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Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
and Mount Hood "Loop" Tour
Click photo for view from
Chanticleer Point
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Visit many of Oregon’s most famous scenic attractions in one day:
Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River and Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood! Tumbling waterfalls, incredible scenic overlooks, orchard-filled valleys, majestic mountains, and the Oregon Trail await you on this tour that climbs from sea level to over 6000 feet in one scenic loop!
Full day $59.50 |
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The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour is usually combined with a "loop" around Mount Hood, Oregon's tallest mountain. This tour is normally scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM, but we're flexible! Because we travel in small groups, options may be available to adjust our itinerary according to your wishes as the day progresses. The following is a sample itinerary.
| 9:00 AM |
Pick up at your hotel or residence. Head east on the only sea-level passage through the Cascade Mountains that was carved by the Columbia River. |
| 9:35 AM |
Our first stop will be Chanticleer Point. Situated 700 feet above the mighty Columbia River, we'll be able to
see incredible views overlooking the Columbia River, Washington
State and the Oregon side of the gorge. |
| 9:50 AM |
Stop at the historic Vista House for a spectacular thirty-mile view of the river and a rest stop with interesting
historic photography and native wildflower exhibits. |
| 10:20 AM |
Head further east on the "Old Scenic Highway" while you learn about the history of the first mountain highway of the west. We'll stop at several waterfalls with interesting
names like Latourell, Wahkeena, Multnomah and for short walks, photo opportunities or quiet reflection (you choose).
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Click photo for view of
Multnomah Falls
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| 11:00 AM |
Guests always enjoy the visit to Multnomah Falls, Oregon's most famous and tallest waterfall at 620 feet. EcoTours will provide plenty of time for you to enjoy the
ten-minute walk up to the Benson Bridge between the lower and upper falls for views and photos, and to visit the Nature Center and Gift Shop. |
| 11:30 AM |
Still heading east, we'll discuss the life
cycle of Pacific Northwest Salmon enroute to the Bonneville Dam, where we may see migrating adult salmon through the fish-viewing windows and in the fish ladders. |
| 12:15 PM |
Lunch time will be spent at Hood River, "the windsurfing capitol of the U.S.A." We'll drive you through
the downtown area and point out some of our favorite restaurants,
then leave you on your own to eat and explore this quaint, compact town.
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Click photo for view of
Mount Hood
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| 1:30 PM |
After lunch, we'll head through the picturesque Hood River Valley possibly stopping at local fruit stands
to sample locally-grown cherries, berries, pears and apples. While climbing Mount Hood's southeast flank, you will learn about Oregon's diverse ecosystems as the scenery changes from the dry eastside Cascades featuring ponderosa pine forests, to the lush westside forests of douglas fir, cedar and hemlock. Many guests enjoy an optional stop to see a portion of the original Oregon Trail as we continue the drive to the high alpine forests of Mount Hood's upper elevations. |
| 2:45 PM |
Arrive at the pinnacle of our day, Timberline Lodge, at 6,000 feet. Here, you'll be treated to incredible
high alpine views of snow-capped Mount Hood and the surrounding
Cascades. Optional activities include a short walk or hike, or a tour through the National Historic Landmark of Timberline Lodge. Everyone enjoys the novelty of making snowballs and watching skiiers in the summer! |
| 3:30 PM |
On our drive back to Portland, we'll pass through beautiful mountainous terrain and quaint small towns into the fertile agricultural fields of the Willamette Valley. |
| 5:00 PM |
Arrive back at your hotel or residence. |
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| If notified in advance, there are many tour options available. Please call to discuss the possibilities. |
The cost of this day tour is $59.50 per person, which includes door-to-door transportation and the interpretive naturalist services of your ecotour guide.
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