The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon stands out as one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. With nearly 100 waterfalls, sweeping river views, charming small towns, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s a place that has you dreaming about your next visit before your first one is even over.

Drawing from our own experiences exploring the area, we’ve put together an itinerary to help you spend three perfect days in this breathtaking destination. While spring—especially from mid-April through mid-June—is an ideal time to go, you can enjoy this trip year-round with a bit of cooperation from the weather.

This article summarizes the topics we covered in our podcast episode #158: Three Perfect Days in the Columbia River Gorge. Listen to the entire episode to hear more details about this itinerary.

Day One: Waterfalls & History on the Oregon Side

You’ll start your Columbia River Gorge Itinerary by exploring the Oregon side of the gorge, home to the most iconic waterfalls in the region.

Morning: Multnomah Falls

Begin your day early at Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 635 feet. You can view it right from the parking lot or walk to the Benson Bridge for a closer look. If you’re up for it, continue the paved trail to the top. The Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925 at the base of the falls, offers a visitor center, snack bar, and gift shop.

Tip: Typically, from around Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, timed entry tickets are required between 9 AM–6 PM. Get the most recent information and reserve them in advance on recreation.gov.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls (Minimal Hiking Required):

• Wahkeena Falls – 0.5 miles roundtrip
• Bridal Veil Falls – 0.3 miles roundtrip
• Horsetail Falls – Viewable from the road
• Ponytail Falls – 0.8 miles roundtrip

Afternoon: Scenic Drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway

Built between 1913–1922, this highway was the first scenic road in the U.S. and is now being restored as a mixed-use recreation trail for cyclists and hikers. Portions of it offer stunning views, tunnels, and stonework that rival national park drives. Be sure to stop at Rowena Crest Overlook to take in the dramatic hairpin turns known as the Rowena Loops.

Optional Longer Hikes:

• Multnomah–Wahkeena Loop – 5 miles, 1600 ft gain
• Tunnel Falls – 12 miles roundtrip (for experienced hikers)
• Punchbowl Falls – 3.8 miles roundtrip

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in Hood River

After a big day, unwind in Hood River, a charming outdoor-focused town and perfect home base. Grab dinner and a flight at pFriem Family Brewers, or try Solstice Wood Fired Pizza across the street. Hood River is packed with excellent breweries, shops, and places to explore.

Day Two: Waterfall Adventures on the Washington Side

Grab breakfast at Pine Street Bakery in Hood River before crossing the Hood River Bridge into Washington to experience a different, but equally stunning, perspective of the gorge.

Morning: Falls Creek Falls

This 3.5-mile roundtrip trail leads to a spectacular double-tiered waterfall. The drive includes a rugged dirt road, watch for potholes, but the trail itself is mostly easy and incredibly scenic.

Midday: Panther Creek Falls

Short and steep, but well worth it. You can view the falls from the top, or hike a short distance to the bottom for a better view of this unique cascade.

Optional Add-On: Spirit Falls

Located between Carson and White Salmon, Spirit Falls is known for its turquoise water, and for the kayakers who occasionally paddle off it! The trail to the viewpoint is extremely steep and should only be attempted with caution.

Afternoon: Beer & Pizza in Carson

After hiking, reward yourself at Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson. We stopped for a beer but ended up staying for their surprisingly excellent pizza.

Evening: Explore White Salmon

Before heading back to Hood River, stop by the town of White Salmon. Grab a coffee and stroll through the shops or relax with a view of Mount Hood.

Day Three: Beacon Rock, Wildflowers & Scenic Stops

Day three combines iconic hikes and scenic viewpoints with time to explore local culture.

Morning: Beacon Rock State Park

Beacon Rock rises 850 feet above the Columbia River. A well-constructed 1.8-mile roundtrip trail zigzags up the rock via 52 switchbacks and bridges. It looks intimidating from below but is safe and doable for most hikers thanks to secure handrails and stable footing. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular.

Late Morning: Wildflower Hike

Depending on the season, hike one of the wildflower trails on the Washington side. We loved Coyote Wall, which had blooming meadows by mid-April. Other options include Dog Mountain (which typically requires a timed-entry permit in the spring – more details here) and Lyle Cherry Orchard. Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and stay on the trail.

Afternoon: Vista House at Crown Point

Built in 1918 as a comfort station, the Vista House at Crown Point is a beautiful octagonal structure with marble floors and stained-glass windows. Even if it’s closed when you go, the view from this 733-foot-high perch is unforgettable. Crown Point is about a 45-minute drive west of Hood River using I-84.

Optional Stop: Bridge of the Gods

This historic bridge is where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River. PCT hikers walk across the narrow bridge alongside vehicle traffic, a unique sight to witness! The Bridge of the Gods is 20 miles west of Hood River along I-84.

Evening: Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood

Cap off your trip with an hour-drive south of Hood River to Timberline Lodge. Built in 1937 and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood (who also designed Zion and Bryce Canyon lodges), it’s a National Historic Landmark. Say hello to the lodge’s Saint Bernard mascots, Heidi and Bruno, and grab a drink or meal with a view of Mount Hood.

Three days in the Columbia River Gorge will fly by. From waterfall hikes to historic landmarks, river towns to scenic overlooks, this region is packed with unforgettable moments. You can expand your trip by combining it with the Oregon Coast, the Central Oregon towns of Bend and Sisters, or Crater Lake National Park.

And if you’d like to see more of our Columbia River Gorge trip, check out our Instagram post here.