from 139 $
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The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown, 506 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR 97204
Duration

8 hours (approx.)

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

14 people

Languages

English

Overview

Spend a day exploring the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood with this group tour from Portland, led by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guide. You'll see waterfalls, visit farm stands, see beautiful swathes of forest, and have time left over to visit Mount Hood, while leaving the driving to someone else.

  • Small-group tour for personal attention from your guide
  • Travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle
  • A professional guide will lead the way
  • Bottled water will be provided

What To Expect

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Mount Hood



Mt. Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano, the highest peak in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. Not only is it known for its beauty, visible on the skyline of much of northern Oregon and southern Washington, but it is also the most climbed stratovolcano in the Cascades, easily accessible from Timberline Lodge, which is the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year. You will spend 1-2 hours at Timberline Lodge, on the mountain, just below the Palmer Glacier.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Timberline Lodge



This Works Progress Administration project was dedicated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937. It is one of the most unique, and expansive buildings in the State of Oregon, sitting on Mt. Hood above timberline, for utterly sublime views. You can divide your time among interpretive displays, food & drink venues, hiking in summer and snowplay in winter, as you like. The lodge is a National Historic Landmark, and the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Draper Girls Country Farm



Depending on the season, we’ll stop at this charming orchard store, where you can buy fresh fruit & preserves, pet the cats and goats, and get a spectacular shot of Mt. Hood, weather permitting.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Apple Valley Country Store



Depending on the season, we’ll stop at this homey country store, who not only sell fruit and preserves, but also homemade pies and huckleberry milkshakes!

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Port of Hood River



Dubbed the “windsurfing capital” of the world, Hood River also has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US, and a plethora of tasting rooms, galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. This is where you’ll spend your lunch hour.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area



The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, the Columbia River, a plethora of birds, and a plant community that changes dramatically between the west and east ends.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Rowena Crest Viewpoint



The quintessential photo opportunity for the eastern Gorge.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Columbia River Highway



This 74-mile (123-km) long historic highway was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps. These days one can no longer drive the entire highway, but we will drive portions of this picturesque, engineering marvel in both the eastern and western gorge, past basalt terraces and waterfalls.

• Admission Ticket Free

Bridge of the Gods



Columbia River crossing for the Pacific Crest Trail, and lowest point on that trail. Named for a Native American legend that explains the local geology.

• Admission Ticket Free

Bonneville Lock & Dam



Another National Historic Landmark, Bonneville Dam was the first Public Works Administration dam on the Columbia River, completed in 1938.

• Admission Ticket Free

Bonneville Hatchery



Largest hatchery in the state of Oregon.

• Admission Ticket Free

Elowah Falls



A hidden beauty…watch quickly, or you might miss it!

• Admission Ticket Free

Beacon Rock



The fifth largest free-standing monolith in the world. It is an 848-ft (258-m) volcanic plug, composed of columnar basalt, so similar in size and composition to Devil’s Tower, Wyoming.

• Admission Ticket Free

Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge



Don’t miss this quirky waterfall as we pass by!

• Admission Ticket Free

Multnomah Falls



The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wahkeena Falls



Another cute waterfall to watch for closely!

• Admission Ticket Free

Crown Point State Park



Once known as Thor’s Hammer, this geological feature towers above, with a crown-shaped building sitting atop, and a waterfall coming down the side.

• Admission Ticket Free

Rooster Rock State Park



As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America’s oldest continuously running nudist beach!

• Admission Ticket Free

Sandy River



We’ll cross the Sandy River between the Columbia Gorge and Willamette Valley. The Sandy’s headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who’s dams have been removed since 2007.

• Admission Ticket Free

Highlights

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infant seats available
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Included/Excluded

  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Parking Fees
  • PA system so the back row can hear the guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (always appreciated)

Durations

8 hours (approx.)

Tour's Location

The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown, 506 SW Washington Street, Portland, OR 97204
from 139 $

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