Mt Hood Day Trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls and Hood River

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area protects the spectacular canyon where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade mountains - with cliffs and overlooks of Washington to the north and Oregon's mountains and waterfalls to the south. The Gorge is unique in its natural and cultural history, as well as its designation as a National Scenic Area. As we drive to Multnomah Falls and Hood River we will be driving through the Columbia River Gorge.

Multnomah Falls

30 min

A waterfall as magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease. We will stop here and you will have time to walk to Benson Bridge and explore the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge.

Rowena Crest Viewpoint

20 min

Overlooking a major chokepoint along the Ice Age Floods path, Rowena Crest lies at nearly 700 feet above the Columbia River at the upstream end of Rowena Plateau, a miles-long promontory that protrudes into the path of the river. This forces the river around the plateau through a relatively narrow section of the Gorge known as the Rowena Gap. We will stop here and enjoy the view while taking amazing photographs!

Mount Hood National Forest

20 min

Mt. Hood National Forest boasts eight wildernesses, encompassing 311,448 acres or about one-third of the forest. We will drive through this forest as we make our way to Timberline Lodge.

Mount Hood

20 min

Mt. Hood’s perpetually snowy peak — crowned by eleven glaciers, one for every thousand feet it rises above sea level — can be seen from miles and miles away. It’s home to a total of six ski areas, making it a great base camp for skiers. Beautiful alpine lakes with names like Lost, Trillium and Mirror dot Mt. Hood’s flanks, each offering its own unique view of the mountain.

Timberline Lodge

30 min

Constructed in 1937, Timberline Lodge stands on the south slope of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This beautiful 55,000 square foot structure rises out of a pristine alpine landscape and is still being used for its original intent – a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for everyone to enjoy. Legendary and awe-inspiring, it's a tribute to the rugged spirit of the Pacific Northwest and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.