Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Best things to do in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Essential Must-Sees — Map

Ian Poellet / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Upper Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson,…

Jo Jo / CC-BY-SA

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Latourell Falls

A 249-foot single-plunge waterfall notable for its distinct columnar basalt formations and vibrant yellow chartreuse lichen. It is one of the most accessible falls located along the western end of the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Jo Jo / CC-BY-SA

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Bridal Veil Falls

A two-tiered waterfall dropping approximately 120 feet. A short interpretive trail leads to a wooden viewing platform at the base, while a separate upper trail offers views of the Columbia River and the Pillars of Hercules basalt formations.

Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Horsetail Falls

Horsetail Falls is a waterfall located on Horsetail Creek along the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Jon Roberts / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located on Multnomah Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Troutdale, between Corbett and Dodson,…

Visitor7 / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Crown Point Vista House

Vista House is a museum at Crown Point in Multnomah County, Oregon, that also serves as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a comfort…

Joe Parks / CC BY 2.0

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Oneonta Gorge

Oneonta Gorge is a scenic gorge located in the Columbia River Gorge area of the American state of Oregon. The U.S.

wayne myhre] / Public domain

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Starvation Creek State Park

Starvation Creek State Park is a state park located west of Hood River, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge.

Public domain

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Bonneville Dam

Bonneville Lock and Dam consists of several run-of-the-river dam structures that together complete a span of the Columbia River between…

Eric Prado / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Bridge of the Gods

The Bridge of the Gods is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Washington state…

Jo Jo / CC-BY-SA

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Wahkeena Falls

A 242-foot tiered waterfall known for its cascading flow rather than a vertical drop. Named after the Yakima word for 'most beautiful,' the falls are accessible via a steep, paved trail that connects to the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop.

Ryan Harvey / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Columbia River Gorge Overlook

Located at Chanticleer Point, this viewpoint offers the classic panoramic vista of the Columbia River Gorge, including the Vista House perched on Crown Point and the river stretching toward the east.

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