Hood & Columbia Loop: Timberline Lodge, Hood River Orchards and Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers comfortable sitting for extended periods with several short walks (0.1–1 mile) and moderate elevation exposure at Timberline.
Overview
Spend a day on a private loop from Portland to Mt. Hood and back through the Columbia River Gorge—timberline views, orchard stops in Hood River, and iconic waterfalls including Multnomah Falls. Expert guides with ecology backgrounds translate geology and local culture while you ride in comfort.
Hood & Columbia Loop: Timberline Lodge, Hood River Orchards and Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
Select participants and date
You step out of the minivan into a cold, thin air that smells of pine and old stone. Timberline Lodge sits above tree line at roughly 5,960 feet, a hulking WPA-era building carved from local timber and basalt; behind it, the Palmer Glacier glints and the snowfields of Mt. Hood push the skyline into a jagged horizon. The road here winds past orchards that hang low with fruit, then drops toward the Columbia River where waterfalls fling themselves off basalt rims and the Gorge opens like a chapter of geological history.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid weather changes
Timberline sits near 6,000 ft—bring a windproof shell and warm mid-layer even in summer; temperatures can drop quickly at the lodge.
Bring grippy footwear
Short walks to viewpoints involve wet basalt and muddy trails—trail runners or light hiking boots with good traction are best.
Start early to improve views
Morning light and lower winds increase the chance of clear views of Mt. Hood and reduce crowds at Multnomah Falls.
Carry a refillable bottle
Bottled water is provided, but a 1–1.5L refillable bottle keeps you hydrated during stops and short hikes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- American Dipper along fast mountain streams
- Bald eagle and riverine waterfowl over the Columbia River
History
Timberline Lodge was a 1930s WPA project dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937; the Historic Columbia River Highway was inspired by European alpine road engineering and is a pioneering scenic-byway.
Conservation
The Gorge has active restoration efforts focused on salmonid habitat and invasive plant control; encouraging low-impact visitation helps protect fragile riparian zones and orchard landscapes.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof shell
Blocks cold winds at higher elevations and packs small for the van.
spring specific
Sturdy trail shoes
Keeps traction on basalt steps and muddy viewpoints near waterfalls.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle (1–1.5L)
Refill between stops to stay hydrated throughout the long day.
Telephoto or zoom lens (70–200mm)
Helps capture Gorge monoliths, river birds and distant mountain detail from roadside viewpoints.
fall specific