• Vista House - Guests will be treated to an engaging narration highlighting the cultural landmarks of Portland and its surroundings as we journey towards the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway in our luxurious high-roof touring van. We travel through the delightful community of Troutdale en route to the renowned waterfall row! The Columbia River Gorge boasts the highest concentration of year-round waterfalls in the United States, offering breathtaking natural beauty, stunning vistas, lush ancient forests, numerous hiking trails, and captivating Native American and pioneer history. Our first stop is the historic Vista House (Crown Point), dating back to 1918. Guests can utilize our “million dollar” restroom, which doubles as a museum and way station for Gorge travelers, adorned with marble and mahogany, and enjoy the truly spectacular views that complement the building’s elegant architecture. Incredible photo opportunities are plentiful!
• Latourell Falls - This 249-foot waterfall is a remarkable example of both columnar and entablature basalt, formed by the many lava flows that shaped the region’s impressive geological formations. Latourell Falls is unique as it descends directly from the overhanging cliff above without touching any other surface before reaching the ground below in a magnificent spray of mist (and rainbows) if the lighting is just right! A short trail leads from the wooded parking area to a sensory delight as chartreuse-colored Golden cobblestone lichen stands out against the dark natural “cathedral” of lava draped in ferns, salmonberries, clovers, wild cucumber vines, wildflowers of every kind in the spring and summer, and towering stands of firs and maples. Breathe in the fresh invigorating scent of the forest and feel the mist of the falls on your face, rejuvenating the soul and spirit!
• Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area - Discover this often overlooked hidden two-tiered waterfall that cascades 92 feet down a dramatic ravine spanned by the historic Sheppard’s Dell bridge above Young’s Creek, which carves its way through the lava, creating intriguing shapes and features before flowing into the Columbia River. Your guide will explain why this place is so special!
• Wahkeena Falls - This elusive 242-foot gem is located just off the historic highway, crashing and plunging powerfully through the lush lava landscape with multiple twists and turns before its crystal-clear outflow creek reaches a charming stone viewing platform with several benches and interesting historical notes. There is a steep but short hike to the lower portion of the falls, fronted by another historic and scenic bridge. Your guide will provide more history as we pass by and indicate if we’ll be walking more here or heading on to Multnomah Falls, depending on the day’s timing and guest interest and ability level. Originally named Gordon Falls, it was renamed by the legendary mountain climbing group, the Mazamas, to better honor and feature the local Native American Yakima word, Wahkeena, meaning “the most beautiful”… a name truly fitting for this special place!
• Multnomah Falls - Towering over this world-famous location, the 620-foot Multnomah Falls stands as the 2nd-tallest year-round waterfall, Oregon’s tallest cascade, and one of the crown jewels of “waterfall row”! Enjoy the falls from the viewing platform at the base or hike the short switchback trail through lush temperate rainforest vegetation leading to the historic Benson Bridge, built in 1914. This 45’ long “deck arch” bridge dramatically floats 105’ in the air and offers visitors a miraculous view, perched directly on top of the lower falls while the spray from above enhances the experience, carried aloft by the natural wind created by the falls’ enormity! While visiting this magnificent natural wonder, guests can also explore the historic Multnomah Lodge, which houses a restaurant with incredible views of the falls, a gift shop with plenty of postcards, restrooms, and an information center with trail maps and information about the region’s flora and fauna.
• Oneonta Gorge - This fascinating and mostly hidden “Gorge within the Gorge” has been a local favorite for adventurous water-oriented hikers for generations. This unique slot-canyon style hike conceals three hidden waterfalls amidst the 25-million-year-old moss, lichen, and fern-covered sheer lava cliffs, declared a rare and protected botanical zone by the U.S. Forest Service due to the multiple endemic species that exist only here and nowhere else on Earth. There is no paved or gravel trail, as waterfall seekers must hike, wade, and swim through the freezing cold waters of Oneonta Creek, clambering over boulders and log jams to reach the 100’ tall Lower Oneonta Falls at the chasm’s end. Middle and Upper Oneonta Falls can be viewed via longer hikes that wind through this fascinating area. A recently restored tunnel, blasted through the basalt outcropping back in 1914, can be easily seen from the road as we pass by and learn more!
• Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge - This 176’-tall stunning waterfall presents itself grandly close to the highway with a refreshing plunge pool at its base. “Horsetail” is a larger genre of waterfalls, which also lends its name to this beloved cascade. The easy access and aesthetically pleasing shape of the falls provide world-class photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate its unique character and raw beauty just a few steps from the van. For adventurous individuals who wish to return later to the Gorge on their own and explore further, there is also a trailhead here leading to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls, and several dizzying vistas of the dramatic and famous Oneonta Gorge. After visiting Horsetail, we’ll continue past Ainsworth State Park and rejoin the main highway 84 with several close-up views of the 848’ tall Beacon Rock as we loop back to Portland. Enjoy expansive views of the majestic Columbia River and scenic vistas of the Washington State side of the Gorge.

• Bottled water
• Snacks

Participants on this tour will experience a picturesque drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, witnessing 4 or 5 distinctive and stunning waterfalls, including the renowned Multnomah Falls. They will embark on several short walks through both secondary and primary old-growth forests, gaining insights into the region’s flora and fauna. A notable stop includes the Historic Vista House, offering fantastic photo opportunities. The guide will share fascinating historical, geological, and cultural insights throughout the journey. Snacks, beverages, luxury van transportation, and pick-up and drop-off services are all included in the tour price.

• This tour is offered primarily in English, however our guides are also fluent in Spanish and can accommodate Spanish speaking travelers as well.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.