Things to do and see in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon

I'm back home in Phoenix after a very cool trip to the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is that place where the Columbia River winds it's way through immense cliffs rivaling only, perhaps, the magesty of the Grand Canyon.

It's a cool and green place with wildflowers, tall Douglas Fir trees, ferns and amazing waterfalls. Here are some great things to consider for your getaway to the Columbia Gorge:

Cruise on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler: Cascade Locks Marine Park is home port for the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge. Experience history, legend and riverboat hospitality. The triple-decker paddle wheeler presents 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas. You will enjoy narrated sightseeing excursions, weekend champagne brunch cruises, dinner cruises and a variety of special event and holiday cruises. More...

Drive the Historic Highway: Travel to magnificent overlooks that provide views of the Columbia River and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. You'll enjoy bridges and stonework completed as public works in the 1930's. You can catch the highway off I-84. It's a drive back in time. More on the Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway.

Enjoy Beautiful Multnomah Falls: Multnomah Falls is the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain.  There is a restaurant and visitors center.  You can climb easy paths to bridges overlooking the lower part of the falls.Not to be missed! More... 

Visit Bonneville Dam, the Fish Hatchery and the Giant Sturgeons:  You can watch the barges and boats go through the locks at Bonneville Dam, tour the fish hatchery and marvel at Herman the Sturgeon who is located in the Sturgeon Viewing Center and is approximately 10’ long, 425 pounds and over 60 years old. More on Bonneville Dam and the Fish Hatchery.  Article on Visitin the Dam and Hatchery.

Hike and Marvel at the Beautiful Waterfalls: Hike through the woods, along creeks and to several falls. Here's a list of fairly easy hikes in the Columbia Gorge.

Learn How to Windsurf or Kiteboard: Hood River is windy and is an ideal place for those colorful windsurfers and kiteboards. Here is where you can take lessons.

Dine on Local Specialties: You can enjoy local salmon, locally grown produce, local wines and micro-brews. Here are some suggested restaurants, both in Stevenson, across the Gorge (The Bridge of the Gods is a great crossing point: Skamania Lodge and The Big River Grill.

I have stayed at the Best Western at Cascade Locks. I recommend this motel as it is right on the river (ask for a River View room  if you don't mind the trains that pass in the night).

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Columbia River Gorge. There is much more to see and do than I have listed.

More Columbia River Gorge Ideas
Map of the Columbia River Gorge

 Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose