Cruising the Columbia River
The Columbia River, located between Oregon and Washington, presents a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering a blend of adventures beyond mere hiking, the region features numerous major tributaries, including the Palouse, as well as offshoot rivers such as the Snake, making for endless exploration options.
Adventures Along the Columbia River
Here are my seven top picks for adventures along the Columbia River.
Hiking
An abundance of hiking options can be found alongside the river. For those seeking waterfalls, the Columbia River offers a plethora of beautiful choices.
Pacific Crest Trail
This renowned trail spans from Mexico to the Canadian border, traversing both Oregon and Washington. Many sections are accessible, but for proximity to the Columbia River, Cascade Locks is a particularly notable area—especially for fans of the book Wild.
Cross the sketchy Bridge of the Gods and follow the trail, disappearing into the woods. Make sure to take an offshoot of the trail to see one of the hundreds of stunning waterfalls in the area.
Rowena Crest Trail
This 3-mile trail offers spectacular views of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet, hikers are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the plateau’s grasslands and distant peaks.
The start of the trail takes you through stands of stunted oak trees that look like they would turn to dust if you so much as brush up against them.
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is perhaps the most popular destination along the Columbia River, featuring a stunning 611-ft waterfall easily accessible from the highway. Visitors can admire the falls from lower viewing decks or trek up to a bridge that provides an impressive vista.
Hiking Multnomah Falls
Continuing beyond the bridge and ascending the cliffs rewards climbers with an extraordinary view from above, perfect for those seeking a more challenging adventure.
Palouse Falls State Park
Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, Palouse Falls State Park offers expansive views of the breathtaking 200-ft Palouse Falls as the water cascades into the Snake River.
Created more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse Falls are considered one of the last active waterfalls from the Ice Age flood paths.
From a grassy plateau, visitors can observe the falls and the canyon they carve through. A steep trail allows access to the top of the falls, where the water plunges dramatically into the basin below.
Bike and Wine Tour
For those who prefer cycling over hiking, a bike and wine tour around Hood River offers an exhilarating amalgamation of exercise and wine tasting.
MountNBarrel Winery
With origins from two women passionate about wine and cycling, this winery invites visitors to pedal through beautiful countryside while sampling the region’s finest wines.
Photo Credit: UnCruise
Opt for the “Original Tour” to visit three wineries and a U-Pick farm. There are shuttle options for those who may prefer not to cycle but still want to enjoy the same stops along the route.
Kayaking
Embark on a kayaking trip along the winding and tranquil Palouse River, a notable tributary of the Snake River.
As you paddle through, picturesque cliffs rise around you, adorned with abandoned swallows’ nests. Depending on the season, witnessing these birds nesting can be a breathtaking experience.
We kayaked up this lazy river watching for signs of deer and waterfowl. Stopping at a small grassy island we slowly paddled around not saying a word, just feeling the enormity of the area.
The sheer tranquility of nature, accompanied by towering cliffs, fosters a deep sense of humility and connection to the vast wilderness surrounding you.
Bike through the Mosier Twin Tunnels
Located just outside Hood River, the Twin Tunnels present an opportunity for an enjoyable ride on a paved trail, which is part of the original Columbia River Highway.
Photo Credit: UnCruise
Constructed in 1921 to navigate a perilous rocky area, the Twin Tunnels were designed to reduce accidents caused by falling rocks. Portions of the original highway now serve as a dedicated pedestrian trail.
In autumn, cyclists can relish the vibrant colors amid a stunning backdrop of foliage.
White Water Rafting
For thrill-seekers desiring an adrenaline rush, consider a white-water rafting excursion on the Deschutes River.
Photo Credit: UnCruise
Join a company like River Drifters, which provides all necessary gear and guides for navigating class 2 and 3 rapids—ideal for first-time adventurers.
Jetboat Hells Canyon
A highlight of the region is the Jetboat tour through Hells Canyon, the largest river gorge in North America.
Within the comfort of a jetboat, riders race up the picturesque Snake River, on the lookout for diverse wildlife and intriguing geological formations. This river is equally coveted by both fishermen and white-water rafting enthusiasts.
The silty water also creates beautiful white-sand beaches that you can stop and enjoy a lunch while watching the river go by.
While enjoying your lunch at Garden Creek Ranch, take in views of wildlife such as deer, turkeys, otters, and bighorn sheep, or pick some apples for dessert.
Go on a River Cruise
Ultimately, to fully appreciate the Columbia River, consider a river cruise. Few operators offer this experience, but UnCruise is widely regarded as a premier choice.
Onboard, you can relax on the top deck as you marvel at the scenery and pass through various locks, while also participating in exciting excursions available off the ship.
Docking in some of the most scenic areas, you spend more time seeing a smaller section of river than you would on other traditional cruises.
This cruise allows visitors to delve deeply into the offerings of the Columbia River, with a variety of adventure activities available that truly highlight the local landscape.
