Columbia River Gorge
Go for waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls, a drive on the historic highway, and windsurfing at Hood River, all a short drive east of Portland.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
The Columbia River Gorge is a deep canyon the Columbia River has cut through the Cascade Range, forming the border between Oregon and Washington. It lies east of Portland. Congress set the area aside as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in 1986, and it is managed under federal and state rules, not as a national park.
The Oregon-side waterfalls are the main draw, especially Multnomah Falls, a two-tier fall with a footbridge between the tiers. The Historic Columbia River Highway, built in the 1910s and 1920s, follows the canyon with viewpoints and short trails to other falls. Hood River, farther east on the Oregon side, is known for windsurfing and kiteboarding on the river. Spring and early fall suit hiking best, and winter ice can make trails slippery. Plan a day trip from Portland for the main falls, or add a night in Hood River for a slower loop.
Columbia River Gorge in five
- Check the Multnomah Falls permit rulesMultnomah Falls has used timed-use permits in peak season in recent years to manage crowds. Check the U.S. Forest Service page for this summer before you go.U.S. Forest Service: Columbia River Gorge
- Skip the park fee; check day-use feesThe Gorge is a National Scenic Area, not a national park, so there is no gate and no $100 nonresident fee. Some trailheads and day-use sites charge a fee, so carry a card.The $100 park fee, explained
- Drive the Historic Highway, not just I-84The old Historic Columbia River Highway links waterfalls and viewpoints such as Vista House. It is slower than the interstate and well worth it on a clear day.Bend travel guide
- Rent a car in PortlandPublic transport reaches few trailheads, and most waterfalls sit along a short loop east of the city. A car makes the half-day trip simple and lets you add Hood River.
- Watch for wind and trail closuresThe Gorge is windy, which is why windsurfers love it, and past fires have closed some trails. Check conditions on the day you plan to hike.
Things to do in Columbia River Gorge
See all attractions in Columbia River Gorge
Need to know
- Entrance
- No park gate; some day-use sites and trailheads charge a fee
- Permits
- Timed use at Multnomah Falls in peak season; check the Forest Service page
- Season
- Open all year; falls fullest in winter and spring, best views May to October
- Nearest town
- Troutdale, Cascade Locks and Hood River
- Getting there
- About 30–40 minutes by car from Portland to the first waterfalls
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Poor
- JanuaryRain, full falls
- FebruaryRain, quiet
- MarchFalls, wildflowers
- AprilSpring bloom
- MayMild, fruit trees
- JuneDry, windsurfing
- JulyWarm, busy
- AugustWarm, windy
- SeptemberClear, harvest
- OctoberFall color
- NovemberRain returns
- DecemberCold, ice
Right now in Columbia River Gorge
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
12
- Feels like
- 9°
- Humidity
- 51%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 8%
Columbia River Gorge
02:02 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today13°3°8%Monday: Cloudy. High 13°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Tue15°8°16%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Wed17°6°81%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Thu16°7°81%Thursday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Fri16°7°45%Friday: Drizzle. High 16°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sat17°8°40%Saturday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 40%.
- Sun14°7°50%Sunday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 50%.
Updated 12:12 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Columbia River Gorge
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for Columbia River Gorge, checked
- Fire restrictions and trail closures for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are set by the US Forest Service; check fs.usda.gov before you go.
- Many Washington-side trailheads need a Discover Pass to park; check the current rules at parks.wa.gov before you drive in.
- Some Oregon-side parks use a day-use permit; check stateparks.oregon.gov for the rule at each trailhead on your route.
- Do not take rocks, plants or artifacts from the Gorge; removal is prohibited on the federal and state land along the river.
Plan around Columbia River Gorge
Central Oregon, about 3 hours south and east
Read the guideESTA explainedWho needs it and how to apply
Read the guide$100 park fee for visitorsWhich parks charge non-US residents
Read the guideGetting around the USATrains, flights and car rental
Read the guidePortlandThe gateway city, about 30 to 40 minutes west
Read the guideAll of the USAParks, cities and road trips
Read the guideColumbia River Gorge FAQ
Is the Columbia River Gorge worth visiting?
Yes. It has dozens of waterfalls, a scenic old highway and mountain views within an hour of Portland. A half day covers the highlights; a full day adds Hood River and a hike.
How far is the Columbia River Gorge from Portland?
The first waterfalls near Troutdale are about 30–40 minutes by car. Multnomah Falls is a little further along I-84 or the Historic Highway, and Hood River is about an hour from Portland.
Do you need a permit for Multnomah Falls?
Peak-season timed-use permits have been required in recent years. Rules change, so check the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge page for the current season before you drive out.
Do foreign visitors pay the $100 fee in the Gorge?
No. The Gorge is a National Scenic Area, not one of the 11 national parks with the nonresident fee. There is no entrance gate, though some sites charge a small day-use fee.
When is the best time to visit the Columbia River Gorge?
May to October for warmer, drier days and open viewpoints, September and October for fall color and fewer crowds. Waterfalls run fullest in winter and spring, but rain and ice limit hiking.