3 Falls 1 Hike

Walk behind waterfalls on this triple waterfall hike! Perfect for the summer this hike features three different waterfalls, in one awesome trail. 4.4 miles total this is a great way to get some energy out of the kids!

This is a quintessential western Gorge hike - 3 sparkling waterfalls (one in which you get to walk behind!), several outstanding Gorge views, and one unique Oneonta Gorge slot canyon all packed in 2.2 miles (one way)! 

Begin the hike next to 176-ft Horsetail Falls and climb along a mossy slope of ferns. At .2 miles, turn right onto the Gorge Trail taking you to 80-ft Ponytail Falls in which you get to walk behind! Linger here to enjoy the dancing of the falls' spray. 

Beyond the falls in .4 miles you'll come to several trails to the right. They lead to several outstanding viewpoints at the cliffs edge, high above the river. Be careful to not get to close to the edge.  

Continue on the main trail another .4 miles, crossing over a metal footbridge above 60-ft Oneonta Falls. Quickly you'll arrive at a junction with the Oneonta Trail. Turn left here to Triple Falls, .9 miles up the trail, making for a perfect lunch spot. 

Turn around and head back the way you came to complete this out-and-back 4.4 mile hike. 

Learn more at: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/horsetail-ponytail-triple-falls.html

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Nesmith Point

This hike is among the most challenging in The Gorge but it has one of the best views you can get of the Gorge. You can even walk out to a basalt rock cropping to get a view of most of the Columbia River Gorge. Beautiful views and forest scenery, this a great hike for someone looking for a challenge in The Gorge with a breathtaking reward.

The vista from Indian Point is literally breathtaking, as the viewpoint sits on a spine of loose basalt that juts out from sheer cliff walls with big drop-offs. It’s reminiscent of Mitchell Point (a close second in terms of breathtaking Gorge views), but with a more enjoyable, albeit strenuous hike. According to Friends of the Columbia Gorge, the hike is a 7.6-mile lollipop loop with 2,800 feet of elevation gain, and is considered difficult. Also, if you have a problem with heights, this probably isn’t the trip for you.

#The trail begins at the Herman Creek Trailhead, located just past the campground (closed indefinitely due to root rot that created hazard trees in the area) off of Frontage Road. From Hood River, head west on Interstate 84 to exit 47, head under the overpass and then drive west on Frontage Road until you arrive at the entrance to the campground and trailhead. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass.

#The hike starts on Herman Creek Trail and winds through a forest of firs and ferns. At the beginning of the hike, you may notice the temperature drop all of a sudden, as cool winds are exhaled from a little underground cave visible from the side of the trail. Continue on the trail for a little over a mile until you arrive at a junction with Gorton Creek Trail and the Gorge 400 Trail. You’re pretty much in the trees for the whole time, but you’ll get a couple nice peek-a-boo views of the cliffs that rise up from Herman Creek.

#Once you get to the junction, continue on the Herman Creek Trail, and then turn left onto the Nick Eaton trail. This is where the slog really begins, but eventually the hike will pop out of the trees and get a great view down the west side of the Gorge toward Bonneville Dam and get an equally great view of the Herman Creek drainage area. At this point, you can even see the very top of Mount Hood poking out from above the hills.

#Keep heading up until you reach the junction with Nick Eaton Ridge Cutoff Trail, and head left for less than mile down to the Gorton Creek Trail (you also could have headed up the Gorton Creek Trail for a more gradual hike if you wanted). At the T, take a right onto Gorton Creek Trail until you see a small and steep footpath winding down to the point itself.

#Use caution and only do what you’re comfortable with when accessing the point. The rocks may look stable, but many of them are not and will shift underfoot. I only went out just far enough to get a view of the Gorge. You can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and are looking right out at Carson and Home Valley. To the west, drink in the sheer basalt cliff faces and look past Bonneville Dam, look east and watch the traffic from I-84 buzz far below, with views that go all the way down the Gorge past Hood River.

Learn more about this great hike at: www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2016/jul/09/gorge-explorer-indian-point-climb-high-birds-eye-v/

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Vist The Vista House!

Vista House is a historical stop that is a must see along the Columbia River Historical Highway. Perched on a cliff you get an amazing view of the Columbia River Gorge from the 99-year-old building.

Samuel Lancaster, Assistant Highway Engineer for Multnomah County in 1913, supervised the Columbia River Highway project. Lancaster’s proposal to construct a building on the summit of Crown Point was another reflection of his desire to inspire the traveler along the highway and to make the wonders of the gorge accessible.

Majestic! It’s the only word to describe Crown Point capped by its venerable Vista House.As Lancaster described it, the Crown Point promontory was the ideal site for “an observatory from which the view both up and down the Columbia could be viewed in silent communion with the infinite.” Such an observatory would also be a fitting memorial to “the trials and hardships of those who had come into the Oregon country.” And it could “serve as a comfort station for the tourist and the travelers of America’s greatest highway.” He suggested it be known as the Vista House.

Since 1918, this regal sight has enthralled millions of travelers. From its surrounding vantage point 733 feet above the Columbia River and overlooking the busy I-84, countless sightseers and photographers have enjoyed a step back in time and one of Oregon’s most inspiring views.

Learn more about the history of the Vista House at: www.vistahouse.com/history/

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Beautiful Multnomah Falls Hike

Come climb to the top of Multnomah Falls! This relatively easy hike is the crown jewel along the Columbia River Historic Highway, and its beauty is breathtaking. Whether you want to hike to just the historic Benson Bridge or want to walk the 2.6-mile trail as it switchbacks to the top, this is an easy way to spend a beautiful day in the Columbia River Gorge.

History 
Lumber baron and philanthropist Simon Benson donated the land that the falls sit upon and funded the construction of the iconic Benson Bridge in front of Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the Columbia Gorge's most recognizable natural landmark. Benson's generosity later helped citizens work with timber companies in the 1940s and 1950s to secure protection of some of the Gorge's most iconic waterfalls.

Learn more about this great hike and some of the history of Multnomah at: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/multnomah-falls---franklin-ridge-loop.html

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Bridal Veil Falls

If you are looking for a great family hike, Bridal Veil Falls is the one for you! This hike is a nice, quick and easy hike filled with beautiful scenery, views and of course the lovely Bridal Veil Falls. Bring the kids on this out and back type hike that isn't even a mile long. Perfect for an afternoon adventure in the Columbia River Gorge!

This is a quick, but nice stroll for kids or less mobile hikers. The trail is paved, and all-access, circling the top of a bluff in Bridal Veil Park. There are beautiful views of the Columbia River, as well as a good look at the transportation routes in the area. Numerous historic markers explain Gorge history, geology and plant life.

Learn more about this great hike at: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/bridal-veil-falls.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Latourell Falls Loop Hike

Latourell Falls Loop is a great excursion for the family! The cliffs and water cut rocks all tell a history thousands of years old, waiting for you and your family to experience it. Volcanic activity formed the area millions of years ago, and the great Columbia River carved out the beautiful Gorge that we know and love to this day. Come experience it on this 2.4-mile hike and marvel in its' beauty.

Beginning from the trailhead from the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH), follow the trail uphill to the left of Latourell Falls (or sometimes referred to as the lower falls). At the falls, the lichen-covered columnar basalt formations around the falls steal the show. Continue to the Upper Falls after crossing several bridges and following Henderson Creek. Finally you'll come to the upper falls, a two tiered drop: first a block fall that's almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. 
  
Now continue on the other side of the creek back to the HCRH. Once you get to the highway, you can return back to your car by carefully walking on the side of the road. Or better yet, cross the highway and walk down some steps to Guy Talbot State Park. Look for a paved path to your right. Follow this approximately .25 miles, taking you under the HCRH. The bridge, dating from 1914, is interesting in its own right, with special lightweight construction due to the unstable soils in the area. This will return you back to your car. 

Learn more about this great hike at: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/latourell-falls-loop.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Wahkeena Falls Hike

This beautiful trail is great, easy hike for the family this summer! Waterfalls and bridges and beautiful scenery this almost 3-mile hike is a great excursion for the family! Come see the beautiful Wahkeena waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge!

This beautiful trail starts by crossing a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. Be sure to head right here; the trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls. The trail climbs to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls, where spray on the trail here is year-round. In the winter, this can get very icy. The trail then starts up a steep section, climbing about 400 feet in half a mile. At the top of this first climb, you'll crest a ridge. Follow the pavement out to the point, called Lemmon's Viewpoint. Return the route you ascended. 

Learn more about this great hike in the Columbia River Gorge at: gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/wahkeena-falls.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here