Half Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Description
Guests on this tour will be treated to a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and see 4 or 5 unique and breathtaking waterfalls, including world-famous Multnomah Falls. They will enjoy several short walks through secondary and primary old growth forest while learning about the flora and fauna of the region. One of the stops along the way includes the Historic Vista House which allows for amazing photo opportunities. Their guide will provide interesting historical, geological and cultural highlights throughout the tour. Snacks, beverages, luxury van transportation, pick-up and drop-off are included in the price of the tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Guests will enjoy an interesting narration describing the cultural highlights of Portland and the surrounding area as we head towards the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway in our comfortable high-roof luxury touring van. We pass through the charming community of Troutdale on our way towards world famous waterfall row! The Columbia River Gorge plays host to the highest density of year-round waterfalls anywhere in the United States and abounds with jaw-dropping natural splendor, stunning vistas, lush old growth forests, a plethora of hiking trails and riveting Native American and pioneer history. Our first stop will be the historic Vista House (Crown Point) which dates all the way back to 1918. Guests can use our “million dollar” restroom (which serves as a museum and way station for Gorge travelers) covered in marble and mahogany and enjoy the truly incredible views which complement the elegant architecture of the building. Incredible photo opportunities abound!
This 249-foot tall waterfall provides a wonderful example of both columnar and entablature basalt, formed by the numerous lava flows that created many of the impressive geological formations of the region. Latourell Falls is also unique in the fact that it falls straight down from the overhanging cliff above without tumbling off any other surface before hitting the ground below in an impressive eruption of mist (and rainbows) if the lighting is just right! A short trail leads down from the wooded parking area to a true feast for the senses as chartreuse-colored Golden cobblestone lichen pops brightly against the dark natural "cathedral" of lava draped in ferns, salmonberries, clovers, wild cucumber vines, wildflowers of every sort in the spring and summer and towering stands of firs and maples. Drink in the clean invigorating sent of the forest and feel the mist of the falls upon your face while invigorating the soul and the spirit!
Enjoy this often overlooked hidden two-tiered waterfall which tumbles 92 feet down a dramatic ravine spanned by the historic Sheppard's Dell bridge above Young's Creek which slices it's way through the lava, creating interesting shapes and features before spilling into the Columbia River. Your guide will explain why this place is so special!
This elusive 242-foot tall gem sits just off the historic highway, crashing and plunging powerfully through the lush lava landscape with multiple twists and turns before it's crystal clear outflow creek arrives at a lovely stone viewing platform boasting several benches and some interesting historical notes. There is a steep but short hike to the lower portion of the falls which is fronted by another historic and scenic bridge. Your guide will give more history as we pass by and indicate if we'll be walking more here or heading on to Multnomah Falls, depending on timing of the day and guest interest and ability level. Originally named Gordon Falls, it was renamed by the legendary mountain climbing group, the Mazamas, to better honor and feature the local Native American Yakima word, Wahkeena, which means "the most beautiful"... a name certainly more fitting of this special place!
Towering above this world-famous locale, 620-foot tall Multnomah Falls looms large as the 2nd-tallest year round waterfall, Oregon's tallest cascade, and one of the crown jewels of "waterfall row"! Take in the falls from the viewing platform at the base or hike the short switchback trail through lush temperate rainforest vegetation leading to the historic Benson Bridge built in 1914. This 45’ long "deck arch" bridge floats dramatically 105' in the air and offers visitors a miraculous view, perched directly on top of the lower falls while the spray from above adorns the experience, carried aloft by the natural wind created by the enormity of the falls themselves! While visiting this magnificent natural wonder, guests can also choose to explore the historic Multnomah Lodge which houses a restaurant with incredible views of the falls, a gift shop with plenty of postcards, restrooms, and an information center with trail maps and information about the flora and fauna of the region.
This fascinating and mostly hidden "Gorge within the Gorge" has been a local favorite of adventurous water-oriented hikers for generations. This unique slot-canyon style hike keeps three hidden waterfalls tucked away out of sight amidst the 25-million year old moss, lichen and fern-covered sheer lava cliffs which have been declared a rare and protected botanical zone by the U.S. Forest Service due to the multiple endemic species that live only here and nowhere else on the planet. There is no paved or gravel trail as waterfall seekers must hike, wade and swim through the freezing cold waters of Oneonta Creek, clambering over boulders and log jams to reach the prize of the 100' tall Lower Oneonta Falls at the end of the chasm. Middle and Upper Oneonta Falls can be viewed via longer hikes that wind through this fascinating area. A recently restored tunnel, blasted right through the basalt outcropping back in 1914 can be easily seen right from the road as we pass by and learn more!
This 176'-tall stunning waterfall presents itself in grand fashion shockingly close to the highway with a refreshing plunge pool at its base. "Horsetail" is a larger genre of waterfalls, which also lends itself to the specific name of this beloved cascade. The easy access and aesthetically pleasing shape of the falls provides for world class photo options and a chance to appreciate its unique character and raw beauty just a few steps from the van. For adventurous folks who wish to return later to the Gorge on their own and explore further, there is also a trailhead here which leads to Ponytail Falls, Middle Oneonta Falls and several dizzying vistas of the dramatic and famous Oneonta Gorge. After visiting Horsetail, we'll continue on past Ainsworth State Park and rejoin the main highway 84 with several close up views of 848' tall Beacon Rock as we loop back to Portland. Enjoy expansive views of the majestic Columbia River and scenic vistas of the Washington State side of the Gorge.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
WHEN WILL I BE PICKED UP (TOUR PICKUP TIME)? Please be in the lobby of your hotel (or the default pickup location) 30 minutes BEFORE the official start time of the tour. Pickup will be sometime BETWEEN 8:30 & 9:00am. • Example: if the official tour start time is 9:00am, please be in lobby at 8:30am. Pickup will be sometime BETWEEN 8:30 & 9:00am. • Please keep an eye out for our TOUR VEHICLE (usually a white 12-passenger high-roof Ford Transit tour van) or possibly a smaller mini van or SUV in rare instances. • DEFAULT PICKUP LOCATION TIMING: If you are being picked up at our general default pickup location South Waterfront Park ADDRESS: 2001 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201, you will usually be picked up within a 30 minute window before the official start time of the tour, as per your confirmation e-mail and/or your confirmation cell phone text from your guide (sent out the night before the tour, or the morning of the tour if it’s a late booking). • It is necessary to check, read & respond to ALL texts and e-mails for specific tour pickup details right up to tour departure time so please keep an eye on your phone the morning of the tour. Thanks! WHERE WILL I BE PICKED UP AND DROPPED OFF? • OPTION #1) HOTEL PICKUP - Most guests are picked up at their hotel, which they can choose from the dropdown list while checking out online during the booking process - full hotel list can also be found on Infinite Oregon Tours' F.A.Q.'s (Frequently Asked Questions) section on our website. In addition to our default pickup location (see option #2 below), we offer pick-ups at approximately 40+ hotels within the downtown area and on the East side of the Willamette river near the Convention Center. The default pickup location listed below (option 2) is ALWAYS available to ALL guests for ALL tours. • OPTION #2) DEFAULT PICKUP LOCATION: SOUTH WATERFRONT PARK ADDRESS: 2001 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201. Our central (default) location for pick-ups and drop-offs is in South Waterfront Park at the intersection of SW River Dr. and SW Montgomery St, with the exact pick-up location being on the north side of the traffic round-about circle along the pedestrian walkway adjacent to Riverplace Marina. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T SELECT A HOTEL? - If you do NOT communicate or select your specific hotel when you make your reservation we will assume we will be picking you up at our default pickup location. ADDRESS: 2001 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201. It is the guest’s responsibility to notify us (during the booking checkout process) if they are staying at one of our pickup hotels. Please email us at or wait for your confirmation text from your guide the night before your tour if you have any further questions (guides can answer pickup questions) and will text you usually before 8:00pm the night before your tour. Thanks! TOUR VEHICLE (VAN): Your tour vehicle will most likely be a white high-roof Ford Transit 13-passenger van or a mini-van or SUV in some cases (which we'll communicate to you the night before via text from your guide). Your guide will be wearing a big smile and will probably have a clipboard in his or her hand. PARKING: If you are driving your own vehicle to the default pickup location, there is a public parking garage called THE DOUGLAS GARAGE available just a block or so away at: 1835 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201. There are several other parking garages within about a 5-10 minute walk if needed. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND/OR BRING ON THE TOUR? Due to the unpredictable and ever-changing weather in this area, we strongly suggest that you check the upcoming forecast for the locations you will be visiting the morning of the tour. By doing so, you will be able to better prepare, bringing extra layers, rain gear and appropriate footwear as needed. For tours involving short walks/hikes, we recommend comfortable walking shoes and layered outerwear that can be easily applied or removed during the outing. It’s worthy of note that the Oregon Coast is often 15-30 degrees cooler than temperatures in Portland (even in the summer). Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge in fall, winter or early spring can also require warm winter jackets or rain jackets (gloves & warm hats are always a good idea too!). Bottom line is it’s always a good idea to bring a jacket in Oregon regardless of season. CAN I BRING A BAG? A small day pack (very small backpack), camera bag, purse or tote bag are fine in the van as long as they can fit by your feet, but we cannot accommodate large suitcases as there is no luggage space or trunk in the tour van. Please call us before the tour if you have any questions. . Depending on the group size for PRIVATE TOURS we CAN accommodate large suitcases (which will be placed in some of the passenger seating areas). COFFEE & RESTROOM (toilet) at default pickup location: There is a small coffee and pastry shop called "Our Spot PDX" (1816 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201) on the west side of SW River Dr. (on the side closest to the river) as well as a public restroom next to the coffee shop for your convenience. If you arrive very early with enough time for breakfast or want to explore the riverfront, there is also a charming cafe called "The Little River Cafe" (315 S Montgomery St #310) approximately a 2-minute walk north along the pedestrian walkway along the Willamette River. Please still be ready at the default pickup stop 30 minutes BEFORE official tour departure time. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Portland is lucky to enjoy a wonderful public transportation system called TriMet that utilizes 3 forms of transport: public buses, street cars and a high speed light rail system called MAX. You can go directly to their TRIP PLANNER WEBSITE at https://trimet.org/home/planner or download their app to your smartphone and it’s very easy to navigate around the city. Our general default tour pick-up location South Waterfront Park is a 3-minute walk from the nearest public bus stop, a 6-minute walk from the nearest streetcar stop and a 10-minute walk from the nearest MAX (lighttrail) station. Many guests choose to utilize Lyft or Uber to arrive at the general pickup location as it's the easiest and fastest and time can be of the essence in the morning before your tour departs. For further questions, please consult our FAQ's link on our website or send us an email at: , or call our office for further questions - . Thanks and happy touring! CANCELLATION POLICY: If a guest cancels 24 hours BEFORE the tour departure time they will receive a full 100% refund. If a guest cancels a tour LESS THAN 24 hours from the tour departure time the guest will not receive a refund, but we will do our best to accommodate the guest on a future tour of equal or lesser value, depending upon availability. If we (Infinite Oregon Tours) need to cancel a tour due to inclement weather, road closures, high winds, unforeseen safety circumstances or otherwise, the guest will receive a full 100% refund. Please email us at or call us at if you have any questions. Thank you!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is offered primarily in English, however our guides are also fluent in Spanish and can accommodate Spanish speaking travelers as well.
Reviews(112)
Our tour guide, Rylie was amazing!! It was a wonderful, relaxing day. Just what we needed. We saw so many amazing waterfalls and more!
Jim was the perfect guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and we would highly recommend him! The tour itself was well worth it as well.
Had an amazing time touring Portland. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertained us between facts about Portland and the sightseeing areas. Highly recommend!
Excellent tour! Riley was very knowledgeable and friendly! Waterfalls were impressive! Highly recommend this tour!
My daughters and I had the best time during our tour. I would say we also had the best tour guide !!
We went on the Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast and the Half Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls tours with Cameron. Cameron is friendly and super knowledgeable. You can tell he enjoys giving tours. We enjoyed both tours. Our favorite was the waterfall tour. Towards the end of the tour Cameron gives Portland restaurant recommendations. These are restaurants he has eaten at. Pay attention to this. Cameron recommends excellent restaurants.
Tour guide Jim was excellent! He provided great info in a very interesting way and addressed individual concerns of each participant. Scenery was fantastic! Wonderful tour!
It was quite enjoyable. Jim was our tour guide and was very informative and funny. We saw some great Falls and had plenty of bathroom stops.
We actually just wanted to book a tour to see Multnomah because we heard parking was difficult. This tour ended up being FABULOUS. Not only were the views and falls beautiful, Jim was absolutely the best guide ever. He gave history not only about the falls but for all things Oregon! We had a great time and would 100% recommend this tour, appropriate for all. Note, Jim never made any of us feel rushed and he was sure to let every person go at their own speed to get the full experience of the falls and their beauty. Absolutely fabulous!
Cameron was a great guide, a safe driver, and provided a lot of history of the area, from the geology to the indigenous people to the early 20th century elites who sometimes happened to be conservationists. His communication before the pick-up time was great and the tour van picked me up on time. We went to quite a few beautiful waterfalls and more, and made a couple bathroom stops also. The tour provided waters and granola bars and there were umbrellas on the van (that we did not use). Plenty of time was allotted to do a short hike and take photos at each location. We arrived back in Portland on time. Highly recommend this tour, and Cameron! We had the best day.
