.
Sandy River

10 min

We'll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

10 min

Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.
Vista House

15 min

This 100-year-old 'fanciest rest stop in the world' sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.
Latourell Falls

20 min

A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.
Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area

10 min

This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.
Bridal Veil Falls State Park

Passing by

An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.
Wahkeena Falls

Passing by

A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.
Multnomah Falls

30 min

The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
Oneonta Gorge

Passing by

A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.
Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

10 min

Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!
Beacon Rock

Passing by

View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.
Rooster Rock State Park

Passing by

As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Director Park (1 city block, 200 ft/61 m per side). The guide will stop where space allows on either side. Look for a black or white van. Driving? Contact us for a free parking location to meet us 15 minutes earlier.

End point

Director Park (1 city block, 200 ft/61 m per side). The guide will stop where space allows on either side. Look for a black or white van. Driving? Contact us for a free parking location to meet us 15 minutes earlier.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.