It took considerable time outside of Oregon to recognize the splendor of residing here. As a native and predominantly reared Portland resident, I have spent significant portions of my life within a mere thirty-minute drive from the Columbia River Gorge, an enchanting realm adorned with ancient conifers, tumbling waterfalls, lush wilderness trails, and vistas so picturesque they may prompt one to question reality.
Adjacent to the Gorge lies Mount Hood, with its inexhaustibly snow-capped summit – visible from Portland – serving as a geological testament to the proximity of nature. Indeed, all of this is sufficiently close to Portland, rendering it a suitable locale for an easy weekend excursion rife with outdoor exploration, sightseeing, and potentially a touch of wine tasting. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to embark upon this journey.
Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are among the premier regions to visit next year. Consult our complete list of Best in Travel 2025 honorees.
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Best time to visit: Arrive on a Thursday evening or Friday morning to evade weekend crowds.
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Transportation from the airport: The most practical choice is to rent a vehicle at the Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive independently. Alternatively, you can utilize the Red Line of the MAX Light Rail to reach the Gateway Transit Center in northeastern Portland and transfer to the Columbia Gorge Express bus, which travels directly to Hood River.
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Local navigation: It is advisable to drive yourself around this area since it is expansive and filled with opportunities for exploration. Alternatively, the Gorge Mountain Express provides transport from Hood River – the largest municipality in the Columbia Gorge – to Mount Hood in roughly one hour.
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Accommodations: The Timberline Lodge is the ideal establishment for an authentic Mount Hood experience (it may be familiar to you as the Overlook Lodge from the 1980 horror film, The Shining). For an upscale woodland retreat in the Gorge, consider booking a family-sized treehouse at Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the Columbia River. In Hood River, the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa offers traditional, reasonably-priced accommodations, some featuring views of the Columbia River.
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Packing essentials: Bring attire suitable for damp and muddy conditions, including a water-resistant jacket, sturdy hiking footwear, and comfortable layers to keep warm during cold and wet days. It is unnecessary to include a second set of formal clothing for wine tasting if preferred, as casual attire is predominant in Oregon.
Friday
Morning: Commence with a prompt breakfast in Portland and proceed eastward along I-85, which runs parallel to the Columbia River, to the Vista House at Crown Point, a stunning art-nouveau visitors center offering exceptional views. Subsequently, drive for 15 minutes to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s highest waterfall, specifically visible from the roadway. Consider visiting the Multnomah Falls Lodge for a sandwich or a bowl of hearty soup.
Daily activities: After your meal, continue traveling along I-84 for approximately nine miles to the Wahclella Falls Trail to enjoy an afternoon hike. This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail will lead you into the Mark O. Hatfield wilderness, traversing streams and wooded paths until you reach Wahclella Falls, a dual-tiered horsetail waterfall cascading into a pool below. After your hike, drive to Hood River for overnight accommodations.
Dinner: After checking into your hotel and refreshing, consider dining at the downtown tasting room of pFriem Family Brewers. While famed for its extensive array of brews, the culinary offerings are equally delightful – expect a bustling atmosphere (and request seating upstairs for a more tranquil experience). Local highlights include Pacific Northwest albacore and vegan mac and cheese adorned with breadcrumbs and pickled peppers.
Evening activities: Post-dinner, proceed to The Ruins, a hybrid indoor-outdoor event venue situated in remnants of a historical fruit cannery. This location frequently hosts live music on Friday nights, although it also serves as a wedding venue. To prevent intruding on a private event, consider checking the calendar prior to visiting.
Saturday
Morning: Upon checking out of your hotel, head to Broder Øst for a Scandinavian-inspired breakfast featuring lefse (potato crepes filled with chevre) or pancakes accompanied by lingonberry jam. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive along the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile route that showcases lavender fields, fruit stands, and historical orchards, some of which date back to the 19th century. U-Pick opportunities are present between June and October – consider visiting in late summer or early fall to gather the renowned apples and pears of the Hood River Valley.
Daily activities: In the afternoon, make your way south toward Mount Hood, stopping at several local wineries along the route. Indulge in a five-course lunch at Hiyu Wine Farm (reservations required), where delightful wines are paired with homemade dishes crafted from ingredients sourced in proximity to your dining experience. Following lunch, consider an additional stop at Wy’east Vineyards’ indoor-outdoor tasting room to sample estate Pinot and Chardonnay before continuing to Mount Hood.
Dinner: Even if you are not lodging at Timberline Lodge for the night, having dinner in the cozy Cascade Dining Room is worthwhile, as it features a traditional menu comprising steaks, salads, pasta dishes, and warming soups. Conclude your meal with a nightcap cocktail or a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and toffee bits at the Ram’s Head Bar before retiring for the evening.
Sunday
Morning: Energize on your final morning with a substantial breakfast at Baseline Biscuits, which combines Southern breakfast staples such as cheesy grits and, naturally, biscuits with distinctive Northwest ingredients like marionberry jam and hazelnuts (commonly referred to as filberts by Oregonians).
Daily activities: Dedicate the remainder of the day to outdoor activities. If visiting between late fall and early spring, you may enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or tubing. If arriving in the summer, engage in hiking, relaxing in the shallow, family-friendly waters of Frog Lake, or racing down the mountain on the Alpine Slide. It is important to recognize that this region of Oregon demonstrates striking contrasts depending on the season of your visit; therefore, plan to return during the opposite season to fully appreciate the Mount Hood experience.
