Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area image

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Tourist attraction Hiking area Nature preserve National reserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Skamania County


Address

Oregon, United States

Website

www.fs.usda.gov

Contact

+1 541-308-1700

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (13.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: area (17) waterfalls (13) Columbia (12) River (11) Gorge (10) trails (9) areas (9) drive (8) road (8) gorge (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Furkan A. 2 years ago on Google
    There is a parking lot at the entrance and there is so much to see in the area. Waterfalls,trails and cliffs for hiking. Approximately 45 minutes from Portland, this area is so popular with both locals and tourists. Hiking is range from easy to challenging. You will not get bored while heading to the waterfalls and hiking areas thanks to the scenic drive. So peaceful 🙏
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucas M. 1 year ago on Google
    Always love visiting here! We'll be working at night paving a new road surface. I get to experience this beauty daily now. Road construction is beginning on I84, lasting until mid November 2022. Please observe the posted 55mph speed limit. Be aware and slow down and move over. Help keep us safe!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Micah W. 6 months ago on Google • 258 reviews
    The Columbia River Gorge is a must see if you’re in the greater Portland Area. It’s only 20 mins down the road and it has so much room for all the other tourists as well. The falls are gorgeous, and the trails provide so many unique angles of the Columbia river.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne G. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a must see part of Oregon. We drove into the gorge on Historic Hwy 30 (Google maps wanted us to take the freeway but we were told Historic 30 was the more scenic route). The drive itself was beautiful. We stopped at three waterfalls along the way and hiked their trails. It was a great day!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zion A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a nice waterfall to visit. Parking is a little odd as it is in the middle of the interstate and you exit to it and reenter via the fast lane. There are public facilities at the reastraunt and gift store. There is a couple of places to get some picturesque views and waterfall pics. Not my favorite restroom provided but it serves the need. ☺️
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MyVisit M. 11 months ago on Google • 543 reviews
    The Columbia River is beautiful, and is the largest river in the PNW, spreading over 1,200 miles. Great river for all water sports from fishing to skiing and more. Great beaches, some great sight seeing areas. Camping options. Clean, runs fast at times, so be careful, stay in the channels, which are well marked. Our kids grew up on the river. We are big fans!

  • 4/5 Pavel Viktor B. 5 years ago on Google • 416 reviews
    Always beautiful whatever you go for hike or just drive trough, it simply never disappoint.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacation A. 1 year ago on Google
    The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is one of the most spectacular and underrated areas in the United States. The scenic gorge is home to many spectacular waterfalls, the most spectacular and popular being Multnomah Falls right along I-84, not to be missed. You may need a permit for the waterfall corridor, the most popular area in the park. We recommend stopping at the other waterfalls and taking the trails to get away from other visitors, especially above Horsetail Falls and the other waterfalls. Other areas that our worth a visit in the park is the Old Historic Highway (first dedicated scenic highway every built in the United States) and Vista House.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 HT 5 months ago on Google • 405 reviews
    A great park with so much to see. Check out Multnomah Falls and Tunnel Falls while you're there!

  • 5/5 Nevenka A. 6 months ago on Google • 282 reviews
    We were there for an event. What a great place! Fishing. Bird watching. Jogging. Walking. Historical site. Open and treed areas. Water access. I'll be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LMarie “Murphy” M. 10 months ago on Google • 174 reviews
    This entire area will leave you amazed and awed. The Gorge is never the same, all the wild flowers are blooming, waves of color. Trails are abundant and varied. Take time to check out trail information, they all have something amazing to offer. Let yourself leave your daily regimen for the stillness and comfort of nature. Be aware that dogs/animals are not welcome on all trails. Just enjoy yourself and friends and family, there is something for everyone!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex K. 1 year ago on Google
    As someone who loves nature and outdoor adventures, I can confidently say that the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a must-visit destination. Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, this area is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery I have ever seen. One of the highlights of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the Columbia River itself, which winds its way through the area and provides countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and boating. But what truly sets this area apart are the stunning waterfalls that dot the landscape. Multnomah Falls is undoubtedly the most famous of these waterfalls, and for good reason. The sight of the water cascading down the rocks in a mesmerizing display of natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring. But there are many other waterfalls in the area that are just as breathtaking, such as Wahkeena Falls and Horsetail Falls. In addition to the waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is home to a wide variety of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One of my favorite hikes was the Angels Rest Trail, which takes you up to a high point where you can see panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. The area is also rich in history and culture, with several Native American tribes having called the region home for thousands of years. The Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of the area. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich history and culture make it a truly unforgettable destination.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guillermo R. 1 month ago on Google • 259 reviews New
    A beautiful panorama from the hills in OREGON

  • 5/5 Lori C. 9 months ago on Google
    It says 5.5 miles I swear it's 7. Lol. Wear bug spray. Beautiful green lake with wildflowers. $5 parking fee on site. Enjoy!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Xuechen Z. 1 year ago on Google
    The scenic area is paid to enter. Tickets are sold in time-course. The number of tickets for each hour is limited. If you go during a busy time, buying the $2 ticket in advance is recommended. The road is two-way but narrow. And the parking lots at the fall places are very tight. You may have to park on the road side. Be cautious.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rajaram B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely views. Was there in a rainy day. Couldn’t spend time as it started to rain heavily. Getting parking is difficult though we reserved online.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 baibhaw kumar m. 1 year ago on Google • 78 reviews
    The scenic area is paid to enter. Tickets are sold in time-course. The number of tickets for each hour is limited. If you go during a busy time, buying the $2 ticket in advance is recommended. The road is two-way but narrow. And the parking lots at the fall places are very tight. You may have to park on the road side. Be cautious.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chuck O. 7 months ago on Google • 90 reviews
    Beautiful scenery. Amazing water falls. Excellent trails. Several nice campgrounds, both state park & national forest run. You need an OR state park pass &/or an national interagency pass (America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest) for parking at many of the the trailheads or day use areas. Or you can purchase a day use pass for $5-10 depending on area. The only negatives are the extremely crowded popular areas & the constant noise of a major interstate highway combined with a heavily used freight railway. Bring your ear plugs if you plan on camping in the gorge!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 lee v. 11 months ago on Google
    If you are Pdx, Couve res and never driven our Beautiful Historical Gorge, you are denying yourself.. I love the I84 to Cascade Locks, Cross the Bridge of the God's into Wa and Hwy14 back into Vanco. Epic!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa J. 10 months ago on Google
    I love it here. There's so many trails and waterfalls to see. It never gets old.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lalaina M. 8 months ago on Google
    So perfect. I posted these for the park I took them at as well as the gorge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam B. 1 year ago on Google
    We drove up the gorge and thoroughly enjoyed the drive. There was a plethora of waterfalls, beautiful cliffs, and nature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Waterfall W. 2 months ago on Google • 77 reviews New
    For detailed vids on waterfall hikes in this area check my YouTube channel - WaterfallWhispering This area is packed with amazing hikes ranging from easy to difficult, some wheel chair accessible and some roadside attractions…with others that can quite challenging to reach! If you love the outdoors and waterfalls, visit my channel and I promise you will be dying to visit the gorge area!!!!

  • 5/5 Mary S. 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    I see this often and it still takes my breath away.

  • 5/5 Richanda L. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    This is hands down my 2nd most favorite Oregon scene! The old highway through the gorge starting at the Vista House is my absolute favorite drive especially during fall season. But be careful, the gorgeous scenery and beauty of it can be hypnotizing and its a tiny but dangerous road if you dont know what your doing. So drive slow!

  • 4/5 Corey W. 8 months ago on Google
    The falls are very pretty. There are a few you can get close to. The big one is very crowded. It is very difficult to find parking. The kids loved it.

  • 5/5 Colin C. 8 months ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful places I've ever been tom HIGHLY recommend! And the locals are such wonderful people. I can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Samantha S. 8 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Other than the miles of washboard roads. It was fantastic. Even with the bad road it was totally worth the drive. The water was ice cold even at 100° I couldn't stay in it very long.

  • 5/5 Robin C. 11 months ago on Google
    It is so wonderful to be with Mother Nature. These areas can be very busy with people. I recommend exploring these areas on the weekday early in the morning, especially in the warmer weather.

  • 5/5 Steve L. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful area. Lots of recreational opportunities along the gorge with nice small towns along the way. I have been through here many times over the years. We where fishing in the Columbia River and that is where the pics are from.

  • 5/5 A G. 1 year ago on Google
    Natures beauty at its best! Grand vistas, trails and waterfalls. Easy drive from Portland and very much worth your while.


Call +1 541-308-1700 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed outside
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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