Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Air Tour — Mount Hood to Multnomah Falls Flight from Portland
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for nearly all fitness levels; passengers must be able to enter/exit a small airplane and sit for the duration.
Overview
Rise above Portland and fly upriver to Mount Hood, then descend through the Columbia River Gorge past Multnomah Falls on this one-hour scenic air tour. Expect close-up volcanic profiles, waterfall panoramas, and strict weather- and weight-dependent logistics.
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Air Tour — Mount Hood to Multnomah Falls Flight from Portland
Select participants and date
The prop clears the early-morning haze and Portland shrinks into a grid below as Mount Hood grows into view—an ice-capped cone rising above forests that seem to push and fall away. On this hour-long flight with Envi Adventures the Sandy River threads beneath the airplane, daring you to trace it upriver toward a mountain the Multnomah called Wy'east. The pilot eases the throttle and the landscape rearranges: snowfields, rocky ridgelines, the wide, braided Columbia River carving its gorge like a living map.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Be at the departure point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time; late arrivals risk cancellation or a $99 rescheduling fee.
Seat Selection Matters
Right-side seats give the best lines on Mount Hood heading north; bring binoculars or a zoom lens for details.
Check Weather & Air Quality
Flights are very weather dependent—if smoke, low clouds, or high winds are forecast, expect rerouting or cancellation.
Weight Disclosure
Provide accurate passenger weights at booking; group and individual weight limits are enforced for safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Black-tailed deer
History
Mount Hood (Wy'east) and the Columbia River Gorge have long been central to Indigenous travel and resource use; later, the Historic Columbia River Highway opened this corridor to wider tourism in the early 20th century.
Conservation
The Gorge is a protected National Scenic Area; visitors are encouraged to respect routes, minimize noise and litter, and be aware that air tours have localized noise impacts that are regulated regionally.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Camera with Zoom Lens
A 70–200mm or similar helps capture Mt. Hood and distant Gorge features through the window.
Sunglasses
Reduces glare during bright, reflective flights over snow and water.
summer specific
Warm Layer
Cabin temperatures can be cool during ascent and descent, even in summer.
Ear Protection (Optional)
Light earplugs can help if you’re sensitive to engine noise in small airplanes.