Winding along the border between Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River Gorge offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. With towering forests, thundering waterfalls, and panoramic vistas, the Gorge is a hiking paradise.
Planning Your Day
Choosing a Trailhead
With dozens of excellent hikes to choose from, select a trailhead like Multnomah Falls, Eagle Creek, Beacon Rock, or Dog Mountain for scenery. Consider distance, difficulty, and sights.
Checking Conditions
The Gorge spans a wide elevation range. Check forecasts at higher vs. lower elevations for temperatures and rainfall. Look for any trail closures or permits needed.
Packing Essentials
Bring layers, water, snacks, a map, a first aid kit, a phone, cash, a permit if needed, and anything else you regularly pack for hiking.
Arriving Early
Get an early start to beat crowds, especially at popular trails like Multnomah Falls. Arrive before 9 a.m. if possible. Parking lots fill up fast later in the day.
Hiking Logistics and Safety Tips
Signing Trail Registers
Sign trailhead registers before hiking so rangers know you are on the trail in case of emergency. Include name, destination, and date.
Staying on Designated Trails
To protect sensitive ecology, stay only on marked, official trails. Don’t create shortcuts between switchbacks or venture off-trail.
Planning for Physical Exertion
Many Gorge hikes involve major elevation gains. Take it slow and steady with frequent breaks to avoid getting overly fatigued. Turn around if it’s too much.
Being Ready for Diverse Weather
Bring sun protection, insulation layers, and wind/rain shells. Weather shifts rapidly in the Gorge. Above the falls can be 10-15°F cooler than below.
Packing Extra Water
Bring more water than you think you’ll need and purify from springs only if necessary. Dehydration comes quickly in the arid eastern parts of the Gorge.
Watching for Poison Oak
Recognize and avoid poison oak along trails, especially in the western Gorge which has extensive amounts. Long pants and hiking poles help prevent contact.
Bringing Cash for Entry Fees
Have small bills ready to pay entry fees at state parks and recreation sites. Multnomah Falls costs $5 per person to enter as of 2023.
Being Careful Near Cliffs and Falls
Use extreme caution when hiking near cliff edges or waterfall viewing platforms. Never climb over protective barriers.
Checking for Trail Updates
Check the US Forest Service website before heading out for any recent trail changes, temporary closures, or other updates that may affect your hike.
Exploring the Beauty and Diversity
Forests and Flora
Experience the transition from the lush western hemlocks and Douglas firs to the drier pine-scrub oak woodlands of the eastern Gorge. Wildflowers like lupine, paintbrush, and mountain bluebells abound in season.
Rivers and Streams
Crisscrossing creeks and rivers provide a constant soundtrack for hikes in the Gorge. The thundering waters of the Columbia itself are always looming nearby.
Waterfalls
Plunging waterfalls like Multnomah, Horsetail, Latourell, and Elowah Falls provide stunning centerpieces for hikes and trail running in the Gorge. Bask in the misty spray.
Diverse Wildlife
Watch for black-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, quail, skunks, coyotes, and other wildlife. Rattlesnakes and black bears also inhabit the Gorge but are rarely seen.
Dramatic Cliffs and Rock Formations
Sheer rocky cliffs, overhangs, and unique rock layers like the sweeping basalt walls of Beacon Rock showcase the geologic forces that shaped this river canyon.
Vista Views
Vistas like Angels Rest, Larch Mountain, and Dog Mountain allow jaw-dropping panoramas up and down the entirety of the Columbia River Gorge along with peaks like Hood, Adams, and St. Helens.
Historic Sites
See traces of ancient native history and early American development like the Oregon Trail remnants and the striking Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925.
Refueling After Your Hike
Hydrating
Drink plenty of water while hiking to replace sweat loss. Add electrolyte tablets or powders in the summer heat. Refill from tested, potable water sources only.
Replenishing Energy
Snack on calorie-dense trail foods like bars, nuts, jerky, and fruit leather to recover spent calories. Chocolate milk is also great post-hike fuel.
Refueling with a Hearty Meal
Recharge after your hike with a big, hot meal. Gorge towns like Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mosier, and The Dalles offer excellent local dining options.
Refreshing Brews and Beverages
Quench your thirst after a summer hike with ice-cold craft beer, cider, iced tea, or lemonade from a Gorge brewery or cafe patio. You’ve earned it!
Winding Down After Your Hike
Stretching Tight Muscles
Perform some gentle stretches immediately after hiking to help reduce next-day soreness and tightness. Focus on major muscle groups like quads, hamstrings, and calves.
Changing out of Sweaty Clothes
Get out of damp hiking clothes after finishing to stay comfortable on the drive home. Having dry shoes and a fresh change of clothes is a relief.
Reviewing Your Route
Look back at the hike route on a map or GPS after finishing while it’s still fresh. Identify mileage, elevation gain, and other stats.
Reflecting on the Day
Take some time after cleaning up and eating to mentally review your favorite sights and moments from the hike. Journaling or sharing photos helps solidify memories.
Planning Your Next Adventure
Scan through Gorge hike guides to start dreaming up the next challenging trail or viewpoint you want to tackle in this hiking gem. It takes a lifetime to see it all.
Finding Lodging and Camping
Gorge Town Vacation Rentals
Book a cottage, cabin, or house in cozy towns like Hood River and The Dalles for super convenient trail access and small-town hospitality.
Camping and RV Parks
Drive-in campsites and RV parks allow you to stay right in the Gorge for early starts on trails. They offer restrooms, showers, and laundry.
Hotels and Motels
Budget-friendly hotels and motels in nearby towns provide quick access to Gorge trails. Look for ones with pools, hot tubs, and continental breakfasts.
Backpacking and Camping
For multi-day trips, camp or backpack along trails. Permits, bear boxes, and other precautions are needed. Basic wilderness sites require packing all gear.
Gorge Vacation Rentals
Rent a riverside cabin along the Gorge for gorgeous scenery right outside your door. Unwind on your deck after hiking.
Conclusion
With towering waterfalls, diverse forests, sweeping vistas, and plenty of hiking challenges, the Columbia River Gorge is a Pacific Northwest hiking paradise. Come prepared for changing weather, have cash for fees, watch for poison oak, stay on trails, and soak in the natural beauty. Fuel up afterward and start planning your next adventure in this amazing trail network!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking the Columbia River Gorge
Where is the Columbia River Gorge located?
The Columbia River Gorge spans approximately 80 miles along the Columbia River east of Portland, Oregon to The Dalles, forming the border between Oregon and Washington.
How was the Columbia River Gorge formed?
The Gorge was carved over millennia by the Columbia River cutting through the Cascade Mountain Range. Repeated glacial flooding helped shape the dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
What are the major attractions in the Columbia River Gorge?
Famous attractions include Multnomah Falls, Vista House, Bonneville Dam, Oneonta Gorge, Horsetail Falls, Beacon Rock, and the hiking trails of Eagle Creek, Angels Rest, and Dog Mountain.
What is the elevation change in the Gorge?
The Gorge spans from near sea level on the West end to over 4,000 feet in elevation on the East end. Many trails have 2,000-3,000 feet of elevation change over a few steep miles.
How strenuous are the hikes in the Gorge?
Hike difficulty varies greatly from flat, paved trails to vertigo-inducing climbs. Prepare for elevation gain even on short hikes. Know your limits and turn around if needed.
What footwear is best for hiking the Gorge?
Bring lightweight hiking boots with good traction and ankle support for uneven terrain. Many wet areas also require waterproof boots. Break them in beforehand.
What clothing and gear should you bring?
Pack layers, wind/rain shells, hat, gloves, sun protection, map, headlamp, first aid kit, trekking poles, 3L of water, cash for fees, and Bear Spray if camping.
How much water should you drink when Gorge hiking?
Bring and drink at least 3L of water per day. Dehydration comes quickly in the arid eastern Gorge. Fill up at potable water sources when possible. Filter if needed.
Do you need permits to hike the Gorge?
A few trails like Eagle Creek require special recreation or transit permits. Most just need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at trailheads. Check regulations.
When are wildflowers blooming in the Gorge?
Peak wildflower season is from March to June. Flowers start blooming at lower elevations and progress up into alpine areas through summer. Early spring is best overall.
What safety hazards exist in the Gorge?
Steep, unguarded cliffs, falling rocks, poison oak, rattlesnakes, rapidly shifting weather, fire danger, mountain lions in remote areas, and close proximity to an international border.
Can you swim in the Columbia River Gorge?
Swimming is only recommended at designated recreation sites. Cold snowmelt, strong currents, submerged hazards, upstream dams, and large ships on the river make swimming extremely dangerous.
Are there restrooms at Gorge trailheads?
Most major trailheads have vault toilets. Some like Multnomah Falls have flush toilets and running water. Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer just in case though.
Where should you stay when visiting the Gorge?
Towns like Hood River, The Dalles, and White Salmon in Washington have plenty of hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Reserve early for summer trips.
Can you backpack and camp in the Gorge?
Yes, backcountry camping is allowed in wilderness areas with a free permit from the US Forest Service or state parks. Bear boxes, Leave No Trace ethics and fire rules apply.
Are dogs allowed on Gorge trails?
Leashed dogs are allowed at most Gorge trailheads, but not on trails in wilderness areas. Check regulations for new pup restrictions in recent years. Watch for porcupines!
Is there good cell service in the Gorge?
Cell coverage is spotty along trails and very limited in the western end. Have an offline map downloaded and notify someone of your plans. An emergency beacon may provide peace of mind.
How far in advance should you book camping?
Reserve at least 2-3 months ahead for peak summer dates. Less ahead for spring and fall. Look into cancellations if booking last minute. Undeveloped sites are first come, first served.
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My name is David James I am an adventurous hiker based in California. Through this weblog, I percentage my passion for exploring nature’s wonders, documenting breathtaking trails and hidden gemstones.