Historic Columbia River Highway

Historic Columbia River Highway

Nature, Parks, & Gardens • Portland, Oregon United States

The Historic Columbia River Highway in Portland, Oregon, is a scenic route that winds its way through lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, this historic highway offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Traveling along the highway, visitors will encounter a variety of parks and gardens that showcase the region's diverse landscape. From peaceful riverside meadows to towering old-growth forests, the highway provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

One of the highlights of the Historic Columbia River Highway is the collection of stunning waterfalls that can be found along the route. Multnomah Falls, in particular, is a must-see sight, with its picturesque two-tiered cascade plunging into a moss-covered canyon. Other notable waterfalls, such as Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are also easily accessible from the highway.

In addition to its natural beauty, the highway is also home to several well-maintained gardens that showcase the region's flora and fauna. Visitors can stroll through meticulously landscaped botanical gardens, where colorful flowers and native plants create a vibrant oasis in the midst of the wilderness.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Historic Columbia River Highway offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

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$139 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting

The Columbia Gorge NSA 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. 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 afternoon half-day tour you'll make new friends while exploring "waterfall alley", including views of the Vista House and a stop at Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon and most visited site in the Pacific Northwest. Your expert guide will teach you about the natural history, cultural history, and wine background of the area, as you drive the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. You'll continue on to stop at a vineyard in the Columbia Gorge American Viticultural Area (AVA). Tasting fees included.

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$1652 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Private Tour at The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the longest ski season in the US. To the north of Mt. Hood is the Hood River Valley. You will get intimate with this area through a visit to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, fruit stands in the Hood River Valley, downtown Hood River (your opportunity for lunch and/or alcoholic beverages), and breathtaking stops in the eastern and western Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah Falls included). Your expert guide, with formal background in ecology and natural resources, will teach you about the natural and cultural history of the area, as you drive the Mt. Hood and Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byways. Maximum group size of 11. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

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$149 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Full-day Columbia Gorge Hiking

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 a community of plants and invertebrates that changes dramatically going from the west end to the east end. You will get intimate with The Gorge through hiking. Your guide will teach you about the natural history and cultural history. The guide will feel out the group’s physical abilities in choosing 4-8 miles (6-13 km) of hiking in the western and/or eastern Columbia Gorge. Picnic lunch included.

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$759 Tour Provided by Viator
5.00

Private Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Tour

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 ALL-INCLUSIVE 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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$89 Tour Provided by Viator
4.95 (39 reviews)

Explore Columbia River Gorge Half Day Small Group Tour

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.

View on Viator
$139 Tour Provided by Viator
4.85 (13 reviews)

The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the longest ski season in the US. To the north of Mt. Hood is the Hood River Valley. You will get intimate with this area through a visit to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, fruit stands in the Hood River Valley, downtown Hood River (your opportunity for lunch and/or alcoholic beverages), and breathtaking stops in the eastern and western Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah Falls included). Your expert guide, with formal background in ecology and natural resources, will teach you about the natural and cultural history of the area, as you drive the Mt. Hood and Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byways. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

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$165 Tour Provided by Viator
4.67 (424 reviews)

Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls

On this full-day tour, you’ll see the best of the Portland area and the Columbia River Gorge. Along the way, learn about Portland’s interesting history and modern-day culture from your guide. Our half-day Portland City Tour will reveal the laid-back small city feel of this fun and thriving downtown. You will experience the best Portland sites including the International Rose Garden (seasonally), the World Forestry Museum (seasonally), the Oregon Society of Artists (seasonally), Pioneer Courthouse Square, NW 23rd (the best shopping area in Portland), the Pearl District, the South Park Blocks, and Lan Su Chinese Garden. On the half-day Gorge Waterfalls tour you will explore the beauty of the canyon walls and rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls and awe-inspiring vistas that make the Columbia River National Scenic Area one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.

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$189 Tour Provided by Viator

Columbia Valley and Columbia Gorge Wine Tasting

Overlapping the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, and straddling the Oregon & Washington border, are the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley American Viticultural Areas (AVA). The Columbia Gorge AVA is the lovechild of the Columbia Valley and Willamette Valley AVAs. The Columbia Valley AVA is the largest AVA in the Pacific Northwest, and known for big reds with a bright mouthfeel. Come see the natural beauty of the Columbia Basin and Columbia Gorge through wine tasting. Your guide will teach you about the natural history, cultural history, and wine background of the area. Lunch is included; wine is not.

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Interesting Places Nearby

Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Historic Columbia River Highway.