Waterfalls, Mt. Hood and Wine
In short: From Portland: Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Day Tour lasts 8 to 8.5 hours in English, as a small-group or private option, with hotel pickup in downtown Portland. Its itinerary gives Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Fish Hatchery, Hood River, an hour at a winery and 30 minutes at Timberline Lodge. The listing states that wine tasting fees are not included.
What it is
A guided van day from downtown Portland that adds a winery visit to the gorge and the mountain. The winery stop comes before Timberline Lodge in the itinerary, and the listing asks travellers to bring a passport or ID card for the tasting.
The day, stop by stop
The listing gives the itinerary in this order:
- Multnomah Falls: 30 minutes. The USFS gives the falls as 620 ft.
- Bonneville Fish Hatchery: 30 minutes, with its sturgeon pond.
- Hood River: 1 hour for lunch and free time.
- A winery: 1 hour for a tasting.
- Timberline Lodge: 30 minutes.
- Return to Portland: about 70 minutes.
What 30 minutes at Timberline allows
Thirty minutes covers a walk through the lodge and a look at the mountain from outside. It does not cover 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 want a winery hour alongside the waterfalls and the mountain.
- Visitors who want hotel pickup in downtown Portland.
- Small parties who prefer a private van: the listing has a private option.
Look elsewhere if
- Anyone who prefers more time on the mountain: the lodge stop is 30 minutes. The private tour gives 1.5 hours.
- Travellers without a passport or ID card: the listing asks for one for the tasting.
- Travellers with pets: the listing does not allow them.
Included, and not stated
Included
- Guide
- Air-conditioned Sprinter van
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Multnomah Falls permit and parking fees (permit season)
Not included or not stated
- Wine tasting fees
- Lunch in Hood River: not stated in the listing
- Wheelchair access: not stated in the listing
What travellers mention
Amy from the United States mentions the number of stops, views of Mt. Hood and Mount Jefferson, and the wine. Mary from the United States says the guide knew every waterfall and restaurant. Ariane from Canada calls the day informative and funny, and Ashley from Canada mentions learning facts about Oregon and being kept hydrated.
Mount Jefferson, which Amy mentions, is Oregon's second highest peak at 10,495 ft (USGS); Mount Hood or Mount Jefferson sets the two side by side.
Practical notes
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. According to the listing, the tour runs in all weather and there is no reimbursement for inclement weather. The listing names Hood River as the lunch stop; Hood River and the Fruit Loop covers the town and the orchard drive nearby.
Tasting fees are not included, per the listing, and the current tour price shows in the booking widget. A passport or ID card belongs in the day bag.
Two alternatives
Hotel pickupPortland: Mt. Hood Day Tour
Fruit LoopFrom Portland: Full Day Gorge Waterfalls & Mt. Hood Tour
Frequently asked questions
Are wine tasting fees included on the wine tour?
No. The listing states that wine tasting fees are not included. It asks travellers to bring a passport or ID card for the tasting.
How long does the wine tour spend at Timberline Lodge?
Thirty minutes, according to the itinerary, after an hour at the winery. Timberline Lodge covers what fits into a short stop.
Does the wine tour pick up at hotels?
Yes, in downtown Portland; the listing names 23 hotels. Start times show in the booking widget.