Columbia River Waterfalls: Day Trips and Tours from Portland, Oregon

The Columbia River Waterfalls are one of Portland, Oregon's most spectacular natural attractions. Home to the famous Multnomah Falls — the largest of the Oregon's waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge is one of the Pacific Northwest's most popular outdoor destinations.

See the views from Benson Bridge and Crown Point, hike the picturesque trails and enjoy a riverboat cruise on a  Columbia River waterfalls day trip from Portland. There are plenty of exciting activities to try along the way.

You will find below all about the Columbia River Waterfalls, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Portland.

How to get to Columbia River Waterfalls from Portland?

The Columbia River Waterfalls are located along a stretch of river near the Cascade Mountain Range east of Portland. You can access Columbia River Gorge from the Historic Columbia River Highway, which parallels Interstate 84.

From Portland to Columbia River Waterfalls by car

It takes around 30 minutes to get from Portland to the Columbia River Waterfalls via I-84 E. Travel north until Alder St. and use the left lane to take the I-5 N/I-84 E ramp to Airport/Seattle/The Dalles. This road will take you right to the Columbia River Gorge.

Guided tour to Columbia River Waterfalls from Portland

For a hassle-free way to explore the region, consider taking a Columbia River Waterfalls tour from Portland. These trips visit Latourell Falls and the grand Multnomah Falls and make a stop at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. All transportation for the day is included in the tour price.

How much does the entrance ticket to Columbia River Waterfalls cost?

To maintain the facilities at some Forest Service sites in the Columbia River Gorge, visitors must pay a fee or show a current pass. A day pass costs $5, and an annual pass costs $30. Admission fees are usually included in the price of tours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Columbia River Waterfalls from Portland?

You will depart from Portland and travel towards Troutdale — a place known as the “Gateway to the Gorge.”

Then cruise by the Sandy River to your first stop at Crown Point Vista House, which sits atop the remnants of an ancient volcano. Crown Point is a popular overlook situated 730 feet above the Columbia River and offers fantastic views.

Visit the Latourell Falls and take a short trail hike for a closer view of the cascades. The next stop will be the impressive  Multnomah Falls, where you will have a chance to hike the trails, visit the viewpoints and snap some photos of the awe-inspiring scenery.

Round off your trip with a 20-minute tour of the Bonneville Fish Hatchery before you travel back to Portland along the scenic Columbia River Route.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Columbia River Waterfalls?

Half-day tour to Columbia River waterfalls

The most popular Columbia River waterfalls tour from Portland is a half-day group trip. These include all transport for the day as well as admission fees and are usually led by a professional driver guide. Most tours visit the Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls, and other places of interest and last from 3.5 to 4 hours.

Full-day Columbia River waterfalls tour plus Mount Hood

A full-day Columbia River Waterfalls tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region. These small-group guided tours include all transportation for the day and a driver guide to show you around.

Visit the region’s fantastic waterfalls, including Multnomah and Latourell. Tour the Mount Hood National Forest and call off at the famous Timberline Lodge.

Bike tour to Columbia River waterfalls

Cruise The Columbia River Gorge on a scenic bike tour and see the area at a slower pace. Visit some of the Columbia River’s most beautiful waterfalls and learn the region’s history from your professional guide.

These small-group trips allow groups of up to eight participants and include the use of a cycle and safety equipment in the price.

Boat cruise on Columbia River Gorge

Take a riverboat cruise along the Columbia River Gorge to see some of its most spectacular sights.

Ride a classic paddle steamer boat and see famous locations along the river, such as Bridge of the Gods, Eagle Creek Trail, Skamania Lodge and the Bonneville Lock and Dam. The tour offers one-hour cruises through the week and two-hour brunch cruises on a Sunday.

Airplane tour to Columbia River waterfalls

For a thrilling and unforgettable day trip, why not try an airplane tour of the Columbia River Gorge?

These adventurous excursions fly over the city of Portland to the Columbia River Gorge via Oregon City and the Willamette Valley and river. The tours are private trips for up to three passengers and last 40 minutes to an hour — plenty of time to see the region’s most spectacular sights.

How much does a tour to Columbia River Waterfalls from Portland cost?

Many tours visit the Columbia River Waterfalls, and the prices vary depending on the group size, tour length and transportation.

The most popular Columbia River waterfalls tours from Portland are half-day tours which cost from US$50 to US$70. Full-day tours cost around US$120 and include visits to additional places, such as Mount Hood.

Bike tours of Columbia River waterfalls cost around US$80, including transportation by minivan from the city of Portland and using bicycles and safety equipment.

Columbia River Gorge boat cruises cost from $US40 for a one-hour trip to US$90 for a two-hour trip with brunch included. Travel is by historic paddle steamer boat.

Airplane tours from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge cost US$80 to US$240 per person and are suitable for groups of three adults.

What will you see and do on a Columbia River Waterfalls day trip from Portland?

The Columbia River Gorge is packed full of natural attractions, including volcanic mountains, deep canyons and nearly 100 waterfalls.

The Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge National Recreation Area is a must-see. A drive or hike along the scenic Columbia River Route offers spectacular natural views of volcanic wonders, canyons and cliffs. The area is a paradise for hikers with lots of well-tended and scenic trails that pass the region’s many picturesque waterfalls.

Multnomah Falls

There are over 90 waterfalls along the Columbia River, and Multnomah Falls is the most impressive. It is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet and shouldn’t be missed on a tour of the Columbia River Gorge. Feel the cool spray and see the views from the famous Benson Bridge, which links the trails on either side of the Gorge.

There are, of course, many other beautiful cascades in the Columbia River Gorge. Some must-see waterfalls include Latourell Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls.

Crown Point

Crown Point is situated on a steep precipice 733 ft above the Columbia River on the south side of the Columbia River Gorge.

This scenic viewpoint offers uninterrupted panoramas of the gorge and is home to the museum, gift shop and monument, Vista House. Crown Point can be reached by the Historic Columbia River Highway and is an excellent addition to any itinerary.

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

The Bonneville Fish Hatchery was created in 1909 and has remained one of Oregon’s largest fish hatcheries. The hatchery has viewing areas where you can see giant sturgeon and other fish up close and also offers visitors the chance to feed the fish.

When is the best time to visit Columbia River Waterfalls?

It is best to visit the Columbia River waterfalls mid-week and early in the morning, as it is less busy then. Late spring is the best time to view the waterfalls at their peak, but Summer has the finest weather.

Travel tips

• Book your Columbia river waterfalls trip in advance to ensure availability.
• The region is very popular through the summer months, so time your visit well to avoid the largest crowds.
• Don’t forget to charge your camera as the views here are sure to impress.
• The Oregon side is the more scenic route to drive, but along the Washington side, you don’t have to contend with trucks on the I-84.
• Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and pack a hat, sunblock and plenty of water.
• If you plan to swim at the falls, check which ones allow bathing before your visit.