Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge
Vista House
Vista House
View from Vista House
Historic Columbia River Highway
Historic Columbia River Highway
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls
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Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

(3)
Portland, United States
Bus & Minivan ToursAttractionsNature Tours

About this activity

A curated 3.5-hour minivan tour from Portland showcasing the Columbia River Gorge's most iconic waterfalls and viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River National Scenic Byway. Perfect for travellers wanting dramatic scenery without the commitment of a full-day excursion.

This scenic tour begins with a pick up from selected downtown Portland hotels. Please note: This tour includes hotel pick up and drop off service. Simply select the pick up place of your preference from the list under the availability section and our driver will be on his way!

 Visit the beautiful Columbia River Gorge!  Your adventure will take place along the Historic Columbia River National Scenic Byway, where some of the locations we may stop include: Portland Women’s Forum, Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Shepperd’s Dell.

Your tour will start with the view from Portland Women's Forum.  This location is absolutely breathtaking and it's one of the best spots to soak in a view of one of the most beautiful places on earth: the magnificent, awesome Columbia River Gorge. 

Next, we will stop at Crown Visit Point House with a complete overlook of the Gorge region.  Crown Point Vista House, best known of the scenic lookouts along the Historic Columbia River Highway, provides a panoramic view of the Columbia River. The Crown Point Vista House was built in 1916 and refurbished and completely remodeled in 2005.

Our next stop is Latourell Falls. This waterfall plunges 249' over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest, before cascading hastily toward the Columbia River. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen adorning the cliff face to the right of the falls, and this characteristic has led many famous photographers to this captivating location. 
 

Other waterfalls we may stop at while driving on the Historic Columbia River Highway include: 
Bridal Veil Falls- Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls is an elegant and graceful lady that can be fully appreciated from the deck of a viewing platform rebuilt in 1996. The creek hustles down from the top of nearby Larch Mountain, tumbles over the cliff and eventually flows into the mighty Columbia River.

Next we will drive to Multnomah Falls. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe.  Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million stopping by each year to take in the views! Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, this is  one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods.

The tour ends with a return trip and drop-off at your downtown Portland hotel. 

Highlights

  • ✓Multnomah Falls — the gorge's most celebrated 620-foot cascade
  • ✓Crown Point Vista House (1916) — panoramic overlook with recently restored interiors
  • ✓Latourell Falls — 249-foot plunge over columnar basalt formations
  • ✓Portland Women's Forum viewpoint — sweeping gorge vistas
  • ✓Historic Columbia River National Scenic Byway — stops at multiple lesser-known waterfalls and Shepperd's Dell

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive early at Multnomah Falls to avoid midday crowds and capture better photos with softer light
  • ★Wear waterproof jackets — mist from the falls dampens clothing, especially on wet days
  • ★The narrow gorge creates microclimate weather; bring layers even if Portland feels warm
  • ★Bring a camera with good zoom for distant waterfall shots from pullouts

Good to know

  • •Hotel pick-up and drop-off included from select downtown Portland locations — confirm your hotel at booking
  • •Tour is 3.5 hours total; mostly coach-based with short walks at each stop
  • •Minimal walking required but some viewpoints involve uneven terrain; wear sturdy footwear
  • •No meals included; pack snacks or plan a stop at Vista House café (seasonal)

Who it's for

First-time Portland visitors seeking classic gorge scenery in limited timePhotography enthusiasts targeting iconic Pacific Northwest landscapesFamilies and older travellers preferring guided coach tours over strenuous hikingNature lovers with tight schedules (3.5 hours vs. full-day alternatives)

Best time to visit

Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers the most reliable weather and fullest waterfall flows from snowmelt. Visit early morning to minimize crowds at popular stops like Multnomah Falls.

Frequently asked questions

From
€67
per person