Your guide to the top 10 sights in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

Explore the 10 best sights in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. This guide covers iconic waterfalls and historic viewpoints for your next road trip.

Notable features, expectations, and history:

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area contains the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America. Visitors should expect dense crowds at popular sites during summer weekends. Parking often reaches capacity by mid-morning. The region’s modern history began with the 1916 completion of the Historic Columbia River Highway. This road was the first scenic highway in the United States. Geologically, the gorge was carved by the Missoula Floods roughly 15,000 years ago. These cataclysmic events left behind sheer basalt cliffs and hanging valleys.

Multnomah Falls: The Gorge’s most prominent landmark

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. It drops 620 feet in two tiers. The Benson Bridge spans the mist-filled basin between the upper and lower falls. It offers a direct view of the sheer vertical drop. A historic stone lodge sits at the base. It was built in 1925 and houses a restaurant and visitor center. Timed use permits are required for vehicle access during the peak summer season.

Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint: The Chanticleer Point vista

This lookout offers the most photographed view in the region. It is located at the former site of the Chanticleer Inn. The Portland Women’s Forum saved this land from commercial development in the 1950s. From this perch, the Vista House is visible on its distant cliff. The wide panorama captures the river stretching toward the eastern horizon. It is an ideal spot for observing weather patterns moving through the corridor.

Vista House: The Crown Point observatory

Vista House sits 693 feet above the Columbia River. This Art Nouveau structure was completed in 1918. It served as a rest stop and memorial to Oregon pioneers. The octagonal building features marble interiors and stained glass windows. It remains a functional observatory with 360-degree views. High winds frequently sweep this exposed promontory. The building may close when wind speeds exceed 50 miles per hour.

Latourell Falls: Basalt columns and vertical plunges

Latourell Falls is known for its distinctive columnar basalt formations. The water drops 224 feet against a backdrop of yellow lichen and dark stone. This is the closest major waterfall to Portland on the historic highway. A lower viewing path provides immediate access to the mist. An upper loop trail leads to a second, smaller falls. The verticality of the rock walls is a geological highlight of the western gorge.

Wahkeena Falls: A tiered and cascading flow

Wahkeena is a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful.” Unlike the vertical plunge of Multnomah, this waterfall cascades 242 feet over rocky tiers. A stone bridge crosses the creek near the base. The trail here is steep but well-maintained. It connects to a larger network of paths leading to Fairy Falls. The area features ornate stonework from the original highway construction era.

Bridal Veil Falls: The site of a historic lumber mill

This two-tiered waterfall is tucked into a forested canyon. It drops 120 feet over moss-covered basalt. The park was once the location of the Bridal Veil Falls Lumbering Company. Remnants of the old mill are still visible near the trail. An overlook path provides views of Beacon Rock and the Pillars of Hercules. The descent to the falls is short but relatively steep.

Horsetail Falls: Immediate roadside access

Horsetail Falls is named for its distinctive shape. The water plunges 176 feet into a large pool. It is located directly alongside the Historic Columbia River Highway. No hiking is required to view the main falls. A trail leads from the road to Ponytail Falls. This upper section allows visitors to walk behind the falling water. The proximity to the road makes it a popular stop for quick photographs.

Shepperd’s Dell Falls: Historic bridge and stone masonry

Shepperd’s Dell features a tiered waterfall within a narrow alcove. The site is famous for its historic concrete arch bridge. George Shepperd donated the land to the public in 1915. The stonework here reflects the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. Visitors can view the falls from the bridge or a short path. It is a quieter alternative to the more famous falls nearby.

Beacon Rock: A geological basalt monolith

Beacon Rock is a massive 848-foot basalt plug. It is the core of an extinct volcano. A trail with 52 switchbacks leads to the summit. This path is built directly into the rock face. It offers unobstructed views of the Columbia River and surrounding peaks. The monolith is one of the most recognizable features of the Gorge landscape. It sits on the Washington side of the river.

Rowena Crest Viewpoint: The iconic horseshoe curve

Rowena Crest is located at the eastern end of the Gorge. It is famous for a horseshoe-shaped curve in the highway. The landscape here transitions from forest to dry grassland. The Tom McCall Nature Preserve protects the surrounding plateaus. In spring, the area is filled with balsamroot and lupine wildflowers. The viewpoint provides a clear look at the river’s path through the basalt cliffs.

Nearby attractions

• Hood River: A hub for windsurfing and local orchards.
• Bonneville Lock and Dam: Offers fish viewing windows for salmon.
• Mount Hood: Accessible via the Fruit Loop driving route.

Frequently asked questions