When most people think about what to see along the Columbia River, the Gorge area immediately springs to mind. Probably because it is the most scenic! But there is so much more to this magnificent stretch of river, which guided our original explorers, Lewis & Clark to this great land.
Interstate Highway 84, which runs on the Oregon side will guide you to Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest. It has some of the best viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge and make excellent road trips from Portland.
But did you know??
There is plenty to do along or near the Columbia River on the Washington State side! Yep, what most people don’t realize is there are these little pockets of greatness to discover on the Washington side. Don’t miss these opportunities to truly enjoy all the Columbia River and the surrounding areas have to offer.
There is so many Columbia River Gorge day trip ideas here, and is a great weekend getaway Pacific Northwest itinerary.
The Washington Side of the Columbia River
The things to do on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge are many.
All of the main attractions seem to be on the Oregon side, leaving poor Washington State off of many a tourist’s radar when visiting the area. It’s a crime! Because there is SO much to do on the Washington side. Here are the highlights:
Beacon Rock
Have you ever huffed and puffed up a steep incline, surrounded by flowered prairie land, only to be rewarded at the top with a view that will sure to rip away what remaining breath you have?
You haven’t?
Then you need to go to Beacon Rock. An 848-foot tall monolith, located in the state park of the same name on State Route 14.
Dog Mountain
Despite the fact that it’s on the lessor-traveled Washington side, this is only of the more popular hiking spots along the river. It is a tough hike to the top, but like the aforementioned Beacon Rock, the exertion is well worth the view. Spring is an optimal time to come when the wildflowers start to show their stuff. So get there early to find a good parking space.
Breweries
Keep on State Route 14 and sample about a half dozen great breweries – a self-guided beer tour like none other! Check out such tastiness as Amnesia Brewing in Washougal, Walking Man in Stevenson, and Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon. Just be responsible and bring a designated driver with you!
Skamania Lodge
I have a full blog post about this amazing Lodge. You will be pampered with a spa, delicious food and drink, golf, hiking and so much more. Then saunter into the nearby town of Stevenson to visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center to learn about the rich history here.
Bonneville Hot Springs
You will no doubt want to spend the night here! Over the millennia, natural hot springs, nestled into the forest near North Bonneville, were formed here. Local tribes used these hot springs for thousands of years. Today you too can enjoy and stay at any one of several hotels in the area.
Columbia River Gorge Hikes
Hike over 12 miles of trails at Columbia Hills State Park and explore ancient tribal petroglyphs and Old West trails. Both gorgeous and historically significant, this state park is one to savor slowly. Stay awhile and don’t rush! Then hit the Klickitat Trail – an incredible 31-mile trail along the Klickitat River and though Swale Canyon. Great for hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Raft the White Salmon River
Oregon is known for its world-class whitewater rapids, but many don’t know that there is great whitewater rafting just north of the Columbia. Since the demolition of the Condit Dam back in 2011, the White Salmon River has been free to flow, and several local companies offer kayaking and rafter tours of the river, which empties into the Gorge.
Maryhill
What the Sam Hill? Yes, it WAS Sam Hill who constructed this town, with some lovely attractions such as the Maryhill Museum of Art, the Maryhill Winery and even a replica of Stonehenge!
Syncline Mountain Bike Trail
This 11-mile network of dirt roads and steep, single-track trail is a challenge for even a seasoned biker. However, you WILL get great views of the Gorge along narrow passages. Just be careful and make sure you stop before you gawk at the magnificence.
The Oregon Side of the Columbia River
Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
This 20-mile stretch of highway was one of the first to be built specifically for scenic touring. It first opened in 1915 and has since become an iconic road that people by the hundreds of thousands flock to every year. Along the way, there are places to stop and explore stonework bridges, accenting the grand waterfalls as you drive through the lush, old-growth forests.
The hiking trails here are some of the best in the area. Be sure to bring your picnic lunch! Along this road you will find the Vista House – it is a must-stop because the view from this old stone building cannot be described in words. I’m a travel writer and I still struggle to adequately describe the feeling you get as your gaze drifts from atop the cliff. Built in 1918, the Vista House offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop and a snack bar. Climb to the roof for a 360-degree view!
The Bonneville Dam Visitor Center has an observation area, along with a guided powerhouse tour and theater. Be sure to catch the famous fish ladder! Watch salmon journey upstream in search of their spawning grounds.
Hood River
This is a great base for wine tasting, beer crawls (H.R. is the home of Full Sail IPA) and more. Aptly known as the Fruit Loop, there are vineyards, fruit trees, and gorgeous blossoms come Springtime. Visit a lavender farm, buy some locally-grown apples and pears, then pay a visit to the Apple Valley Country Store to take some goodness home.
Take a Classic Sternwheeler Cruise
There is nothing more lovely to do on a late Spring or Summer weekend then hopping aboard a good ol-fashioned brunch cruise! Dine on sumptuous cuisine, and listen to tales of the river, before heading out on the open deck to let the river scenery pass you by.
Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Galore
There are a whopping 77 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Here is a great post from Travel Oregon many of these, ripe for exploring. After the Eagle Creek Fire a couple of years ago, many of the trails leading to these waterfalls were shut down. But they are slowly opening up again. Here is a website with all of the latest information, so you can plan your trip accordingly! Either way, DO NOT miss out on hiking to at least a couple of these stunning falls.
Of course, no guide to the Columbia River would be complete without including this famous and iconic falls. It is the most visited recreational site in the Pacific Northwest, after all! Have said that, in the summer months, you can guess it gets quite busy! And on holidays throughout the year? Unless you want to literally rub shoulders with your fellow tourists, it’s best to visit in the Spring or Fall, on a weekday.
