Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour: Portland to Multnomah Falls & 5 Iconic Cascades
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–4.5 hours total (≈2.5 hours walking)
Fitness Level
Moderately active—able to walk on short stair sections and uneven, sometimes wet trail surfaces for up to an hour at a time.
Overview
Drive the Columbia River Gorge with a guide and small group shuttle, visiting five of the area’s most famous waterfalls including the two-tiered Multnomah Falls and Crown Point’s Vista House. This half-day tour packs geology, history, and camera-ready stops into a convenient trip from downtown Portland.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Tour: Portland to Multnomah Falls & 5 Iconic Cascades
Select participants and date
The bus eases out of downtown Portland before sunrise, coffee steam still rising from paper cups as the city loosens its grip. Highway 30 becomes a ribbon along the river, and within forty-five minutes the canyon opens—sheer basalt walls, swaths of moss, and water that seems to prefer falling to anything else. The guide points to the first curtain of spray and the tour settles into a slower heartbeat: this is a day measured in ledges, plunge pools and viewpoints.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Grip the trail
Wear shoes with good traction—stairs and overlook paths are often wet and can be slippery after spray or rain.
Bring layers
Morning and riverside breezes can be cool even in summer; pack a light waterproof shell to stay comfortable.
Charge your camera
You’ll visit several prime photo stops—bring extra battery or a portable charger and a lens hood to manage spray and backlight.
Plan pickup time
Be at the designated curb 45 minutes before departure; the shuttle can’t wait for late arrivals and groups are tight-knit.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Douglas squirrel
History
The Gorge has been a travel corridor for indigenous Chinook people for millennia and was later developed into a scenic highway that shaped early tourism and conservation in Oregon.
Conservation
This National Scenic Area balances recreation with habitat protection—stay on trails, pack out waste, and avoid trampling riparian plants to help preserve fragile gorge ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry from waterfall spray and spring rain showers.
spring specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Good grip and ankle support for wet stairs and packed-gravel viewpoints.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration on short walks; refill at larger stops or bring a filtered bottle.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone with lens hood
Capture long-exposure shots and protect the lens from spray at viewing platforms.