Columbia Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular 80-mile canyon along the Columbia River, located on the Oregon and Washington State Border.

The most dramatic section of the Columbia Gorge is the 19-mile Historic Columbia Highway, traveling east from Troutdale to Dodson on the Oregon side of the river. This Historic Columbia Highway was built between 1913-22, and features an abundance of waterfalls, sheer cliffs, gorges, viaducts and tunnels. This map provides a great overview of key attractions along the Historic Highway.

Interstate 84 runs parallel to the Historic Highway, but you will miss key attractions if you stay on the Interstate.

Historic Highway from Troutdale to Dodson - 19 miles east-west

1. The entrance to the Historic Highway is at Troutdale, just 20 minutes east of Portland and 3-hours south of Seattle.
2. After driving 15 minutes east of Troutdale, take the turn-off to Larch Mountain and drive 17-miles up the mountain (please avoid during winter and spring).  Once you reach the parking lot, take the ¼ mile walk to the Sherrard Point look-out for spectacular 360-degree views of Mt Rainier and Mt Jefferson.  When driving back down the mountain, consider stopping at the elegant View Point Inn, with incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge.
3. Once back on the Historic Highway, it’s a 5-minute drive to Vista Point on Crown Hill.  Vista Point has the most panoramic views of the Columbia River.  The prominent rest stop and observatory, Vista House, was designed by Portland Architect Edgar Lazarus between 1916-17.
4. Take a steep drive down the hill and be prepared for plenty of switchbacks.  As you continue to drive along the Historic Highway, the next stops include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls. There is a picnic area at Bridal Veil Falls.
5. A short distance up the highway, dedicate plenty of time to Multnomah Falls.  Multnomah is the second highest waterfall in the US, and easily the most spectacular along the highway.  The falls plummet 543-feet from the upper plunge pool, and another 69-feet to the lower plunge pool.  You can get closer views of the upper plunge pool by walking across the Benson Bridge overlooking the falls. There is an historic day lodge with a restaurant, visitor center and kiosk.
6. Oneonta Gorge is next.  The path into the gorge is a little rough, so consider just standing on the nearby bridge for a glimpse into this deep, lush canyon. Your final stop on the Historic Highway is Horsetail Falls, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the shape of a horsetail.
7. The Historic Highway ends at Dodson. 

Lodging at the Columbia Gorge

Some great accommodation options near the Historic Highway include:

• Celilo Inn
• View Point Inn
• Skamania Lodge

Hood River township also has a wide selection of accommodation.  If you’d prefer to camp, stay at Ainsworth State Park on the Historic Highway.

Restaurants

When touring along the Historic Highway, the best places for lunch include:

• View Point Inn restaurant
• Multnomah Falls Lodge restaurant
• Multnomah Falls kiosk
• Picnic facilities at Benson State Recreation Area (1 mile west of Multnomah Falls)
• Picnic facilities at Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint.

Things to do near the Columbia Gorge

• Award winning Maryhill Winery - 63 miles east of Dodson

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