Portland Women's Forum view
Vista House
Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland 3
Multnomah Falls
Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland 5
Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland 6
Historic Columbia River Highway
Historic Columbia River Highway
Latourell Falls
Forest
Top Deal1 / 10

Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland

(5)
Portland, United States
Bus & Minivan ToursSightseeing ToursNature Tours

About this activity

Explore Oregon's most iconic waterfall corridor on a curated 3.5-hour morning tour from Portland, hitting Multnomah Falls and four other scenic stops along the Historic Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Byway. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking the region's best viewpoints without the hassle of driving.

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. 

You 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:
Sheppherd's Dell-  In 1915, a local dairy farmer named George Shepperd gave all that he had (this tract of land) to the City of Portland as a memorial to his wife. The upper fall is around 42' tall. The lower tier is around 50' tall.
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, the flow over the falls varies, but is usually highest during winter and spring. This is also one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods.

Return to Portland and drop off at downtown Portland hotels. 

Highlights

  • ✓Multnomah Falls — the gorge's most famous 620-foot cascade
  • ✓Latourell Falls — 249-foot drop over columnar basalt with distinctive yellow lichen
  • ✓Crown Point Vista House (1916) — panoramic overlook of the entire Columbia River Gorge
  • ✓Portland Women's Forum viewpoint — one of the gorge's most breathtaking vistas
  • ✓Shepperd's Dell — intimate waterfall stop with historical significance
  • ✓Historic Columbia River Highway scenic drive with expert commentary

Insider tips

  • ★Arrive early for Multnomah Falls to avoid midday crowds and get the best photography light on the 620-foot cascade.
  • ★Wear waterproof jackets or bring a rain layer — mist from the falls can drench you, and the gorge is rainy much of the year.
  • ★Bring a camera or phone with good battery; the columnar basalt formations and yellow lichen at Latourell are especially photogenic in morning light.
  • ★The tour stops are brief, so wear comfortable walking shoes but expect minimal strenuous hiking on this sightseeing itinerary.

Good to know

  • •Tour departs early morning from Portland; confirm exact pickup time and location with operator after booking.
  • •3.5-hour tour includes drive time between stops; plan 15–30 minutes at each waterfall location.
  • •Bring water, sunscreen, and a light jacket; temperatures vary by season and elevation changes along the highway.
  • •Limited accessibility at some viewpoints; confirm mobility requirements with operator before booking.
  • •Tour operates year-round, but road conditions may vary in winter; operator will confirm operation status in advance.

Who it's for

First-time Portland visitors seeking the gorge's must-see highlightsPhotographers wanting iconic waterfall and scenic viewpoint shotsTravellers without a rental car looking for guided sightseeingNature lovers with limited time (3.5 hours) for a morning outing

Best time to visit

Early morning (7–9 a.m.) captures the best light for photography and avoids peak afternoon crowds at Multnomah Falls. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and clear views; summer sees heavier tourism, while winter brings dramatic mist and occasional closures.

Frequently asked questions

From
€67
per person