Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Protected Landscape · Oregon, 🇺🇸 United States

Area 1,176 km²

Time zone America/Los_Angeles

Official website www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa

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Ian Poellet / CC BY-SA 3.0

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Essential Must-Sees

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area spans over 80 miles, carving a deep canyon through the Cascade Mountains. This geological corridor contains the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America, including the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls. The area features diverse landscapes ranging from temperate rainforests to arid grasslands, alongside historic 20th-century engineering projects like the Vista House, Bonneville Dam, and the Bridge of the Gods, which connects Oregon and Washington.

12 places

Jo Jo / CC-BY-SA

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area contains the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America. This collection features world-famous landmarks like the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, alongside geological gems along Eagle Creek and the Historic Columbia River Highway. Visitors can observe diverse formations, including columnar basalt cliffs at Latourell Falls and natural amphitheaters. Many sites, such as Horsetail and Ponytail Falls, offer trails that pass directly behind the cascading water.

10 places

wayne myhre] / Public domain

Scenic Park Destinations

This collection of parks along the Columbia River Gorge highlights the region's diverse landscapes and history. It includes expansive state sites like Starvation Creek, known for its accessible waterfalls, and the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, which marks a historic 1805 campsite. Visitors can find specialized facilities for windsurfing at Celilo Park, panoramic volcanic vistas at Panorama Point, and industrial heritage at Cascade Locks Marine Park, home to 19th-century navigational locks.

18 places

Ryan Harvey / CC BY-SA 2.0

Scenic Viewpoints

The Columbia River Gorge features a diverse array of overlooks ranging from the lush, temperate rainforests of the west to the arid grasslands of the east. These sites highlight geological formations shaped by the Missoula Floods, including sheer basalt cliffs and the unique Cigar Rock pillar. Key locations like Sherrard Point offer views of five Cascade peaks, while others, such as Memaloose Overlook, provide historical context regarding the region's indigenous heritage.

22 places

Jet Lowe / Public domain

Iconic Hiking Peaks

This collection features the most prominent summits and overlooks throughout the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Stretching across both Oregon and Washington, these peaks include the extinct shield volcano of Larch Mountain and Mount Defiance, the Gorge's highest point at 4,960 feet. The list highlights unique geological formations like the basalt pillars of Saint Peter’s Dome, the talus slopes of Shellrock Mountain, and historic sites like Crown Point’s 1918 Vista House. These locations provide vantage points for viewing the Cascade Range volcanoes and the Columbia River.

20 places

Scenic Campsites & RV Parks

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers diverse camping options along the Historic Columbia River Highway and the riverbanks. From the volcanic monolith of Beacon Rock to the waterfall-dense Eagle Creek area, these sites provide access to world-class hiking trails, windsurfing spots, and historic landmarks. Facilities range from primitive tent sites and group camps to full-hookup RV resorts near the Sandy and Deschutes rivers.

15 places