Looking for some great day hikes in the Columbia River Gorge? Click on the map markers for a brief introduction to each hike, then click on the included web link to go to my full review. You can also link to hike reviews from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.

Most of the hikes listed here are short, often only a few miles long. These are great options if you have limited time in the Columbia River Gorge and want to see a variety of places. One of the amazing things about the Gorge is how the climate shifts from the lush, green forests of the west to the sun-kissed grasslands of the east. The Gorge is also home to several paved, multi-use trails open to hikers and bicyclists, and I’ve included these options as well.

General Tips

• Always follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles: for day hiking, this means planning ahead and preparing, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, and treating other visitors and wildlife with respect.
• Bring the 10 Essentials. Most of the hikes listed here are short, but it’s still important to have sun protection, extra layers, food, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, and a trail map.
• Always stay on the trail unless you’re in an area that allows roaming off trail. This is a fragile landscape, and with more and more visitors, it’s increasingly important for us to protect it.
• Don’t pick the flowers, but leave them for all to enjoy.
• Check for trail closures before you go. Many popular trails along the waterfall corridor were closed following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Trails are slowly reopening as the habitat gradually recovers. Aside from fire damage, trails can also close temporarily due to wind and water damage or snow and ice. Find updated information on the Ready, Set, Gorge! website.
• The Columbia River Gorge is known for wind. On exposed trails, bring a jacket to help repel the wind. On chilly days, gloves and a warm hat are highly recommended.
• Bring sunscreen, shade hats, and sunglasses on sunny days, even in winter. Many Columbia River Gorge hiking trails lack shade, particularly those east of Hood River.

Multnomah Falls Tips

• Arrive early, preferably before 9am. Multnomah Falls is one of Oregon’s biggest tourist attractions. Any time of year, any day of the week, it pays to arrive early. This is especially true in summer and on weekends.
• Check ahead to verify if reservations are required. In recent years, Multnomah Falls began requiring reservations from mid-May through mid-September to control crowding. Check the recreation.gov website to see if they are required prior to your visit and to make a reservation.
• Hike further to escape the madding crowd. One great option is the 5.5-mile Multnomah to Wahkeena Falls Loop. You can also hike to Angels Rest, Devils Rest, or a number of other beautiful destinations.

When to Go

The Columbia River Gorge is a great year-round destination. West of Hood River, the climate is temperate with — you guessed it — a lot more rain. East of Hood River, the climate is arid, with hot summers and cold winters. Even when it’s cloudy and grey at Multnomah Falls, you may find sunshine and blue skies in Hood River or The Dalles.

Summer is by far the busiest time of year. Weekends can be busy any time of year, especially when the weather is good. After all, Multnomah Falls is just a half hour drive from Portland (when there’s no traffic, mind you), which makes the Columbia River Gorge an incredibly popular day trip for local Oregonians.

Spring and fall are lovely times to visit, especially if you go during the week. Wildflowers abound on the eastern side of the Gorge in early spring, and the fall colors throughout this region are stunning. Winter weather can be wet and dreary along the western Gorge, but it’s the perfect time to escape the crowds. Check trail conditions ahead of time, as snow or mudslides can lead to trail closures. But if you are lucky enough to see Multnomah Falls surrounded by snow, it’s magical!

Nearby & Notable

• Hungry? I have a great guide for Eating Up the Columbia River Gorge. Check it out for recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, and more.
• There are so many more trails to explore in the Columbia River Gorge! For an excellent overview, visit the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge website. Consider making a donation to help preserve and maintain this special landscape.
• Tie in a hike or two with a visit to a local town or museum. For example, Rowena Plateau is a wonderful hike to do together with a visit to The Dalles and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Another fun option is visiting Fort Cascades together with a tour of the Bonneville Dam, followed by a meal in Cascade Locks.

WATERFALL HIKES

• Multnomah to Wahkeena Falls Loop
  This fantastic 5.5-mile loop takes you past 5 waterfalls and other scenic delights, and can be either shortened or extended.
• Wahclella Falls
  Hike through a beautiful gorge to a powerful waterfall. This is a popular trail, so an early or late start is recommended.
• Punchbowl & Dead Point Falls
  While they aren’t the most dramatic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, this lovely short hike is much less crowded than many other trails.
• The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail from Wyeth to Viento
  This paved multi-use trail passes several lovely waterfalls near the Starvation Creek trailhead.
• The Mosier Plateau
  Mosier Falls is located a short walk down the trail from the trailhead. The area above the falls is also a popular swimming hole in summer.

WILDFLOWER HIKES

• The Mosier Plateau
  In April, yellow balsamroot carpets this sunny plateau overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
• Rowena Plateau
  Bright yellow balsamroot also flourishes at this famed viewpoint in early spring.
• Catherine Creek
  Wildflowers, including swaths of blue camas lilies, carpet the grassy slopes here each spring.

SWEEPING VIEWS

• The Mosier Plateau
  You’ll have to work to reach them, but once you climb to the top, the views from the plateau are stunning.
• Rowena Plateau
  Accessible from the famed Rowena Crest viewpoint, the views just get better as you hike out further along the plateau.
• Catherine Creek
  From Catherine Creek on the Washington side of the Gorge, Mount Hood towers above the rolling hills across the Columbia River.
• The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail from Hood River to Mosier
  The stunning topography of the Columbia River Gorge is on full display along this paved, multi-use trail.

HIKING & BIKING

While my reviews focus on biking the following trails, they are open to pedestrians as well. All trails are paved and accessible for many.

• The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail from Wyeth to Viento
  For a beautiful easy walk, you can also access this trail from the Starvation Creek trailhead and visit several lovely waterfalls.
• The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail from Hood River to Mosier
  This trail offers superb views on the eastern side of the Gorge.
• The Dalles Riverfront Trail
  Starting from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, this trail follows the Columbia River east as far as The Dalles Dam.

EASY/ACCESSIBLE HIKES

• All of the trails listed above under “Hiking & Biking” are paved and good options for those with mobility restrictions — or anyone in search of a beautiful walk with outstanding views!
• Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail
  This paved path loops through grassy slopes above the Columbia River east of White Salmon.
• Fort Cascades
  This short hike follows a mostly level dirt trail on the Washington side of the Gorge. Interpretive signs give insight into the area’s history.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

• Punchbowl & Dead Point Falls
  This easy hike along the Hood River Fruit Loop leads to a couple of smaller waterfalls and the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Hood River.
• The Mosier Plateau
  It’s popularity is increasing, but the Mosier Plateau still sees fewer hikers than nearby Rowena Crest. Wildflowers are abundant in early spring, and it also features an impressive waterfall.
• Fort Cascades
  Located near the Bonneville Dam on the Washington side, this short trail sees far fewer visitors than nearby Beacon Rock.