My Favorite Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Tour from Portland – My Honest Review!
Looking for the best way to see Oregon’s most famous waterfall without planning a thing? This half-day Multnomah Falls tour from Portland is a no-brainer and makes exploring the Columbia River Gorge a breeze.
As an Oregon native, I can attest to how incredible Multnomah Falls is. However, it’s not exactly simple to get to, especially if you’re skipping a rental car. In just a few hours, this tour is perfect for seeing multiple waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls, and learning about the Gorge’s rich history.
After taking this tour myself, I’ll walk you through what the experience is like, what I loved, and a few things to know before you book. Let’s get into it!
My Itinerary on the Tour
Meeting Point – Park and Ride on Burnside Ave.
The tour has a few meeting point options, but we chose the Burnside Ave. location as it was closest to downtown Portland. It’s a big, open parking lot where you can safely leave your car, so parking is a breeze. I brought my parents along, and we arrived just a few minutes before our tour. Not long after, the big white van arrived and our guide, James, quickly checked us in and got us on the road.
James had a headset and was both our driver and guide. They gave us a ton of information as we headed out toward the Columbia River Gorge, explaining the geology and the formation of the gorge, which certainly made the time pass quickly! Although the drive time to the first stop wasn’t far, most of the tour was only about 10-20 minutes between stops.
First stop – Vista House
Our first stop was Vista House, which, as the name suggests, is all about the views. It sits atop a hill, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge and really shows how large and grand this area is. Even though I’ve been to the Gorge a few dozen times, I am still in awe of its beauty!
The Vista House is a rest stop and museum, and the building itself is stunning, constructed of Alaskan limestone and marble. The local nickname is “the $100,000 Outhouse” because the architect got a little out of hand during the construction and ended up bankrupting the town!
We were unable to enter the actual Vista House, but stopping for views was just as worthwhile in my opinion. Its opening hours are quite sporadic, so this is mainly a viewpoint stop. We had 10 minutes here, then were back on the road.
Second stop – Latourell Falls
After another short drive down the road, we made our way to the first waterfall of the day: Latourell Falls. The walk in was about 0.25 miles (400 meters) and was flat and easy, taking less than 10 minutes. Along the way, James explained more about Oregon’s native flora and fauna. They knew a lot about foraging and pointed out some berries we definitely shouldn’t eat, and some foliage we can eat, and we did!
Then we made it to Latourel Falls, which is 225 feet (69 meters) tall. It was pretty powerful, though skinny for the time of year we visited, and the whole area was beautiful. More paths wove around the falls, but we stuck to the bottom and got a little wet from the spray!
Third stop – Shepherd Dell Falls
Next up: Shepherd Dell Falls. It was another 10-minute drive from Latourel Falls to Shepherd Dell Falls, and this one was unassuming. We pulled off and stood over a bridge, looking down at the 300-foot-long waterfall (91 meters). It weaves through the forest, so you couldn’t tell how big it was. But after a short walk down to eye level, you could see just how powerful it is!
One thing I really liked about this tour was how easy it made it to escape the city and appreciate Oregon’s natural beauty. Since I was raised here, I’m a little biased as to how beautiful this area is. But our guide did a great job highlighting hidden gems and explaining what makes each stop unique, like Shepherd Dell Falls!
Fourth stop – Wahkeena Falls
For our fourth stop, we headed to Wahkeena Falls. It was about a 15-20 minute drive down the road, and with each waterfall, we gained height! This one stretches 500 feet (152 meters) and definitely made you stop and say “woah.”
This was also the most strenuous hike to the waterfall, but I’d still say it was doable for most fitness levels. The walk was 0.25 miles (400 meters) and was steeper than the others, yet we finished it in less than 10 minutes. For any of the waterfalls, you have the option to wait at the bottom if the walk is too much!
Our guide led us up the trail yet again and was a walking encyclopedia – full of information! They pointed out the best viewpoints and angles for photos, too.
Fifth stop – Multnomah Falls
To wrap up our afternoon of exploring, we headed to the main event: Multnomah Falls! Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s tallest waterfall, stretching 620 feet (189 meters).
Because it is one of the state’s most famous sights, it can get pretty busy. However, we booked the afternoon tour, so we arrived around 5 pm, and most of the crowds had cleared out. Parking is quite limited in this area, so our guide dropped us off and gave us about 40 minutes to explore on our own, which was a nice change of pace.
My parents and I spent our time snapping photos of the falls and hiking up to the iconic bridge that’s in every photo of Multnomah! The hike is 0.25 miles (400 meters) and less inclined than the previous waterfall we visited. While miles and miles of hiking trails weave through the area, this was the perfect amount of time to gaze at the cascading water and the lush greenery around.
There’s even a coffee shop and a gift shop at the bottom, so you can pick up a little souvenir to commemorate your visit!
Meeting our guide again was straightforward, and then we hopped on the interstate for a straight shot back to Portland, which took about 30 minutes. We saw a lot on this tour, but we wrapped up right on time for an efficient yet fulfilling afternoon of exploration!
What I loved about this tour
Highly rated and positive reviews
This tour was easy to choose because it’s the highest-rated tour in all of Oregon, with THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews (read them here!). After taking it myself, I can see why it’s so popular. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its outdoor scene, and this tour did a great job highlighting that beauty in a half-day trip.
Great tour guides
The guide, James, was so knowledgeable and passionate about the Pacific Northwest’s natural history, ecology, and unique quirks. As a fellow Oregonian, I appreciated the depth of the tour! They were also very attentive to the group and made sure any of the walks weren’t too challenging for anyone. James gave some great dinner recommendations too, so it was clear that they love Portland and know it well!
Makes for an easy way to get outside
If you’re short on time in Portland, this is a great way to get outdoors without planning a huge trip. In just half a day, I got to see some of Oregon’s incredible natural beauty. I booked the afternoon tour, which gave me the whole morning to explore, and I was back in the city in time for dinner (and I even avoided rush hour!).
It’s also much easier to have all the logistics handled for you. You don’t have to spend hours researching and mapping everything out, and it takes the guesswork out of it. Plus, if you’re getting around Portland without a rental car, this makes it simple to go beyond the city limits.
Suitable for most travelers
While it includes some short hikes, this tour isn’t very physically demanding, so it’s suitable for most travelers. I love that it makes the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge accessible to everyone!
I 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 my schedule. I didn’t have much time on this Portland trip, so I was really thankful 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 I wasn’t exhausted by the end of the tour.
Free cancellation options
One thing I always look for in a tour is free cancellation, because we all know how quickly travel plans can change! I booked this tour through Viator, which meant that I was entitled to free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. You can also book now and pay later, so you can secure your spot early and pay just 48 hours before the tour. I love having this peace of mind when planning a trip!
What I didn’t like 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. My advice is just to pack your rain jacket and umbrella, and go experience the falls just as the Oregonians do!
Not actually 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! Multnomah Falls is a must when you’re in Oregon, and this tour makes it simple to explore the Columbia River Gorge. It’s lightly active, suitable for most travelers, and ideal if you’re short on time. Even though I’m from Oregon and have spent many days exploring this area, I still thought it was an insightful and stunning day out. It’s the perfect addition to your itinerary, whether this is your first or fifth trip!
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 my trip, Portland itself has so much more to offer. From quirky neighborhoods and incredible food to scenic bike rides and coastal adventures, I found that mixing in a few city tours made the whole experience even better. These are the tours I loved most, and they will help you get to know Portland beyond the waterfalls.
- Get to know Portland on a walking tour – This Portland walking tour is the perfect way to kick off your trip. You’ll explore the South Park Blocks, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and more while learning all about its history, architecture, and quirky personality.
- Explore the Oregon Coast with a flexible itinerary – This Oregon Coast tour is another easy way to experience the Pacific Northwest’s beauty in one day! Visit Cannon Beach, state parks, and tide pools – ideal for any outdoor-loving traveler.
- Go on a donut tour through the city – For a fun and delicious way to see the city, I highly recommend this donut tour. Sampled everything from classic glazed donuts to creative flavors like blueberry basil while exploring different neighborhoods and stopping by Portland-famous joints.
- 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 my 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 my opinion, Downtown Portland is the best place to stay because it’s lively and walkable, and it’s home to most of the city’s top attractions!
Luxury – $$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland is a luxurious 5-star hotel ideally located just a short walk from some of the city’s top attractions, like the Portland Art Museum and Lan Su Chinese Garden. The hotel boasts elegant rooms featuring air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. But my favorite thing about this hotel is the stunning indoor rooftop infinity pool, which offers spectacular city views through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Trust me, you’ll struggle to tear yourself away!
Prices at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland start from $500 per night. Check out all of the options and book this luxurious stay on Booking.com now!
Mid-range – $$
The Mark Spencer Hotel is comfortable and full of character. It sits right on the edge of Downtown and the Pearl District, so it’s in a top-notch location within walking distance of some of the best shops, restaurants, and attractions in the city.
The hotel has a classic, elegant feel, with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a really solid choice if you want a reliable stay in a great location without spending too much. Rooms here usually start at around $200 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here.
Budget – $
The Moxy Portland Downtown hotel offers an amazing location at an affordable price. I think that this hotel is modern and fun, with comfortable rooms and even a quirky on-site coworking space and bar. I 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!
Related Read: Need help deciding on which area to base yourself in? Check out my Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon guide for a full breakdown of the city’s best areas and hotels!
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
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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Thanks for reading!
Visiting the Columbia River Gorge is a must for anyone visiting Oregon! I love how simple but packed this tour is, making it easy to experience my beautiful home state and the most famous sight: Multnomah Falls! I know you’ll love Oregon as much as I do after this tour, so don’t wait to book it.
For more travel inspiration, check out my other Oregon 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 with confidence.
Meghan is a slow traveler and meticulous planner, who fell in love with traveling while exploring North and Central America on motorcycle and backpacking through Asia. Now based in Cambodia, she specializes in crafting seamless itineraries that balance must-see sights with spontaneity—favoring mountains, history, craft beer, and experiences that go a little off script.
