Why choose this Portland tour ?
The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren’t a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this tour you’ll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed “waterfall alley” where we’ll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.
Make the most of your Portland adventure
What makes Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour a unique experience ?
On the eastern edge of the Portland Metro Area is the western edge of the beautiful 85-mile long Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.
We’ll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy’s headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who’s dams have been removed since 2007.
Here’s your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.
This 100-year-old ‘fanciest rest stop in the world’ sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.
A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.
This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.
An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.
A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.
The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.
Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!
View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.
As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America’s oldest continuously running nudist beach!
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- AM and PM schedule
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Duration: 3 hours
Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- PA system so people in back can hear their guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Not Included
- Gratuity (always appreciated)
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Terran Travels.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 33 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 14 Travelers is accepted for booking.
