Mt. Hood & the Columbia River Gorge

Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge sit within an hour of Portland, with skiing on Oregon's tallest peak, Multnomah Falls, windsurfing at Hood River and the orchards of the Fruit Loop.

This region covers Mount Hood, at 11,249 feet the highest peak in Oregon, and the Columbia River Gorge, a deep canyon that forms the border with Washington. Both are east of Portland and easily reached on a day trip. The Historic Columbia River Highway passes Vista House at Crown Point, Latourell Falls and Multnomah Falls, a two-tier cascade of about 620 feet that is one of the most visited natural sites in the Northwest. Wahkeena, Oneonta and other falls are reached by trails that range from short walks to long climbs. At busy times, parking and access near the falls can be limited, so check current rules before going. Cascade Locks has the Bridge of the Gods and the Pacific Crest Trail crossing. Hood River is a hub for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with breweries, wineries and the Fruit Loop of orchards and farm stands in the valley below Mount Hood. The Dalles, at the drier eastern end of the Gorge, has a Gorge discovery center. On Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge, built in 1937, is a national historic landmark, and ski areas at Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows and Skibowl; Timberline even offers skiing well into summer. Trillium Lake and Lost Lake offer views of the peak. Summer is best for hiking and water sports, winter for snow. Interstate 84 runs through the Gorge, and US-26 and OR-35 form a loop around the mountain.