Columbia River Gorge Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Columbia River Gorge. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour

• Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR

• Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour Morning

• Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

• Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR

It is free to visit the Columbia River Gorge—no park entrance fee required. Some trailheads require a day pass or timed-entry permits, which may be seasonal, so check ahead. Many guided tours from Portland include transportation to the Columbia River Gorge and the scenic Multnomah Falls. Half-day hiking excursions start around US$70, while full-day tours are available from around US$130.

Yes, the Columbia River Gorge is worth visiting, especially for nature lovers seeking waterfall views. Within an easy drive from Portland, the gorge is a designated National Scenic Area and is home to dozens of waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. Independent hikers are drawn here, but guided tours offer a convenient way to travel from Portland and maximize time exploring the area. 

Per one customer who booked the Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour, "Our family of four thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and it was the best thing we did during our Portland visit! James was an excellent guide, very friendly, and she gave detailed descriptions of each site. The ride was comfortable and smooth, and we enjoyed not dealing with driving ourselves. Definitely recommend this tour for a unique view of the area!"

You can visit the Columbia River Gorge on a tour from Portland, and both private and group tours are available. Tours include stops at scenic overlooks and waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. Some tours also include visiting nearby Mount Hood and the wine- and apple-producing town of Hood River.

You can explore the Columbia River Gorge’s key attractions, including Multnomah Falls and the historic Vista House, in just a couple of hours, making it possible to visit the area on a half-day tour from Portland. However, you may prefer a few extra hours for a hike and a picnic.

No, you don't need a pass to go to the Columbia River Gorge; tickets are required for Multnomah Falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends. Entry permits used to be required to visit a stretch of road known as the Waterfall Corridor, but the practice was ended in 2023.

Yes, there are restrooms at the Columbia River Gorge—the Vista House was designed as a rest area. You'll find additional restrooms at Multnomah Falls and many day-use sites throughout the region, most of which have flush or vault toilets.

Spring is the best time of year to visit the gorge if you're coming to see waterfalls, as waters tend to be at their highest due to runoff from area mountains, leading to mighty flows. September is better for hiking, when there’s generally warm weather and fewer crowds than in summer.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Columbia River Gorge. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Portland, Oregon:

• Latourell Falls

• Multnomah Falls

• Willamette Valley

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

• International Rose Test Garden

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in and around Portland.