Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Hiking peaks in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

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.

Iconic Hiking Peaks — Map

Jet Lowe / Public domain

A

Chanticleer Point

Chanticleer Point is a geographical landmark on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.

B

Wind Mountain

A 1,907-foot basalt peak on the Washington side of the Gorge. The summit contains ancient Native American spirit quest pits and offers views of the Columbia River and Dog Mountain.

C

Angels Rest

A prominent basalt bluff on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. The 1,640-foot summit provides a 270-degree view of the river, Beacon Rock, and Silver Star Mountain.

D

Mount Defiance

The highest point in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, rising to 4,960 feet. The summit features a cluster of radio towers and offers clear views of Mount Hood.

E

Shellrock Mountain

A peak on the Oregon side known for its steep, unstable slopes of loose volcanic rock. It forms a 'gateway' to the central Gorge along with Wind Mountain.

F

Nesmith Point

The highest point on the cliffs overlooking the western Columbia River Gorge at 3,878 feet. It was formerly the site of a fire lookout tower.

G

Mount Pleasant

A grassy summit in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, known for its seasonal wildflower displays and views of the Cape Horn area.

H

Biddle Butte

A peak located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, situated near the Cape Horn overlook.

I

Crown Point

A National Natural Landmark featuring the Vista House, a 1918 octagonal stone observatory built 733 feet above the Columbia River on a sheer basalt cliff.

J

Larch Mountain

An extinct shield volcano. Its highest point, Sherrard Point, provides a panoramic view of five Cascade peaks: Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.

K

Devils Rest

A 2,400-foot forested summit on the Oregon side, accessible via trails from Multnomah Falls or Wahkeena Falls.

L

Saint Peter's Dome

A massive basalt monolith and prominent landmark rising above the Columbia River near Dodson, Oregon.

M

Rock of Ages

A natural rock arch and steep ridge formation located above the Horsetail Falls area on the Oregon side of the Gorge.

N

Indian Point

A distinctive rock formation and viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River, accessible via the Herman Creek trail system.

O

Pepper Mountain

A peak in the western Columbia River Gorge, situated south of Corbett, Oregon.

P

Wygant Peak

A 2,200-foot summit in the central Gorge near Mitchell Point, featuring diverse forest ecosystems and views of the river.

Q

Sacagawea and Papoose Rocks

Distinctive basalt rock formations located on the Washington side of the Columbia River near Table Mountain.

R

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is a peak rising on the north side of the Columbia River in Washington state, about 4 miles north-northwest of Bonneville…

S

Panorama Point

A viewpoint south of Hood River providing sweeping views of the Hood River Valley, fruit orchards, and Mount Hood.

T

Hood River Mountain

A peak in the eastern Gorge known for its spring wildflower meadows and unobstructed views of the Hood River Valley and the Cascade Range.

Other Lists

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Essential Must-Sees Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Scenic Park Destinations Scenic Viewpoints Scenic Campsites & RV Parks