Historic Columbia River Highway

The historic highway was built in the 1910s as a showpiece scenic road, and it still strings together waterfalls, stone bridges and viewpoints east of Portland. Most people do the western end for the falls and Vista House, then continue east to the dry side near The Dalles for orchards and wide river views. It suits a day trip or an easy first day out of Portland.

The stops

1. Start

   Troutdale

2. Viewpoint

   Vista House at Crown Point

   Domed viewpoint 220 metres above the river

3. Hike

   Latourell Falls

   Short loop walk to a 76 m waterfall

4. Hike

   Bridal Veil Falls

   Short trail through forest to the falls

5. Viewpoint

   Multnomah Falls

   Oregon's tallest waterfall; go early

6. Viewpoint

   Horsetail Falls

   Roadside falls that you can see from the car park

7. Town

   Hood River

   Windsurfing town with breweries and cideries

8. Historic

   Mosier Twin Tunnels

   Restored section of old highway for walking and cycling

9. Viewpoint

   Rowena Crest

   Loops down from a wildflower plateau; wildflowers peak in spring

10. Town

    The Dalles

    Historic river town with a good museum

11. Finish

    The Dalles

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Hood River

  Memaloose State Park campground (east of Hood River)

When to go

Apr-Oct; falls are strongest in spring

On the road

Parts were closed after the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire; check ODOT and Oregon State Parks for current closures and for any Multnomah Falls parking rules in summer.