best places to visit columbia river gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a natural wonder located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Columbia River Gorge⁚

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is the most popular tourist destination in the Columbia River Gorge, and for good reason. It is a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down a sheer cliff face into a pool of crystal-clear water. There are several ways to experience Multnomah Falls, including hiking to the base of the falls, taking a tram to the top, or simply admiring it from the viewing platform. No matter how you choose to experience it, Multnomah Falls is a must-see for any visitor to the Columbia River Gorge.

Here are some tips for visiting Multnomah Falls⁚

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Park in the designated parking lot and take the shuttle bus to the falls.
• Be prepared for a short hike to the base of the falls.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing, as the trail can be slippery.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

In addition to Multnomah Falls, there are many other waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Some of the most popular include Wahkeena Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls. If you have time, be sure to explore some of these other waterfalls as well.

Vista House

Vista House is a historic building located on Crown Point, a scenic overlook in the Columbia River Gorge. It was built in 1918 as a rest stop for travelers on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Today, Vista House is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Columbia River and the surrounding gorge; From the observation deck, you can see Multnomah Falls, the Cascade Locks, and Mount Hood on a clear day.

Here are some tips for visiting Vista House⁚

• Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Park in the designated parking lot.
• Take the elevator or stairs to the observation deck.
• Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views.
• If you have time, explore the nearby hiking trails.

In addition to the stunning views, Vista House also has a small museum that tells the story of the Historic Columbia River Highway. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and snacks. Vista House is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the scenery of the Columbia River Gorge.

Oneonta Gorge

Oneonta Gorge is a narrow canyon located in the Columbia River Gorge. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering a unique and challenging experience. The trail follows Oneonta Creek through the gorge, crossing over waterfalls and scrambling over boulders. Along the way, you will be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

Here are some tips for visiting Oneonta Gorge⁚

• Be prepared to get wet and muddy.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
• Bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and be prepared to turn back if necessary.
• If you are not comfortable with heights or water, this hike is not for you.

Oneonta Gorge is a challenging but rewarding hike. It is a great way to experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge up close. However, it is important to be prepared for the challenges of the trail and to take necessary precautions.

Here are some additional tips for hiking Oneonta Gorge⁚

• The trail is closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
• A permit is required to hike Oneonta Gorge. Permits can be obtained online or at the trailhead.
• The hike is about 1 mile round trip and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
• There are no restrooms or other facilities at the trailhead.
• Be sure to leave no trace and pack out everything you pack in.

Historic Columbia River Highway

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a scenic byway that follows the Columbia River through the Columbia River Gorge. It is a popular destination for tourists and road trippers, offering stunning views of the gorge and its many waterfalls. The highway is also home to several historic bridges and tunnels, which are a testament to the engineering prowess of the early 20th century.

Here are some tips for driving the Historic Columbia River Highway⁚

• Allow plenty of time for your drive. The highway is 70 miles long and there are many places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
• Be prepared for winding roads and steep grades.
• Take advantage of the many viewpoints along the way to stop and enjoy the views.
• Be aware of the weather conditions and be prepared to turn back if necessary.
• If you are not comfortable driving on winding roads, this drive is not for you;

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a beautiful and historic drive. It is a great way to experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and its many waterfalls. However, it is important to be prepared for the challenges of the drive and to take necessary precautions.

Here are some additional tips for driving the Historic Columbia River Highway⁚

• The highway is closed during the winter months due to snow and ice;
• There are several收费站along the highway. Be sure to have cash or a credit card ready.
• The drive is about 70 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
• There are several rest areas and picnic areas along the highway.
• Be sure to leave no trace and pack out everything you pack in.

Bonneville Dam

Bonneville Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. It is the first dam on the river and is a major source of electricity for the region. The dam is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history of hydroelectric power and to see the dam’s massive turbines in action.

Here are some tips for visiting Bonneville Dam⁚

• The dam is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• There is a visitor center at the dam where you can learn about the history of the dam and its operation.
• You can take a guided tour of the dam, which is a great way to learn more about its history and operation.
• There is a fish ladder at the dam where you can see salmon and steelhead trout swimming upstream to spawn.
• There are several picnic areas near the dam where you can enjoy a meal or snack.

Bonneville Dam is a fascinating place to visit and learn about the history of hydroelectric power. It is also a great place to see salmon and steelhead trout swimming upstream to spawn. If you are visiting the Columbia River Gorge, be sure to add Bonneville Dam to your itinerary.

Here are some additional tips for visiting Bonneville Dam⁚

• The dam is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, about 40 miles east of Portland.
• There is a parking fee to enter the dam.
• The visitor center is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
• Guided tours of the dam are available daily from 9am to 4pm.
• The fish ladder is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.