If you’re like me and enjoy spending the weekend out on the trails, especially those magnificent waterfalls, wildflowers, and insane vistas, you absolutely need to visit the Columbia River Gorge. It’s this really awesome location on the Oregon-Washington state line, and it features some of the most gorgeous and best trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re an extreme hiker or simply someone who likes to take things leisurely, there’s sure to be a trail here that’ll catch your eye.
I have hiked all these trails, and to be honest, they are fantastic and provide you with that wonderful feeling of achievement. Grab your camera and boots and join me in taking a look at the top five hikes in the Columbia River Gorge!
1. Wahclella Falls: A Really Cool Location with Great Vibes
Trail Overview
- Distance: 1.9 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~400 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
My Experience
I stumbled upon Wahclella Falls on this last-minute road trip, and it was one of my favorite quick hikes. You hike through this really lush forest to get to the actual highlight of this amazing 350-foot, two-tier waterfall. The lower tier is really Instagram-worthy, with a 60-foot plunge into this sparkling pool of clear water.
I really love how easily accessible Wahclella Falls is. It’s only a 45-minute drive from Portland, making it the perfect daytrip. The trail is impeccably maintained, and the scenery is like out of a fairy tale.
Tips
- Arrive early to secure parking, as the lot fills up quickly.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the trail can be slippery, especially after rain.
- Don’t forget your camera—this place is totally a photographer’s dream.
2. Punch Bowl Falls along the Eagle Creek Trail: Waterfalls and Wildflowers
Trail Overview
- Distance: 4.2-mile round-trip.
- Difficulty: No issue!
- Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
My Experience
If you’re feeling like going on a hike with awesome views and some decent exercise, you need to check out the Eagle Creek Trail to Punch Bowl Falls. The trail meanders along in this dense woods, with these huge basalt cliffs looming overhead. Then, to top it all off, you get to walk by tons of small waterfalls, and they get progressively cooler and cooler!
Hiking to Punch Bowl Falls is like stepping into a dream. The waterfall cascades into this phenomenal turquoise pool with greenery all around, and it’s really relaxed and stunning. No wonder nature enthusiasts and professional photographers are absolutely in love with this place!
Tips
- Be sure to check the trail conditions before you go out since the area was subjected to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire and they’ve re-opened it with some modifications to the trails.
- Pick up a Northwest Forest Pass to park.
- Be careful near the water; the rocks are extremely slippery.
3. Rowena Plateau: Spectacular wildflowers and fantastic vistas
Trail Overview
- Distance: It’s a 2.6-mile loop.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
My Experience
Rowena Plateau is this really cool secret place where you can just relax and take in some incredible views. The trail loops around this grassy plateau and offers you stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. In the spring, the entire area erupts in a riot of wildflowers such as balsamroot and lupine blanketing the ground.
I headed out to Rowena Plateau this bright April morning, and man, those wildflowers were absolutely in full swing, and it was simply enchanting. The trail is really level, so everyone can manage. And it’s much less crowded than those other well-known trails in the Gorge, which keeps the atmosphere pretty relaxed.
Tips
- Visit in late April to early May for the best wildflower displays.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen; the plateau offers little shade.
- Carry plenty of water, especially on warm days.
4. Angel’s Rest: See the Gorge from way above!
Trail Overview
- Distance: Approximately a 4.8
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet.
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
My Experience
Angel’s Rest is genuinely among the coolest hikes in the Gorge. The trail sort of meanders you upward slowly along this grove of Douglas firs and wildflowers, and eventually you come to this rocky outcropping with breathtaking vistas of the Columbia River Gorge. From where you are, you get to see the river winding its way along in the canyon, all set off by the Cascade Mountains in the distance.
The hike is kind of challenging but entirely manageable, with a smooth gradual climb that will get your heart rate pumping. Believe me, the vista from the top is fantastic and is by far among the best in the area.
Tips
- Start early to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Bring layers; temperatures can vary, especially in the morning.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots; the trail can be rocky and uneven.
5. Latourell Falls, The Cascade Classic
Trail Overview
- Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
- Trail Type: Loop
My Experience
Latourell Falls is arguably the most rad waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. Water simply thunders down from this utterly bonkers wild basalt cliff, and it’s really quite awe-inspiring. I recall driving by on this gloomy, foggy morning — you know, the kind where the moss on the rocks is glowing and nearly like out of a fantasy novel.
The loop trail takes you by both the upper and lower falls, and there are loads of places to relax, take it all in, and feel like you stumbled into a fantasy book.
This is such an easy walk and great for leashed dogs, families with kids, or anybody else who wants to get outside and be in nature in a hurry. And the best part is that it’s not nearly as crowded as Multnomah Falls, but it’s just as striking in its own right.
Tips
- Do the full loop for both upper and lower views — it’s worth the extra effort.
- If you are a photographer, morning light is simply straight-up magical.
- Parking is completely free here and much easier to find compared to the other Gorge trailheads.
Pro Tips For Your Trip
Before you venture out into the woods, I just want to share some things I’ve learned from my own adventures to the Gorge (mostly learning the hard way).
1. Check Trail Conditions
Wildfires, landslides, and seasonal closures can ruin trail access in no time. I always check with the U.S. Forest Service or AllTrails before heading out. That 2017 Eagle Creek Fire closed down lots of trails for months — and some are still trying to work out detours.
2. Get the appropriate equipment
You know, even on those “easy” trails, I’ve learned how important good hiking boots are, after slipping on some slick rocks by Punch Bowl Falls. And seriously, bring a rain jacket. Oregon weather can be really weird, and the Gorge has that whole microclimate situation. One minute it’s sunny, then boom—you’re in this insane drizzle wind tunnel.
3. Avoid peak hours
If possible, get out on the trails early in the morning or on weekdays. The Columbia River Gorge gets absolutely crowded, and summers and weekends are the worst. You’ll have such a more relaxed hike, and you don’t have to contend with all those frustrating parking problems and crowded trails.
4. Respect Nature (And Other Hikers)
Don’t mess the area up, okay? Stay on trails. And turn down your music on your phone, okay? It’s really easy stuff, but the Gorge is a really special area that’s been pretty crowded recently. Let’s be considerate and keep it looking amazing for everyone!
Where to Stay
If you’re planning on taking a bigger trip to visit lots of trails, you’re going to need to stay in Cascade Locks or Hood River. I slept in this adorable cabin on the river in Cascade Locks for a few nights and waking up to the Columbia River was pretty amazing. Both of those little towns have great food, coffee, and beer (shoutout to Thunder Island Brewing!).
Portland is extremely convenient—it’s within 30 to 60 minutes of nearly all the trailheads in the Gorge. I mean, what’s better than ending a hard day of hike-ing with a hot bowl of ramen or craft IPA in town?
When is the best time to hike in the Columbia River Gorge?
That depends on what you are looking for.
- Spring (March–May): There are wildflowers everywhere on the trails. I prefer to visit Rowena Plateau or Dog Mountain.
- Summer (June–August): Reliable weather, but the trails are busiest. Get there early and bring water.
- Fall (September–November): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden leaves. Angel’s Rest is particularly magical this time of year.
- Winter (December-February): A few trails are available, but be careful — the ice can be highly hazardous. Winter at the Wahclella Falls is absolutely beautiful to visit, like walking around in your own frozen fairyland.
Final Thoughts: Why you’ll want to keep returning to the Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is not some hike you can simply check off your list — it’s that kind of place that gets under your skin. Every time I return, I discover new things that resonate with me perfectly. Perhaps it’s a new trail, some interesting sparkle on the water, or simply the raw joy of being enveloped in the wild, ageless beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
These five hikes are only the beginning. No matter if you’re in town this weekend or contemplating moving here, the Gorge is going to challenge you, inspire you, and — with any luck — revolutionize the way you live.