Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Active and Adventure Travel Guide

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Active and Adventure Travel Guide

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Sunset over Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (Larry Geddis/courtesy, Oregon Tourist Commission)
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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Active and Adventure Travel Tips

By Karen Kefauver
  • Hiking to the Gorge's waterfalls is a classic Portland area day trip. The popular 13-mile Eagle Creek Trail visits more waterfalls than any other trail in the Gorge. Don’t miss the breathtaking Multnomah Falls, the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States.
  • The Columbia River Gorge is famous as the boardsailing capital of the world—it functions like a wind tunnel and creates ideal conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Enjoy an easy hike to watch the action on the water.
  • The Klickitat River is a classic whitewater wilderness experience available only during the spring run-off, usually April through July.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Each year, millions of motorists wend their way into the Columbia River Gorge on the border between northern Oregon and southern Washington to take in the stunning beauty of its black basalt cliffs, ribbon-like waterfalls, and lush fir forests. On foggy days, the scenic vistas in the Gorge are reminiscent of Chinese scroll paintings of steep-sided mountains adorned here and there by twisted pines. In November 1986, Congress recognized the unique beauty of the Gorge when it made it the nation's first National Scenic Area. Read More

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2 Questions | 2 Answers
  • when are the best times of the year to see the salmon at the bonneville dam
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • I am taking a cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. I would like to know if the waters are calm or will I need motion sickness medicines
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Hotels

from: $85

Best Western Hood River Inn

1108 E Marina Way
Hood River, OR 97031-2378 Map

Distance: 25.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
4.0

Columbia Gorge Hotel

4000 Westcliff Drive
Hood River, OR 97031 Map

Distance: 28.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
4.0
from: $79

Best Western Columbia River Inn

735 Wanapa Street
Cascade Locks, OR 97014 Map

Distance: 44.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 2 class stars

Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
All Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Hotels »
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Attractions

Columbia River Gorge

expert favorite attraction
Columbia River Gorge


Distance: 10.8 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile-long and 4,000-feet-deep river canyon that cuts through the... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Bonneville Lock and Dam

expert favorite attraction


Distance: 38.1 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Bonneville Lock and Dam, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, spans the Columbia River and... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center/Wasco County Historical Museum

5000 Discovery Dr
The Dalles, Oregon

Distance: 11.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

These two museums, housed in one building on the outskirts of The Dalles, serve as the eastern... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
4_0
All Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Distance (mi.)
Portland International Airport 78.5 map
Seattle/Tacoma International Airport 138.4 map
Spokane International Airport 212.9 map

Other Smaller Airports near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Distance (mi.)
Yakima Air Terminal Airport 66.0 map
Redmond Bend/Roberts Field 98.3 map
Pasco Tri-Cities Airport 98.9 map

Flight Deals to Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Originating From
Sacramento (SAC) to Portland (PDX) $126
Spokane (GEG) to Portland (PDX) $126
Denver (DEN) to Portland (PDX) $156
Las Vegas (LAS) to Portland (PDX) $178
Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) to Portland (PDX) $197

Feature Articles

More Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Active and Adventure Feature Articles (5) »
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