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

(3)
Portland, United States
Bus & Minivan ToursSightseeing ToursNature Tours

About this activity

Explore the Columbia River Gorge's most iconic waterfalls and viewpoints on this curated half-day tour from Portland, featuring the stunning 620-foot Multnomah Falls and lesser-known cascades set against dramatic basalt cliffs. This scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway showcases the Pacific Northwest's most photogenic natural landscapes in just 3.5 hours.

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. 

Watch a video of the tour in action: https://youtu.be/cm2csygom4U

Highlights

  • ✓Multnomah Falls – Oregon's most famous waterfall at 620 feet, framed by columnar basalt
  • ✓Latourell Falls – 249-foot drop over striking basalt formations, famous for bright yellow lichen
  • ✓Portland Women's Forum – elevated vantage point overlooking the entire Columbia River Gorge
  • ✓Crown Point Vista House – historic 1916 panoramic lookout with sweeping gorge views
  • ✓Shepperd's Dell and additional cascades along the scenic byway
  • ✓Historic Columbia River National Scenic Byway – iconic Pacific Northwest driving route

Insider tips

  • ★Visit in morning light for best photography at Multnomah Falls – afternoon sun creates harsh shadows on the cliff face
  • ★Wear layers; gorge temperatures can be 10–15°F cooler than Portland and wind is common at overlooks
  • ★The yellow lichen at Latourell Falls is most vibrant in autumn and winter months
  • ★Bring a waterproof jacket – mist from falling water can dampen clothing near base viewpoints

Good to know

  • •Duration is 3.5 hours total; includes driving time and stops
  • •Small-group minivan/bus tour – expect 8–20 passengers
  • •Comfortable walking shoes recommended for short walks to viewpoints
  • •Accessibility varies by stop; some viewpoints are paved, others require brief walks on uneven terrain
  • •Tour departs early morning from Portland area (exact pickup location confirmed at booking)

Who it's for

Nature and landscape photographers seeking iconic Pacific Northwest subjectsFirst-time Portland visitors wanting curated highlights without self-drivingWaterfall enthusiasts and hiking-adjacent travellersFamilies and groups seeking accessible scenic viewpoints with minimal walking

Best time to visit

Morning tours (typically 6–9 a.m. start) capture soft light at waterfalls and fewer crowds. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, while winter provides dramatic cloud formations; avoid midday summer heat and afternoon glare.

Frequently asked questions

From
€67
per person