Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline Lodge, Hood River & Multnomah Falls Day Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can walk short uphill stretches and stand at viewpoints; no intense fitness required but be comfortable with occasional stairs and uneven ground.
Overview
A single-day loop that pairs Timberline Lodge’s alpine drama with Hood River orchards and the basalt cliffs and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. Expect glacier views, orchard stops, and the thunder of Multnomah Falls on an 8-hour guided route.
Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline Lodge, Hood River & Multnomah Falls Day Tour
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Wind scours the ridge above Timberline Lodge, and the air tastes like snow even in late spring. You step off the shuttle into a fir-brittle light and Mt. Hood fills the sky—a white crown rising from basalt shoulders—while the guide points out lines of moraine, the Palmer Glacier, and the old ski runs that keep this resort open year-round. The day unfolds like a geological cross-section: alpine pumice and ice above, orchards and tasting rooms on the warm lee of Hood River, and a carved-out river corridor where the Columbia River dares you to look downstream.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for fast-changing weather
Temperatures vary from near 6,000 ft at Timberline to sea-level at the Gorge—pack a waterproof outer layer and insulating mid-layer.
Bring a daypack and snacks
Although snacks and bottled water are provided, carry a small pack for souvenirs and extra layers during short hikes.
Timing for photos
Early departures increase your chance of unobstructed mountain views; late afternoon gives warm light on Gorge cliffs.
Respect salmon habitat
If you stop near riverbanks or hatcheries, stay on trails and avoid disturbing spawning areas—especially in late summer and fall.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles along the Columbia River
- Black-tailed deer in valley woodlands
History
Timberline Lodge was built as a WPA project in 1937 and features hand-carved woodwork and local stone; the Historic Columbia River Highway was one of the first engineered scenic roads in the U.S.
Conservation
The Gorge balances heavy visitation with active restoration and salmon-recovery projects; stick to trails and support local orchards and businesses that practice sustainable farming.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hood River, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof outer layer
Protects against mountain sleet or coastal drizzle and wind through the Gorge.
fall specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides grip for mixed terrain at viewing points, stairs, and orchard paths.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Reflective surfaces—snow and river—intensify UV exposure across the loop.
summer specific
Polarizing filter (for camera)
Reduces glare on water and enhances waterfall and sky contrast for better images.