The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Afternoon Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Oregon’s iconic landscapes. From panoramic viewpoints to cascading waterfalls, this 3.5-hour adventure showcases the region’s most stunning sights. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an excellent value for those seeking to explore the area’s rich history and captivating scenery. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to rediscover the region, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that might just leave you wondering…
Key Points
- This 3.5-hour tour takes visitors to the Columbia River Gorge to see iconic waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls, as well as panoramic viewpoints.
- The tour includes complimentary pickup from 58 downtown Portland hotels and transportation in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
- Knowledgeable local guides provide engaging commentary on the region’s history, geology, and natural wonders throughout the tour.
- Highlights include the Portland Women’s Forum, Crown Point Vista House, and a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- The tour offers excellent value for money, with a 4.9/5 rating from past guests for both the transportation and guide experience.
Tour Overview
The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Afternoon Tour is a 3.5-hour activity that takes visitors on a captivating journey through the scenic landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge.
Priced from $85 per person, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup is included from 58 downtown Portland hotel locations aboard a comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
The itinerary highlights include stops at the Portland Women’s Forum, Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls, and the iconic Multnomah Falls, the second highest year-round waterfall in the USA.
Breathtaking views and informative commentary from a knowledgeable local guide make this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
Looking for more options in Portland Oregon? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Afternoon Tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through some of the region’s most stunning natural wonders. The tour highlights include:
| Stop | Highlight |
|————–|——————————————————————|
| Portland Women’s Forum | Panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge |
| Crown Point Vista House | Iconic landmark with breathtaking vistas |
| Latourell Falls | Impressive 249-foot year-round waterfall |
| Multnomah Falls | Second highest year-round waterfall in the USA, reaching 620 feet |
Guests will drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, taking in the awe-inspiring rock formations, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls that make this region a natural wonder.
Transportation Details
For the transportation on this tour, guests will be traveling in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
Pickup instructions are straightforward: guests should stand outside their hotel lobby during the pickup window, and drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time.
The tour offers 58 drop-off locations, including major downtown hotels, ensuring convenient return transportation.
The vehicles are well-maintained, and the tour’s high transportation rating of 4.9/5 from past guests reflects the quality and reliability of the transportation provided.
Guide and Experience
Knowledgeable local experts lead the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour. With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5, these guides are praised for their:
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Kindness
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Extensive knowledge
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Assistance with photos
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Engaging storytelling
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Seamless tour coordination
Customers highlight the guide’s ability to bring the region’s history and natural wonders to life, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The tour’s transportation also receives high marks, with a 4.9/5 rating for the comfortable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. The tour offers excellent value for money, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to explore the stunning Columbia River Gorge.
More Great Tours NearbyPortland Women’s Forum
At the start of the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour, guests enjoy a visit to the Portland Women’s Forum. This scenic viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the Gorge and distant Mount Hood. Visitors can explore the historical significance of this landmark, which was established in 1911 to advocate for women’s rights.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Location | Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Columbia River |
| History | Founded in 1911 to promote women’s equality |
| Views | Breathtaking vistas of the Gorge and Mount Hood |
| Significance | An important site for the women’s suffrage movement |
| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes at the viewpoint |
The Portland Women’s Forum sets the stage for the awe-inspiring waterfalls that lie ahead on the tour.
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Crown Point Vista House
The Crown Point Vista House stands atop a prominent cliff along the Historic Columbia River Highway, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
This iconic landmark features:
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Striking Beaux-Arts style architecture
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Expansive observation deck
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Interpretive exhibits on the region’s history and geology
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Gift shop selling local crafts and souvenirs
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Restrooms and water fountains for visitor convenience
Completed in 1916, the Vista House serves as a picturesque rest stop and vantage point for admiring the natural wonder of the Columbia River Gorge.
Visitors can linger, take photos, and soak in the stunning scenery.
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls, located just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, is a stunning 249-foot cascade that plunges over a basalt cliff. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the area via a short hiking trail that leads to the base of the falls, providing a close-up perspective of the powerful water flow.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Height | 249 feet |
| Flow | Year-round waterfall |
| Accessibility | Short hiking trail |
The tour guides provide insightful information about the geological history and natural beauty of Latourell Falls, making it a must-see stop on the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls tour.
Multnomah Falls
Towering 620 feet above the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is the second-highest year-round waterfall in the United States. This natural wonder is a must-see on the tour, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty.
Towering 620 feet above the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is the second-highest year-round waterfall in the United States, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty.
Some key facts about Multnomah Falls:
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Two-tiered waterfall with a lower and upper section
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Formed by the eruption of the Boring Lava Field thousands of years ago
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Accessible via a paved trail and bridge at the base of the falls
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Viewing platform offers panoramic views of the cascading water
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Popular for hiking, photography, and simply taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Tour Stop at Any Other Waterfalls Besides the Main Ones?
The tour will stop at the main waterfalls mentioned, such as Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls. However, it doesn’t appear to include any additional waterfalls beyond these key highlights along the Columbia River Gorge.
Are There Any Food or Snack Options Available During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include any food or snack options. Guests are advised to bring their own refreshments if they’d like to enjoy a snack or light meal during the excursion to the waterfalls.
Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies?
The tour doesn’t provide any food or snacks, but they can accommodate most dietary restrictions if guests let the tour operator know in advance. Travelers with severe allergies should plan to bring their own food options.
How Strenuous Are the Walking and Hiking Portions of the Tour?
The walking and hiking portions of the tour are generally easy and suitable for most fitness levels. There are short trails to the waterfalls with some mild inclines, but nothing overly strenuous. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements to Participate?
There are no age or physical fitness requirements, but the tour involves moderate walking and hiking. Participants should be able to navigate uneven terrain and inclines. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the best experience.
The Sum Up
This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Columbia River Gorge. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a comprehensive itinerary, visitors can enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes and captivating history, all while enjoying excellent value for money. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour is a must-do on any Portland itinerary.
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