The Columbia River Gorge | 5 Enchanting Things to See in a Day
- Taryn
- Feb 27
- 6 min read
With so many scenic byways, Oregon is the perfect destination for anyone who appreciates picturesque drives. The Columbia River Gorge is no exception with its majestic viewpoints and easy access to so many stunning waterfalls. This dramatic landscape was created from many geological events over millions and millions of years and became available to auto travelers after the Historic Columbia River Highway opened between 1914-1922.
Only twenty-five minutes from the Portland International Airport, the Historic Columbia River Highway is an excellent way to start exploring the Gorge. I was solo for this adventure and had just one day to see as much of its beauty as possible. Here are five memorable attractions I visited along the Waterfall Corridor.
1) Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint
My first stop on the Historic Columbia River Highway was at a small park called Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. As I got out of my car, I was quickly met with dramatic views overlooking Rooster Rock State Park and the Vista House at Crown Point. This is a spectacular place to take in your first glimpse of the Columbia River meandering through the Gorge.
A Look Back...
The park was once occupied by the Chanticleer Inn built in 1912, which was notable for serving chicken dishes and seasonal salmon. Patrons could expect warm hospitality and remarkable views of the Gorge from the Inn’s delightful porch.
Sadly, the inn burned down in 1930. Oregon Parks and Recreation gained control of the property in the 1960’s after it was donated by The Portland Women’s Forum, which had raised funds to purchase the land to prevent private development and make it accessible to the public.
2) Vista House at Crown Point
The intriguing Vista House at Crown Point welcomes over one million visitors a year. Unfortunately, the Art Nouveau style building was closed for maintenance the day I stopped by, but I was still able to enjoy the magnificent views from Crown Point.
And actually I did get a peak of the building's interior while a door was propped opened by a maintenance worker. The structure features stained glass windows and a domed rotunda with floors and staircases of marble. The exterior is constructed of a light gray sandstone and the building houses a museum, gift shop, espresso bar and restrooms. Be aware that the site does close periodically when winds reach 50 mph.
A Look Back ...
I was a bit puzzled by the name, Vista House, since the term “house” brings to mind a residence, but after reading more about it, I learned that the structure was erected as a posh rest stop and grand observatory for the newly constructed Columbia River Highway. Vista House opened its doors in 1918 and currently has free admission.
3) Bridal Veil Falls
My next destination was the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. The hike to the falls is quite short at ⅔ of a mile round trip. I primarily encountered a dirt trail with some steep inclines and switchbacks, but nothing too difficult. The 120-foot falls are striking and well worth a visit. The trail passes through lush forest and over the Bridal Veil Creek before arriving at some steps leading to a viewing platform near the base of the falls.
If you don't have time for the hike to the falls or just want to explore the area more, there is also The Overlook Loop Trail. I did not do this trail myself, but it is only ½ mile round trip with some sections paved with gravel. The trail begins at the north side of the parking lot and reportedly traverses meadows full of wildflowers in the summertime before passing several splendid vistas.
A Look Back...
Bridal Veil mill was previously located near the site of the waterfalls back when commercial lumbering and logging really took off in the Gorge during the 1880’s. The mill ceased operations after it was consumed by fire in 1937.
Across the street from the parking area, I noticed a quaint building called The Bridal Veil Lodge. It opened as an auto camp and restaurant in 1926 and hosted many auto travelers who flocked to the area after the Historic Columbia River Highway opened in 1915. It is currently operated as Bridal Veil Lodge Bed and Breakfast and caters to bridal parties in association with its "Bridal Veil" name.
4) Multnomah Falls
At approximately 620 feet tall, the epic Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall and a must-see attraction for good reason as it is truly awe-inspiring. With roughly 2.5 million people visiting the falls each year, a little bit of planning is needed between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Timed permits costing a small fee are required during the summer season for visits between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The permit covers one vehicle and its occupants and allows parking at the lot located off Exit 31 from I-84. Reserve a permit at Multnomah Falls Timed Permit.
Please note that parking is not guaranteed with a timed permit, so for real-time parking capacity visit Trip Check. To view alternative transportation options for visiting Multnomah Falls and other attractions in the Gorge, check out Hood-Gorge Transportation Options.
A useful tip when visiting Multnomah Falls during the summer is that timed permits are NOT required before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. during opening hours. With more parking available and less crowds, visiting at these times during peak season can be quite pleasant.
The charming Multnomah Falls Lodge located near the entrance to the site has many convenient amenities such as a restaurant, snack bar, gift shop, visitor center and a large number of restrooms.
A Look Back...
The Multnomah Falls were created 15,000 years ago by the Missoula Floods and are mainly fed by underground springs. The falls are separated into two levels and cascade down basalt cliffs.
A legend from the Multnomah tribe describes the formation of the falls being due to a young woman jumping off the side of the cliff to sacrifice herself to the Great Spirit in order to save her village from a plague. Water started to flow from the cliff where she jumped creating Multnomah Falls and sparing the village.
Modern development of the area took place when lumber baron, Simon Benson from Portland, donated land around the falls to the City of Portland and gave money to construct a footbridge in 1914. This enchanting footbridge, known as Benson Bridge, crosses the falls about 100 feet above its base.
5) Bridge of the Gods
I had a lovely stop at the Bridge of the Gods in the cute town of Cascade Locks. There are scenic views of the Columbia River and the bridge from the parking area. If you are so inclined you can hike the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead State Trail and visit a little waterfall and fish hatchery.
If you are interested in purchasing fresh tribal-caught salmon, stop by the stands set up in the parking lot of the Bridgeside Restaurant adjacent to the bridge. Salmon season runs from March-October. For more information on finding fresh tribal-caught salmon in the Cascade Locks area visit Columbia River Salmon Sales.
A Look Back...
The original cantilever bridge with wood decking was opened in 1926 and was important as it connected the shores of Oregon and Washington. In 1938, the construction of the Bonneville Dam caused the need for the bridge to be lifted 44 feet due to the increased backwater the dam would create. The new steel cantilever bridge was completed in 1940.
The name "Bridge of the Gods" comes from Native American legends that tell the stories of the formation and loss of a natural bridge across the Columbia River.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With both the Historic Columbia River Highway and the modern I-84, it is super easy to explore the Gorge, even in a short amount of time. Several waterfalls are accessible with little effort and scenic viewpoints are plentiful. As I learned more about the construction of the highway that began back in 1913, I imagined how magical the Gorge would've been for people who were just getting acquainted with auto travel, and honestly that wonder persists today!
Explored the Columbia River Gorge, drop your favorite enchanting spots to visit in the comments below.
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