Our Favorite Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Tour from Portland – Our Honest Review!
Looking for an easy way to see the best of the Columbia River Gorge without planning a thing? This half-day waterfall tour from Portland is a no-brainer, and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences in Oregon!
In just a few hours, we saw multiple waterfalls (including the famous Multnomah Falls), stopped at some seriously beautiful viewpoints, and we didn’t have to think about logistics at all! Everything was planned for us, so all we had to do was show up and enjoy the ride.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what the tour looks like, what we loved, and a few things to know before you book. Let’s get into it!
- Our Itinerary on the Tour
- What we loved about this tour
- What we didn’t love about this tour
- Would I recommend this tour?
- Other Activities to do in Portland, Oregon
- Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
Our Itinerary on the Tour
Meeting Point – Southeast Portland
The tour starts in Southeast Portland, just off Hawthorne Street, at the operator’s office. It’s a pretty straightforward meeting point, but if you’re driving, it’s worth knowing that parking around here is limited. We ended up spotting a few paid lots nearby, including ones at 7th and Madison and 10th and Madison, so just give yourself a bit of extra time to find a spot.
Once everyone’s checked in, you’ll head out toward the Columbia River Gorge. The drive takes around 30 to 45 minutes, and it’s definitely part of the whole experience! It’s scenic pretty much the entire way, and if you get lucky with clear weather, you might even catch views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens in the distance, which is such a cool way to kick things off.
First stop – Multnomah Falls
Once we reached the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, we caught our first sighting of the stunning Multnomah Falls. This is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and there are a LOT of them here, so that’s really saying something! It’s 620 feet (189 meters) high in total, and it’s one of the most photographed waterfalls in the entire US. It took our breath away!
There are a few easy walking paths at the base of the waterfall and plenty of viewpoints where you can snap amazing photos. It is possible to hike to the top, but the route is very steep and challenging, and you won’t have time for that on this tour. This visit is more about leisure and taking in the views, and trust me, you really don’t need to go to the top of the waterfall to appreciate how beautiful it is.
We had about 40 minutes to explore Multnomah Falls, which felt like plenty of time. I should mention that after this stop, the exact waterfalls that you visit might change due to the weather or construction. We’ll share what we did, but even if your itinerary doesn’t look exactly the same, you’ll always get to stop by three waterfalls and one viewpoint on this tour!
Second stop – Bridal Veil Falls State Park
Our second stop of the day was Bridal Veil Falls State Park, which was just a short drive from Multnomah Falls. We had about 30 minutes to hike through the forest to the falls and back, which was about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) return. As we enjoyed the views, our guide, Carrie, also taught us about Bridal Veil’s lumber industry and how it shaped the Columbia River Gorge. This is actually a really important piece of Oregon’s history, and the stories she shared were pretty interesting.
Third stop – Latourell Falls
I think Latourell Falls was actually my favorite stop! It felt a bit more wild compared to the others, and for me, it really embodies what a trip to the Pacific Northwest is all about.
The plunge waterfall is pretty dramatic on its own, but the setting makes it even better. It’s surrounded by huge Bigleaf Maples and towering Douglas Firs, and then you’ve got those bright yellow rock cliffs behind the falls, which make it look almost surreal!
There’s a bit of hiking involved here, but it’s fairly easy and definitely worth it! We hiked about 3 kilometers (2 miles) through the forest to get to the waterfall, and the trail was nice and peaceful. As we walked, Carrie told us about some of the local legends tied to the area, which added a bit of character to the stop. I can definitely see why this beautiful, secluded place would inspire lots of myths and legends.
Fourth stop – Vista House
Our fourth and final stop of the day was Vista House, although this is subject to change due to construction. It’s also closed from Tuesday to so bear that in mind if you’re keen to visit. Fortunately, it was open when we did this tour, and it was the perfect note to end on.
Vista House is a rest stop and museum that sits high above the Columbia River. It’s aptly named because the views are just unreal. You can see the river stretching out through the gorge, with layers of hills fading into the distance. It really gives you a sense of how big the whole area is, which you don’t fully get when you’re down at the waterfalls.
Our guide took us up to the building’s upper deck and even taught us about how Vista House is known for having the most expensive public bathroom in the Pacific Northwest. It was so expensive to build that at the time of its construction, locals nicknamed it “the $100,000 Outhouse”, and the moniker stuck! We also took a moment to learn about the Wasco people, who considered this area a sacred place.
What we loved about this tour
Highly rated and positive reviews
The main reason we chose this tour is that it’s highly rated. It has 2,000+ 5-star reviews (read them here!), so we figured it had to be good. A lot of the reviews mention how wonderful the guides are and how well-planned the whole itinerary is. Now we’ve done this tour for ourselves, we can definitely confirm that!
Great tour guides
Carrie was so passionate and enthusiastic – we really couldn’t have asked for a better guide to show us around these waterfalls. She was super attentive to the needs of our group and kept checking in on everyone, while sharing lots of stories that added some local color to the whole experience. If you end up with her as your guide, you’re definitely in for a great time!
Makes for an easy way to get outside
If you’re short on time in Portland, this is a great way to explore the great outdoors without having to plan a huge trip. In just half a day, we got to see some of the incredible natural beauty that Oregon is so famous for. We went in the morning, and we were back in the city for lunch!
It’s also just so much easier having all of the logistics handled for you. It means you don’t have to spend hours researching and mapping everything out, and it takes all of the guesswork out of it. We loved just rocking up and enjoying the trip.
Suitable for most travelers
While there are some short hikes involved, this tour isn’t very physically demanding, and so it’s suitable for most travelers. We love that it makes the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge accessible to everyone!
We also think that this is a great activity for families and kids. You change locations a lot, which keeps it interesting, and the hikes are all pretty short and easy. There are no super-long travel stretches, either, so you won’t be hearing “Are we there yet?” all day long.
Short and sweet tour
This is a half-day tour, so it was easy to fit it into our schedule. We didn’t have a ton of time on this Portland trip, so we were really thankful to be able to get out and see so much in just four hours. You can also see a lot of the Columbia River Gorge in just that time, and it’s close to the city, so we weren’t exhausted by the end of the tour.
Free cancellation options
One thing we always look for in a tour is free cancellation options, as we know all too well how quickly travel plans can change! We booked this tour through Viator, which meant that we were entitled to free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. There’s also the option to book now and pay later, which means you can secure your spot early and pay just 48 hours before the tour. We love having this peace of mind when planning a trip!
What we didn’t love about this tour
Operates rain or shine
Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to be prepared for. It rains A LOT in Oregon (hence why it’s so green!) and your chances of getting wet are pretty high, even during the summer. Our advice is just to pack your rain jacket and umbrella, and go experience the falls just as the Oregonians do!
Parking is limited at the meeting point
Parking is pretty sparse throughout Portland, and the meeting point for this tour is no different, so you’ll need to plan ahead. If you want to drive to the meeting point, we suggest arriving early and parking in the paid lot a few blocks away. Or, to make life easier, you can just do what we did and use public transport to get to the meeting point – after all, Portland has one of the best networks in the entire US. Or you can just take an Uber there instead!
Not for hiking
This is actually a big pro for a lot of people, but if you’re hoping to get out there and do some serious hiking and exploring, this isn’t the tour for you. It’s more of a scenic, leisurely experience designed to maximize views and minimize effort. If reaching the top of Multnomah Falls is a goal of yours, I’d book a different tour!
Related Read: Don’t stop here! Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Portland here for more ways to explore the city.
Would I recommend this tour?
Yes, definitely! If you want to enjoy the beauty of Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge on an easy day trip from Portland, this tour is absolutely perfect. It’s lightly active and suitable for most travelers, and it’s ideal if you’re short on time. We had a blast and loved being able to see so much in just a few hours, without feeling rushed!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Other Activities to do in Portland, Oregon
While visiting the Columbia River Gorge was the highlight of our trip, Portland itself has so much more to offer. From quirky neighborhoods and incredible food to scenic bike rides and coastal adventures, we found that mixing in a few city tours made the whole experience even better. These are the tours we loved most, and that really helped us get to know Portland beyond the waterfalls.
- Get to know Portland on a walking tour – This Portland walking tour was the perfect way to kick off our trip. We explored the South Park Blocks, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and more while our guide, Shannon, shared fascinating stories about the city’s history, architecture, and quirky personality. It made navigating Portland so much easier afterward.
- Explore the Oregon Coast with a flexible itinerary – This Oregon Coast tour stood out for how personalized it felt. Our guide adjusted the day based on conditions, giving us extra time at Cannon Beach, stops at hidden viewpoints, and even a visit to tide pools.
- Go on a donut tour through the city – For a fun and delicious way to see the city, we highly recommend this donut tour. We sampled everything from classic glazed donuts to creative flavors like blueberry basil while exploring different neighborhoods.
- See the city on two wheels – This Portland bike tour was a fun, active way to cover a lot of ground. We cruised along the waterfront, crossed bridges, and explored neighborhoods like the Pearl District, all while learning about Portland’s history.
Related Read: Want help planning it all? Check out our 3-day Portland itinerary to see how to fit these tours and top sights into a well-balanced trip.
Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon
After all that exploring, having the right place to stay makes a huge difference—and Portland has plenty of great options depending on your style and budget. In our opinion, Downtown Portland is the best area to stay in because it’s a lively and walkable area that’s home to most of the city’s top attractions!
The Downtown area is also incredibly convenient for getting around. Many tours offer free pickup from the area, and you’ll have easy access to Portland’s extensive public transport network, so getting out to explore other areas won’t be a problem. To make your stay even easier, we’ve listed some of the best hotel options in Downtown Portland for every budget.
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland – $$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland is a luxurious 5-star hotel ideally located just a short walk from some of the city’s top attractions, like the Portland Art Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden. The hotel boasts elegant rooms featuring air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. But my favorite thing about this hotel is the stunning indoor rooftop infinity pool, which offers spectacular city views through its floor-to-ceiling window. Trust me, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away!
Prices at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland start from $500 per night. Check out all of the options and book this luxurious stay on Booking.com now!
The Heathman Hotel – $$
The Heathman Hotel is a charming hotel located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Downtown, just a short walk from the Portland Art Museum and Powell’s City of Books. It offers modern spacious rooms, and we love the library-themed hotel restaurant! Plus, with a 24-hour gym, free WiFi, and some pet-friendly rooms, you’ve really got everything you need here!
Rooms at the Heathman Hotel typically range between $150 and $250 during peak season. Check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com!
Moxy Portland Downtown – $
The Moxy Portland Downtown hotel offers an amazing location at an affordable price. We think that this hotel is modern and fun, with comfortable rooms and even a quirky on-site coworking space and bar. We love its industrial-chic design and the fact that there’s free WiFi, a games room, and a fitness center on site. It really is a home from home!
Prices at Moxy Portland Downtown start at $100 per night. Check out all the options and this hotel’s availability on Booking.com now!
Check out all of Portland’s listed hotels here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
Visiting the Columbia River Gorge had been at the top of our list, and this tour ended up being one of the highlights of our trip! Seeing iconic spots like Multnomah Falls up close, exploring a few different waterfalls, and taking in those incredible views without worrying about logistics made it such an easy and memorable experience.
For more travel inspiration, check out our other Portland blogs covering the best things to do, where to stay, and more must-have experiences. Or continue your trip planning with more of our favorite guides below!
Where to Stay When Visiting Grand Teton National Park: 4 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Seattle, Washington: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
8 Best Things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore Costa Rica with confidence.
