Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway
Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway
4.5
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This route meanders past cascading waterfalls, parks and hiking trails while offering expansive views of the Gorge.
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4.5
109 reviews
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90
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3
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1
realbigbear
Great Falls, VA655 contributions
Sep 2021
In our view, this is one of best and most scenic drives in the United States. It is also provides a lot of American history and geology. We were part of a Road Scholar tour group. To get the most out of this drive, you need an expert guide and someone steeped in geology. One could spend a few days or weeks in this area
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy_Ry
Columbia, MD30 contributions
Jul 2022
Beautiful! And very crowded. We went on a Thursday in July; we were very glad we took the hop on hop off trolley. Road is lovely but would have been hard to pay attention driving and appreciate the view. Just seeing other visitors trying looking for places to park was stressful...so nice to not have worry about driving or parking.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
275GTB4
Nashville, TN165 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
National Geographic published a book entitled “Guide to Scenic Highways and Byways,” which describes 275 scenic drives. The Historic Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway is one of them. I have driven about 115 of the routes described in the book, and as you might expect, I have my favorites. I would rate this drive in the top 20, not because of the drive itself, but for the stops along the way. Due to the narrow spots along the route, driving the route demands your full attention, and is not really that scenic of a drive. However, some of the viewpoints and a number of the scenic stops along the way are quite spectacular.
For the record, nowhere along the Columbia River did this ever seem like a “gorge.” It is certainly nothing like Royal Gorge, Colorado, the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, or any of the deep narrow gorges that exist in the western and southwestern USA. The Columbia River Valley would probably be a better description than gorge. The south (Oregon) side of the river is more like a cliff than the north side. The south side climbs quickly and levels off about 1000 feet above the river.
The Oregon portion of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway (aka Historic Highway US 30) runs along the edge of the cliffs paralleling the river on the Oregon side, ranging from 700 - 1000 feet in altitude, and it ventures down to the shoreline on the eastern end. The Washington side of the river offers a much gentler slope. Although the land does continue to gain altitude as you traverse northward towards Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Adams, there does not appear to be the severe ascent that you see on the Oregon side. The most scenic part of the Oregon portion of the highway runs between Corbett to the west, and Cascade Locks to the east. Officially, the Scenic Byway crosses the river at Cascade Locks, and continues east on Washington State route 14, but I did not have time for that portion of the route on this trip. Interstate 84, which parallels the scenic route and encompasses part of it, follows the river’s edge right along the shoreline about 30 feet above river level. The river level near Corbett is about 12 feet above sea level, and approximately 100 miles upstream at The Dalles, the river level is about 80 feet above sea level, just below the dam. Most, of the famous waterfalls, such as Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, and Multnomah to name a few, are located on the Oregon side. I assume that those waterfalls are fed by runoff from Mt. Hood some 25 miles southeast of the main waterfall area.
There is more to see than just waterfalls, but the waterfalls are spectacular, and many of them are easily accessed for those without much time. If you take advantage of the area, including a few hikes, it will take you at least 3-4 days to see just the highlights, although the drive itself is relatively short. As far as viewpoints go, on the west end of Highway US 30, just east of Corbett, watch for The Portland Women’s Forum viewpoint on the north side of the road. That spot offers a great view of the river looking east, with the Crown Point Headland in the distant foreground framed by the walls of the gorge and the river on the horizon. A little further east, Crown Point offers a great view as well - especially from observation deck on Vista House.
Plan to spend a few minutes at the Vista House at Crown Point. The volunteers working there are extremely nice, and will provide all the history about the area that you want to know. There is a cool marble encrusted restroom downstairs that is worth a visit. There is also a nice gift shop in the basement. Take time to stop, and consider leaving a donation to help keep the Vista House in operation.
The Columbia Gorge Scenic Byway gets very narrow at times, so drive slowly and pay attention! There ain’t much room for error in some spots. We were in a big SUV, and at times, it was almost as wide as our lane was.
For the record, nowhere along the Columbia River did this ever seem like a “gorge.” It is certainly nothing like Royal Gorge, Colorado, the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, or any of the deep narrow gorges that exist in the western and southwestern USA. The Columbia River Valley would probably be a better description than gorge. The south (Oregon) side of the river is more like a cliff than the north side. The south side climbs quickly and levels off about 1000 feet above the river.
The Oregon portion of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway (aka Historic Highway US 30) runs along the edge of the cliffs paralleling the river on the Oregon side, ranging from 700 - 1000 feet in altitude, and it ventures down to the shoreline on the eastern end. The Washington side of the river offers a much gentler slope. Although the land does continue to gain altitude as you traverse northward towards Mt. St. Helens or Mt. Adams, there does not appear to be the severe ascent that you see on the Oregon side. The most scenic part of the Oregon portion of the highway runs between Corbett to the west, and Cascade Locks to the east. Officially, the Scenic Byway crosses the river at Cascade Locks, and continues east on Washington State route 14, but I did not have time for that portion of the route on this trip. Interstate 84, which parallels the scenic route and encompasses part of it, follows the river’s edge right along the shoreline about 30 feet above river level. The river level near Corbett is about 12 feet above sea level, and approximately 100 miles upstream at The Dalles, the river level is about 80 feet above sea level, just below the dam. Most, of the famous waterfalls, such as Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, and Multnomah to name a few, are located on the Oregon side. I assume that those waterfalls are fed by runoff from Mt. Hood some 25 miles southeast of the main waterfall area.
There is more to see than just waterfalls, but the waterfalls are spectacular, and many of them are easily accessed for those without much time. If you take advantage of the area, including a few hikes, it will take you at least 3-4 days to see just the highlights, although the drive itself is relatively short. As far as viewpoints go, on the west end of Highway US 30, just east of Corbett, watch for The Portland Women’s Forum viewpoint on the north side of the road. That spot offers a great view of the river looking east, with the Crown Point Headland in the distant foreground framed by the walls of the gorge and the river on the horizon. A little further east, Crown Point offers a great view as well - especially from observation deck on Vista House.
Plan to spend a few minutes at the Vista House at Crown Point. The volunteers working there are extremely nice, and will provide all the history about the area that you want to know. There is a cool marble encrusted restroom downstairs that is worth a visit. There is also a nice gift shop in the basement. Take time to stop, and consider leaving a donation to help keep the Vista House in operation.
The Columbia Gorge Scenic Byway gets very narrow at times, so drive slowly and pay attention! There ain’t much room for error in some spots. We were in a big SUV, and at times, it was almost as wide as our lane was.
Written February 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debora R
San Francisco18 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We could barely start our drive and on our second stop at the Latourell Falls our car was broke in and they stole my purse and a backpack. I wish I had the chance to see all the amazing waterfalls on the way but that completely ended with our holiday trip. I am only giving it one star because if I had read that car break-ins were common in the area I would probably be more careful and left the purse and everything else that was not necessary at the hotel. We were out of the car for 8 minutes just to take a picture and when we returned the window on the passenger seat was smashed and everything gone and then we had a "great" 8 hour trip back home with a loud patched window. I just want to warn whoever plans to go there leave all your belongings at home or in the trunk if you have a car.
Written June 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSNN
Portland, OR5,802 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
The historic Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway was the fist scenic highway built in America between 1913 and 1922. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places since. And celebrated its “King of the Road” centennial in the summer of 2016.
It’s about 73-miles long. Running from Troutdale, Oregon all the way to The Dales. Most people focus on the eastern end of the Scenic Highway that has all the major sites and waterfalls packed between Troutdale and Ainsworth State Park. This is the stretch of the Historic Scenic Highway that I enjoy the most for its awesome beauty and the marvellous views up and down the Columbia River Gorge. Easily seen from the bluff at Crown Point. The Vista House stands here 733-feet above the Columbia River– like a round observatory.
I drove to the Columbia River Gorge in July. Driving through Troutdale and crossing the bridge over the Sandy River. This is where the East end of the Scenic Highway starts. I like the drive along the river and seeing the two road houses before you get to the Stark Street Bridge. Tad’s Chicken ‘N Dumplings and Shirley’s Tippy Canoe. The Stark Street Bridge is the second entrance to the east end of the Scenic Highway that comes from Gresham, Oregon.
On my return trips home from the Gorge, I tend to stop at one of the road houses to get a bite to eat. Tad’s Chicken ‘N Dumplings. It’s the best of the two. Very popular. And frequently packed. It has been around since the 1930's. And has its great classic home-style Chicken ‘N Dumplings meal. Or you can always stop at Shirley’s Tippy Canoe instead.
I had started off well after mid-day, and it was a Friday to make matters worse. You see, during the summer the scenic highway is a very popular and crowed destination. I found that the parking at the Vista House was totally filled up. So I continued on my way down the winding narrow road. Down from the heights at Crown Point. Down into the lush forest trees into the “waterfall corridor”. And on to Latourell Falls. I managed to find a parking space. I got out of my car and hiked the trail loop from the parking lot up to the top of the Lower Latourell Falls. I continued following it. It leads to the Upper falls and eventually back down to the bottom of the falls at the plunge pool. Then it loops back up to the parting lot.
My next stop was just down the road a short distance– to Bridal Veil Falls. I parked in the lot and hiked down to the bottom of this waterfall. I took several photos. Then I just sat on the rocks at the edge of the pool watching the waterfall and enjoying th feeling the peaceful atmosphere it created.
It’s when I returned to my car and drove toward Multnomah Falls when I hit a big snag in my plans. There was absolutely no parking to be found anywhere at all between Bridal Veil falls and the exit just after Ainsworth Park. This is near Exit 35,where the old Scenic Highway joins up with I-84 heading east and west. So this prevented being able to delve into Multnomah Falls, the Onteona Gorge area, and Horse Tail Falls.
I ended up driving onto I-84 West and parked in the Multnomah Falls parking area in the lot located in the middle of I-84 East and West bound lanes. It’s just like a rest stop on any other Freeway. From here you walk to a tunnel under the East bound lanes that takes you right to Multnomah Falls Lodge. Handy if you only want to see that only. Otherwise you need to drive the Scenic Highway in order to take in all the sites along the “waterfall corridor.”
The best tip is to start out early in the day. Especially if it is a weekend or a holiday during the summer months. When it gets hot, this is a place that people think of as a cool retreat from the heat.
It’s about 73-miles long. Running from Troutdale, Oregon all the way to The Dales. Most people focus on the eastern end of the Scenic Highway that has all the major sites and waterfalls packed between Troutdale and Ainsworth State Park. This is the stretch of the Historic Scenic Highway that I enjoy the most for its awesome beauty and the marvellous views up and down the Columbia River Gorge. Easily seen from the bluff at Crown Point. The Vista House stands here 733-feet above the Columbia River– like a round observatory.
I drove to the Columbia River Gorge in July. Driving through Troutdale and crossing the bridge over the Sandy River. This is where the East end of the Scenic Highway starts. I like the drive along the river and seeing the two road houses before you get to the Stark Street Bridge. Tad’s Chicken ‘N Dumplings and Shirley’s Tippy Canoe. The Stark Street Bridge is the second entrance to the east end of the Scenic Highway that comes from Gresham, Oregon.
On my return trips home from the Gorge, I tend to stop at one of the road houses to get a bite to eat. Tad’s Chicken ‘N Dumplings. It’s the best of the two. Very popular. And frequently packed. It has been around since the 1930's. And has its great classic home-style Chicken ‘N Dumplings meal. Or you can always stop at Shirley’s Tippy Canoe instead.
I had started off well after mid-day, and it was a Friday to make matters worse. You see, during the summer the scenic highway is a very popular and crowed destination. I found that the parking at the Vista House was totally filled up. So I continued on my way down the winding narrow road. Down from the heights at Crown Point. Down into the lush forest trees into the “waterfall corridor”. And on to Latourell Falls. I managed to find a parking space. I got out of my car and hiked the trail loop from the parking lot up to the top of the Lower Latourell Falls. I continued following it. It leads to the Upper falls and eventually back down to the bottom of the falls at the plunge pool. Then it loops back up to the parting lot.
My next stop was just down the road a short distance– to Bridal Veil Falls. I parked in the lot and hiked down to the bottom of this waterfall. I took several photos. Then I just sat on the rocks at the edge of the pool watching the waterfall and enjoying th feeling the peaceful atmosphere it created.
It’s when I returned to my car and drove toward Multnomah Falls when I hit a big snag in my plans. There was absolutely no parking to be found anywhere at all between Bridal Veil falls and the exit just after Ainsworth Park. This is near Exit 35,where the old Scenic Highway joins up with I-84 heading east and west. So this prevented being able to delve into Multnomah Falls, the Onteona Gorge area, and Horse Tail Falls.
I ended up driving onto I-84 West and parked in the Multnomah Falls parking area in the lot located in the middle of I-84 East and West bound lanes. It’s just like a rest stop on any other Freeway. From here you walk to a tunnel under the East bound lanes that takes you right to Multnomah Falls Lodge. Handy if you only want to see that only. Otherwise you need to drive the Scenic Highway in order to take in all the sites along the “waterfall corridor.”
The best tip is to start out early in the day. Especially if it is a weekend or a holiday during the summer months. When it gets hot, this is a place that people think of as a cool retreat from the heat.
Written January 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OphirB
Israel5,851 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
This is indeed a very scenic and beautiful drive along the historic route 30. Good weather and visibility may definitely add to the experience. For the part of the waterfalls, plan your time carefully, because there are at least 4-5 that are worth seeing. You may want to do some of the longer trails that climb to the upper view points. Among those waterfalls are the Latourell, Wahkeena and Multnomah waterfalls. The last ones are among the highest in the US and draw the biggest crowds of visitors. If you're interested in taking good photos (who isn't?) try to get there before noon, when the sun is not exactly above them. The route includes also viewpoints like the Vista house (interesting cellar exhibition!!) and Portland Women's Forum (strange and a bit confusing name but beautiful observation point).
Written June 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Violette54
Payson, AZ5,143 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Interstate 84 and US State Hwy. 30 run together to form the northern border of Oregon and form the Columbia River Highway. It is approximately 75-miles long, running through the River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles, and built between 1913 and 1922. It is a scenic highway that allows access to the waterfalls and forest glades in the area.
The road is in good shape and is a pleasure to drive, with mild curves pull outs, and many shady and leafy areas. The road can be congested, especially on weekends and there is no marked bicycle lane, so drivers must share the road.
We drove along this road from Troutdale past the Vista House and several waterfalls inlcuding Multnomah, the Bonneville Dam, up to the Cascade Locks where the Bridge of the Gods is, and further to Hwy. 35 where we turned south toward Mt. Hood.
The area did not disappoint and we enjoyed this half day trip very much.
The road is in good shape and is a pleasure to drive, with mild curves pull outs, and many shady and leafy areas. The road can be congested, especially on weekends and there is no marked bicycle lane, so drivers must share the road.
We drove along this road from Troutdale past the Vista House and several waterfalls inlcuding Multnomah, the Bonneville Dam, up to the Cascade Locks where the Bridge of the Gods is, and further to Hwy. 35 where we turned south toward Mt. Hood.
The area did not disappoint and we enjoyed this half day trip very much.
Written October 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenG1234
Waterford, MI378 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
We drove the Columbia River Gorge on Hwy 84 from Portland, OR to Maryhill, WA along the Oregon side of the river. You can see Mt. Hood from several different angles along this drive, and it is amazing how the cliffs along the side change from trees, to rocks, to desert like as you make the drive. The bridges spanning the river and all unique and fun to look at. There are waterfalls along the way too, if you keep your eye out for them. We crossed the river to the WA side near Maryhill, WA on Hwy 97, and then took Hwy 14 back along the gorge on the WA side. There are even better Mt. Hood views from this side. It is very windy on the WA side, so be careful when stopping along the gorge for pictures. This is a 90 mile one way trip, which takes about 1.5 hours per side. So if you go round trip it is about 3 hours. However, if you have the time I highly recommend this drive.
Written June 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen G
Ocean City, NJ203 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Great drive down into the gorge with lots of waterfalls that are very easy to access. Some of them are right next to the road. Lots of ample parking and all waterfalls are clearly marked. Stop at the Vista House to start your trip for a fantastic view and an information brochure that lists all the falls, distances from each other and how far to walk from the parking lot.
Written June 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2nd_class_citizen
Milwaukee, WI14 contributions
Aug 2019
It was really beautiful. Waterfalls, steep rock scenery, optional hikes. Recommend. Narrow road in some places. Go on a weekday if possible. It is hard to find parking at the scenic spots along the way on the weekends.
The (casual) drive on HWY 30 with only minimal stopping takes about 90 miniutes. I took the fast I road back to Portland, where I started from
The (casual) drive on HWY 30 with only minimal stopping takes about 90 miniutes. I took the fast I road back to Portland, where I started from
Written September 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. We are planning a visit next June to Portland. Want to spend 2 nights around Cannon Beach and 2 nights around Columbia Gorge and could spend 1 extra night at either place. What would be best plan
Written July 23, 2019
Hello - we are planning on going to the Columbia River Gorge in July this year. I read someplace the trails on the north side were closed due to fires. It appears you were there this year how were the views, were they fire damaged or not noticeable? Thank you in advance for any help you may offer.
Don
Written March 30, 2018
We drove through the Gorge last year during the Eagle Creek fire, I have been trying to find out the extent of the damage. It looks like the historic highway is still closed, the fire was raging over the whole slope, so it certainly appeared as though there must be extensive damage, there were concerns over loss of vegetation creating soil instability in the area. 😢
Written May 6, 2018
We will be staying in Portland for three days the first week of June. We intend to drive the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. Our plan is to leave early on (Monday) morning and drive east to the Dalles. Which route would you suggest for the return to Portland? Should we cross and return westbound on the Washington side, or should we continue on and take the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop via highways 35 and 26? We are leaving Portland on Tuesday and head south to Silver Falls. If the Washington side of the Columbia River and the Mount Hood Scenic Drive are both spectacular, we could drive to Mount Hood Visitor Center on Tuesday before Silver Falls State Park and doing the Ten Falls Trail hike. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, since this will be our first trip to Oregon. (Of course we realize weather will play a factor in our plans as well.)
Written March 14, 2018
What exit from I84 do you take to get to the Columbia River gorge scenic byway, traveling from Biggs junction
Written March 13, 2017
shikhashikha
Hyderabad, India
Hi ,
Can we visit combia gorge scenic highway from seattle and cover only in one day .
Also, can someone suggest any other route from oregon coastal highway to seattle as we would like to cover highway while driving in to Oregon and would prefer coastal trip while driving back to seattle.
Also, what all waterfalls we can see with very close proximity to road and minimal hiking and also if there is any hikes which is like must to do and worth the time spent in this day trip
Any suggestions would be really helpful.
Written February 7, 2016
tracy m
Houston, Texas
Last year we drove the California Hwy 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco. I was terrified and could barely open my eyes. This year my family wants to drive the Columbian Gorge Scenic Hwy (just from Portland to Mt. Hood) to see the waterfalls then on to Mt Hood National Forest.
Is this drive equally as scary? Please be specific if you can because I was literally terrified last year but want to do this trip for my family.
Thanks in advance for your input!
Written February 3, 2016
I have a problem with drop offs and winding roads as much as anyone that gets car sick, but we drove from Camas, Oregon [ across the river from Portland] and took the scenic drive to Mount Hood. I did not think it was scary. There were a few spots, but the gorge, valley, waterfalls and Mt. Hood, are worth the overall trip. No need to rush....I think your trip to San Francisco was worse. We did the drive from San Francisco to Reyes National Park and I was pretty darn nervous.
Written October 12, 2016
AmitM124
Sunnyvale, California
I know people drive from Portland to The Dalles, but is it just as nice to do it the other way round (from east to west)?
Written September 24, 2015
We will be driving from Mt Rainier to Columbia River Gorge on 6 June 2015 and intend to explore this area before leaving for Portland on 8 June 2015. We will stay in Portland before driving to Seattle on 10 June. As this is my first time going to this country and area, please kindly give me some advice as to what route to take to enjoy the scenic views of Columbia River Gorge and where should we stay. We have booked our accommodation in Portland from 8 Jun to 10 Jun.
Written March 30, 2015
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