Get up close to the best Columba River Gorge waterfalls on a self-guided adventure or an expert-led tour. No matter the age or ability levels of your party, you'll find a way to experience Washington State's most majestic waterfalls. You can even drive to Multnomah Falls, one of the most popular and most Instagrammable waterfalls near Stevenson.
Multnomah Falls is a convenient stop on the drive from Portland or the airport on the way to Skamania Lodge, and it is easily the Columbia River Gorge's most famous waterfall. Multnomah Falls is a main attraction near Portland, Oregon. It's visited by nearly 2 million people a year, but once you stand before this towering 620ft two-tiered column of water; you'll come to see why it's so popular.
Hood River, OR cascadecanyonguides.com Boutique guide service here in the Gorge. Several of our best routes are just down the road from Skamania Lodge. Our tours are unique and memorable for the folks who join them and in the last 2 years we have not received anything less than a 5 star review.
Skamania Lodge has partnered with Martin's Guided Tours, the area's foremost experts in guided tours of the area. If you are looking for an exciting tour of the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, Martin's Gorge Tour has the perfect trip.
To book a Waterfall tour with Martin's Gorge Tour, call 503-349-1323.
Starting 35 minutes from Skamania Lodge in Troutdale, Waterfall Shuttle does guided tours of the tallest waterfalls in the Gorge. Hop out and explore at 6 giant waterfalls with plenty of time to explore the falls on foot, take photos, and learn a bit about the area from their amazing guides. Small groups make for an intimate experience on this half day tour, don't miss the Sunset tour which ends at Crown Point Vista House for Sunset, and unforgettable experience. Tours run twice daily and are $79/person. They offer a custom tour for $800, which includes pickup and dropoff here at the lodge for up to 14 guests/van (4 vans available for groups up to 56).
For more information and to book a Waterfall Shuttle tour, click here.
At the Columbia River Gorge, chasing waterfalls is not only recommended—it's encouraged. Though Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region, we recommend you venture off the beaten path. Try out one or all of the below waterfall hikes to satisfy your inner love of water.
What to See:
This trailhead offers a spectacular vista of Horsetail Falls immediately from the parking lot. The halfway point will reward with views of the more secluded Ponytail Falls.
What to Do:
A one mile walk to Ponytail falls with a 400' elevation gain before returning on the same route (two miles total, rated 'easy'). You'll begin climbing immediately through lush green forest until you come to beautiful Ponytail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. You are rewarded not only with its beauty but by an opportunity to walk behind the waterfall and taste the mist.
What to See:
Beautiful vistas of Latourell falls from every angle. Lush, green forest and seasonal wildflowers.
What to Do:
Hike a two mile loop trail which gains 400 feet in elevation (rated 'moderate'). This Columbia River Gorge trail climbs fairly quickly to an elevation above the falls, crosses the creek on an old fallen log, and passes through a picnic area before returning to the trailhead.
What to See:
Wahclella Falls, a 120-foot, two-tiered plunge with the final 60-foot section dropping into an enormous splash pool, is one of the more spectacular Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. Also worthy of mention are the house-sized boulders left behind by a 1973 landslide and the spawning salmon in Tanner Creek during late fall.
What to Do:
Walk a two mile loop trail which gains 300 feet in elevation (rated 'easy'). This incredible walk begins with a bridge crossing next to a dramatic waterfall. After another half mile we come to a junction where the trail loops, using two scenic bridges to offer vistas of the canyon and the falls from either side of Tanner Creek.
What to See:
Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls and beyond is one of the most popular trails in all of the Columbia River Gorge. Only two miles from the trailhead, Punchbowl Falls spills water 25 feet into a blue-green pool set in a large grotto.
What to Do:
Hike a four mile round trip which gains 300 feet in elevation (rated 'Easy'). This trail starts fairly level and follows Eagle Creek as it climbs steadily through this narrow gorge. On our way to the Punchbowl cut-off we are treated to views of Metlako Falls and more than a few towering evergreens. This trail has been carved into a cliffside in two places, and it is not appropriate for young children and those who fear heights.
What to See:
A hiker's paradise with a gentle trail that permits access to one of the most beautiful and secluded Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. Elowah Falls is a 289 foot drop over basalt that must be seen to appreciate. The view of the falls and the way the tall cliffs jut out at odd angles is amazing from the bottom of the trail. Most days, the trails are not crowded. The easy access and accompanying scenery of this area offer some of the best hiking and viewing opportunities available in the Columbia River Gorge.
What to Do:
This trail rises gently through dense forest to the junction of McCord Creek Trail, then descends into McCord Creek Gorge and to the bottom of Elowah Falls. Trail length is one mile out and back (2 miles round trip), and is rated 'Easy'.
What to See:
This walk offers something for everyone...It is two attractions combined into one hike! Bridal Veil Falls is popular and picturesque, and the overlook trail offers some of the most amazing vantage points in the west end of the Columbia River Gorge.
What to Do:
Both trails are combined for a total of 1 & 3/4 miles, and rated 'easy'. The falls trail follows a gravel path which drops into the gully formed by Bridal Veil Creek, then crosses the creek on a solid wood bridge and ends at a viewing deck opposite the falls. The overlook trail is paved, level and makes a loop which offers a number of scenic overlooks of the Columbia River.
