Columbia River Gorge Day Trip from Portland: 1 Day Itinerary
If you know me, you know I have a slight obsession with all the waterfalls. It is said that the Columbia River Gorge is home to over 90 waterfalls! Talk about a waterfall lovers paradise! However, we just had one day to explore this gem, so we were able to check off 6 of the most epic ones! Here’s exactly how to spend a Columbia River Gorge day trip…it’s the perfect one-day itinerary from Portland!
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Table of Contents
One Day Columbia River Gorge Quick Itinerary
You could of course spend much longer than one day exploring the Columbia River Gorge, but if you are short on time, here’s a perfect itinearary that you can squeeze into one day! Keep reading for all the details below!
- Stop 1: Latourell Falls
- Stop 2: Bridal Veil Falls
- Stop 3: Multnomah Falls
- Stop 4: Horsetail and Ponytail Falls
- Stop 5: Wahcella Falls
Know Before You Go: Columbia River Gorge FAQs
In order to maximize your time, pre-planning is absolutely necessary! Here are some commonly asked questions and other things to know before you take off on your road trip!
1. What’s the total mileage from Stop 1 to Stop 5?
From Latourell Falls (Stop 1) to Wahclella Falls (Stop 5) is approximately 15 miles one-way along the Historic Columbia River Highway and I-84. Driving time (not including hikes or stops) is about 30–40 minutes total, depending on traffic and parking availability.
2. Can I do this as a day trip from Portland?
Absolutely! All five waterfalls are within a 30–60 minute drive from Portland, making this a very doable and rewarding day trip. Start early to beat the crowds and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy each stop.
3. How many of the waterfalls require a hike?
All five waterfalls are viewable with hikes under 2.5 miles round trip, which makes it pretty easy to complete in one day. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect!
- Latourell Falls: Optional 2.4-mile loop hike (shorter option available to lower falls)
- Bridal Veil Falls: 0.5-mile round-trip hike
- Multnomah Falls: No hike required to view; 0.2-mile paved path to the bridge; 2.4-mile round trip to the top
- Horsetail & Ponytail Falls: 0.4 miles to Ponytail (short but uphill); optional 2.6-mile loop
- Wahclella Falls: 2-mile round-trip hike
4. Should I hike to Tunnel Falls on the same day?
Nope, you won’t have time for that. But, you should definitely spend another day hiking to Tunnel Falls. The trek is WELL WORTH IT.
Tunnel Falls is part of the Eagle Creek Trail and requires a 13+-mile round-trip hike, which can take 5–6 hours on its own. It’s an incredible adventure, but it’s best saved for a separate trip or overnight stay.
The Details! Columbia River Gorge Day Trip
It’s time to dive into all.the.details! This will make planning your Columbia River Gorge Day trip a breeze! It’s one of my favorite road trips to date!
Stop 1: Latourell Falls
- Drive time: Starting Point (~30 minutes from Portland)
Latourell Falls is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Gorge. Although you can see the falls from the parking lot, I highly recommend taking the short loop trail that leads you to both the lower and upper falls which will give you great views of the gorge.
- Trail Length: 2.1-mile loop (shorter out-and-back option available)
- Waterfall Height: 224 feet
- Trailhead Location: Guy W. Talbot State Park
Stop 2: Bridal Veil Falls
- Drive time: 5 minutes (2.2 miles)
Just a short drive down the highway, Bridal Veil Falls offers a quick, shaded forest hike to a delicate two-tiered cascade. The trail is relatively steep but short and easy to follow, with wooden bridges and viewing platforms at the base of the falls.
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip
- Waterfall Height: 118 feet
- Trailhead Location: Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Stop 3: Multnomah Falls
- Drive time: 9 minutes (3.7 miles)
No Gorge trip is complete without a stop at Multnomah Falls. It’s the most famous waterfall in Oregon…and for good reason. You can view it easily from the base or hike to the Benson Bridge just 0.2 miles in. For those with more time and stamina, continue to the top for panoramic views and a heart-pumping climb. We didn’t hike all the way up due to time. But, it would be a great adventure!
- Trail Length: 2.4 miles round trip to the top; short paved walk to the bridge
- Waterfall Height: 620 feet (Oregon’s tallest)
- Trailhead Location: Multnomah Falls Lodge
Stop 4: Horsetail and Ponytail Falls
- Drive time: 7 minutes (5.4 miles)
These two falls were a great surprise! Horsetail Falls is visible from the roadside, but make sure you don’t stop there! A short but steep hike leads to Ponytail Falls, where the trail actually takes you behind the waterfall. The path continues through mossy cliffs and forested terrain if you choose to do the full loop.
- Trail Length: 0.4 miles to Ponytail Falls; 2.6 miles for full loop
- Waterfall Height: Horsetail: 176 feet | Ponytail: ~75 feet
- Trailhead Location: Horsetail Falls Trailhead
Stop 5: Wahcella Falls
- Drive time: 8 minutes (6.5 miles)
End your day with my favorite waterfall of the day. Wahclella Falls features a hike along Tanner Creek through a rocky canyon. The trail crosses bridges, winds past mini-falls and boulder gardens, and ends at a spectacular amphitheater where the powerful falls crash down into a turquoise pool. Pack some snacks and enjoy the view here for a bit!
- Trail Length: 2 miles round trip
- Waterfall Height: 350 feet (split into two dramatic tiers)
- Trailhead Location: Tanner Creek Trailhead
Columbia River Gorge Day Trip Map
There ya have it! Exactly how to spend one day road tripping the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. If you have more time in the area, be sure to check out my 3-day guide to see what else we did. And, here’s a map to show you the exact stops along the way for your Columbia River Gorge Day Trip!
Be the first to comment