Best Things to Do at Columbia River Gorge

A road trip to Oregon will have you contemplating doing a few outdoorsy things during your visit. While there are so many things to do outside, I know a few places that are better than others. The Columbia River Gorge is one of them. There are so many best things to do at Columbia River Gorge. You can easily spend a day or two there, before continuing on your family getaway in Oregon.

 

What You Must Know About the Columbia River Gorge

This gorge is actually a canyon that is four thousand feet deep in some places. The entire canyon is about eighty miles long. The boundaries of the states of Oregon and Washington are formed by the Cascade Range.

The Columbia River Gorge is part of the National Scenic Area. The area is comprised of both rainforest and dry grasslands. A visit will have you seeing so much more than you thought possible in this part of the country.

A road trip to Oregon makes it extremely easy to visit this gorgeous area. You can spend time anywhere in the state before heading thirty minutes to the west of Portland to see these incredible sights.

Best Things to Do at Columbia River Gorge

Take a Drive

You may be tired of driving if you are on an Oregon road trip. However, you must drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway. This stretch of road goes twenty miles. It was one of the first scenic roads in the US. This road opened back in 1915 and there is so much to see as you are driving along. Pay close attention to the bridges and stonework railings as you pass by them in the forested area.

Hike to One of the Waterfalls

There are more than seventy waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Hiking to these waterfalls is considered one of the best things to do at Columbia River Gorge. You can choose to hike to one of them or all of them during your Oregon road trip. Basically, the number you see will depend on how much time you have available. I recommend at least trying to see Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Latourelle Falls.

Take a Cruise on a Steamboat

Taking a Columbia Gorge Steamwheeler Cruise is another popular thing to do at Columbia River Gorge. These cruises are available from May through October, so you must plan your family getaway in Oregon carefully. Once you are onboard the steamboat, you can sit back and relax to see the sights.

Visit the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at the Bonneville Dam is a wonderful place to learn about this area. I recommend beginning with the guided powerhouse tour. From there, you can take in the views from the observation deck and walk along the nature trails. If you do not have much time available during your family getaway in Oregon, I have a helpful tip. Spending your time climbing down the fish ladder to see the underwater viewing space is the one thing you must do.

Experience History at the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

With so many things to do at Columbia River Gorge, I can see where you will think you simply do not have time for it all. This discovery center is a must-see though. The inside of this museum holds a wealth of information from the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Other displays share the geology of the area, the Oregon Trail, and the Native Americans that lived here years ago.

See the Views from the Vista House

There are many unique viewpoints along the Columbia River Gorge. If you are looking for the best of the best though, I recommend stopping at the Vista House. This house is filled with exhibits and a gift shop. You may skip all those though and head straight to the roof. This is where you will see views in every direction.

These are the best things to do at Columbia River Gorge, but there are many others. I can add the things you want to do when I personalize your family vacation itinerary.

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