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Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood

Multnomah Falls dropping in two tiers past a stone footbridge

In short: From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour lasts 8 hours in English, in a small group limited to 12, and meets at Director Park, SW Taylor & SW 9th, Portland. Its itinerary gives Multnomah Falls, Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls, Hood River and Parkdale, then 40 minutes at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area. The listing states that it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Max 12 guests8 hours from Portlandon the clockBook this
Meeting pointDirector Park, SW Taylor & SW 9th
GroupSmall, limited to 12
LanguageEnglish
VehiclePremium high-roof passenger van
Timberline Lodge40 minutes
WalkingMax typical ½ mile round trip
Wheelchair accessNot suitable, per the listing
Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before, per the listing

What it is

A guided van day from downtown Portland that spends the first part of the day on waterfalls and viewpoints in the gorge and the later part on the mountain. The listing describes walks on well-maintained trails that are not required, with a "maximum typical walk distance: ½ mile round trip" and some trails slightly graded.

The day, stop by stop

The listing gives the itinerary in this order:

  1. Multnomah Falls: 30 minutes, self-guided. The USFS gives the falls as 620 ft.
  2. Crown Point Vista House: 15 minutes.
  3. Latourell Falls: a 20-minute walk.
  4. Hood River: a 1-hour lunch break, marked "additional fee" in the itinerary.
  5. Parkdale: 15 minutes.
  6. Mt. Hood National Forest: a drive.
  7. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area: 40 minutes.
  8. Return to Portland: about 1.5 hours.

What 40 minutes at Timberline allows

Forty minutes gives time to walk through the lodge and step outside for a view of the upper mountain. It is not enough for a trail: The hike from the lodge on the Pacific Crest Trail to the Zigzag Canyon overlook is 4.4 to 5.4 miles round trip depending on the source and needs a free self-issued wilderness permit. Timberline Lodge stands at about 6,000 ft on the south side of the mountain. It was built by the WPA, dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 28 September 1937 and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1977; Timberline Lodge covers the building and what to see there.

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Suits

  • Visitors who can get to Director Park in downtown Portland: the listing does not state hotel pickup.
  • Visitors who want several gorge stops: Multnomah Falls, Vista House and Latourell Falls.
  • Travellers with a service animal: the listing permits service animals.

Look elsewhere if

  • Wheelchair users: the listing states that it is not suitable for them.
  • Travellers carrying luggage or large bags: the listing does not allow them.
  • Anyone hoping to hike: the listing keeps walks to about ½ mile round trip. Hiking tours covers the alternatives.

Included, and not stated

Included

  • Guided small-group day, limited to 12
  • Premium high-roof passenger van
  • Stops at Multnomah Falls, Vista House, Latourell Falls, Hood River, Parkdale and Timberline Lodge

Not included or not stated

  • Lunch in Hood River: marked "additional fee"
  • Hotel pickup: not stated in the listing; the tour meets at Director Park
  • Multnomah Falls permit: not stated in the listing

What travellers mention

Emily from the United States mentions the small group dynamic. Thomas from the United States describes a friendly guide, and James from the United States enjoyed the guide's dry wit. Andreas from Germany mentions good weather, nice people and the scenery.

Practical notes

Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The listing asks travellers to bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, a jacket and a sun hat. How to get there covers driving from Portland to the mountain independently.

Local tip

The listing's packing list includes a jacket; Timberline Lodge, the last stop of the day, sits at about 6,000 ft.

Check availability & book

Two alternatives

Portland: Mt. Hood Day TourHotel pickup

Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour

8.5 hours from Portland
1-hour lunch break in Hood River, per the listing
Book this
From Portland: Full Day Gorge Waterfalls & Mt. Hood TourFruit Loop

From Portland: Full Day Gorge Waterfalls & Mt. Hood Tour

8.5 hours from Portland
Naturalist guide, per the listing
Book this
Mount Hood Hike is an independent guide. It is not the US Forest Service, not Timberline Lodge and not a guide service or tour operator, and it is not affiliated with any of the companies whose tours it describes. Trails, passes and permits are described from official sources; tour details come from each GetYourGuide listing. Booking links go to GetYourGuide and are affiliate links: a booking made through them may earn this site a small commission at no extra cost to the traveller. See the affiliate disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the gorge tour spend at Timberline Lodge?

Forty minutes, according to the itinerary. That is enough for the lodge and a view, not for a trail; Timberline Lodge covers what is there.

How much walking does the gorge tour involve?

The listing describes walks on well-maintained trails that are not required, with a "maximum typical walk distance: ½ mile round trip" and some trails slightly graded.

Where does the gorge tour meet?

At Director Park, SW Taylor & SW 9th, in downtown Portland, according to the listing. It does not state hotel pickup.

Is lunch included on the gorge tour?

The itinerary gives a 1-hour lunch break in Hood River and marks it "additional fee", so lunch is paid separately.