You can’t miss these two Pacific Northwest gems – pair ‘Waterfall Alley‘ in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area & Oregon’s delicious wines! Decompress on foot in nature and then relax with a glass – what could be better?
Explore sweeping vistas and serene waterfalls in the famed Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area with a TripAdvisor ‘Hall of Fame’ guide on an experience tailored to your group. After unwinding in nature, head to the charming hamlet of Hood River to visit two of Oregon’s best boutique wineries to taste great wines!
We begin the day heading east from Portland toward the spectacular Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. As we travel along the mighty Columbia River, watch for Bald Eagles and Osprey. The towering basalt cliffs and haunting rock formations were created as the river sliced through the Cascade Mountains. On a clear day, white-cloaked volcanic peaks loom in the distance like sentinels.
Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway as breathtaking views greet you at nearly every bend of the road. Take in several of the 70 waterfalls found in the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, including the highest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest, the 620′ high Multnomah Falls. Opportunities for hiking, splashing, and photography abound, as the trails around these natural beauties provide ample access for every adventurer.
Continuing east, the damp forests of the coastal Pacific Northwest give way to Garry Oak, Ponderosa Pines, and arid climes – prime growing conditions for wine grapes. Near the town of Hood River, explore two beloved local wineries, sampling boutique wines found only in Oregon. Each sip reveals how the same forces that shaped the landscapes impact the wines in your glass. The weather, views, and wines here make for a lovely vineyard experience! We like to visit wineries like Cathedral Ridge, Hood Crest, The Pines 1852, Stave & Stone, Mt. Hood, and Wy’East Vineyards. After excellent wines, we’ll wrap up and head back to Portland in time to enjoy an evening in the city!
SAMPLE ITINERARY
8:30a: Downtown Pickups
When booking, be sure to provide the phone number where we can reach you during your travels. Let our team know where you’re staying and we’ll do everything we can to make your pick-up as easy as possible. We’ll connect the day prior to your tour to confirm details.
9:00a: Enter Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Stop at the best viewpoint in the lower Columbia Gorge for a photo opportunity and to learn some of the history of the region from your guide.
Traveling along the Historic Highway, you’ll stop at Latourell Falls for a short 5-minute walk to the waterfall, along a well-maintained path. We will visit Multnomah Falls, and at least one other during the afternoon. On holidays or at summer’s peak, we may vary the timeline to visit Multnomah Falls at the end of the day when it is less busy.
We’ll stop to press coffee, make tea, (or enjoy a cold beverage on hot summer days) and have a light snack at one of these waterfalls.
12:00p: Arrive in the Hood River Valley
Arrive in Hood River, OR and stop in at two different local wineries for relaxed wine tastings. Lunch is served on site at our first winery visit.
Afternoon:
From here, the course of your day can go so many ways. Your guide will combine group preferences, weather considerations, mixed access & highlights, crowd avoidance, and more to create a lovely day. No two trips are the same! We’re extremely likely to change wineries from day to day to give you the best possible experience.
5:30P: Arrive in Portland
Approximate arrival back in downtown Portland.
