The Columbia River Gorge – or simply the Gorge – is one of nature’s masterpieces, carved by cataclysmic flooding thousands of years ago. Today, the mighty Columbia River winds between sheer basalt cliffs draped in evergreens and ferns, with waterfall after waterfall tumbling from the ridges above. It’s a lush, dramatic landscape designed for adventure and awe.
But the Gorge isn’t just about wild beauty. This corner of the Pacific Northwest also hums with culture: family-owned wineries and cideries, cozy coffee shops (and roasteries), farm stands bursting with seasonal produce, and riverfront towns full of galleries and boutiques. It’s a place where the outdoors meets the comforts of good food, drink, and local hospitality.
If you’re wondering, “How many days should I spend in the Columbia River Gorge?” three days is just enough to fall under its spell, but not nearly enough to see it all. That’s the magic of this place: it invites you to return, season after season, to discover something new. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in the Columbia River Gorge.
Day One: Waterfalls and the Historic Columbia River Highway
Morning: Multnomah Falls and Nearby Cascades
Head directly to Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon and perhaps the most iconic in the Pacific Northwest. A paved trail leads to Benson Bridge, the storybook arch that spans the lower falls. Snap photos, feel the mist cool your skin, and maybe grab a bite from the Multnomah Falls Lodge (reservations encouraged) before heading out.
Within a few minutes’ drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway lie several more cascades worth exploring. Latourell Falls is a dramatic single plunge framed by basalt columns. Bridal Veil Falls is nestled in a mossy canyon and accessible via a short hike. For something more whimsical, take the spur to Fairy Falls, a delicate fan-shaped fall that lives up to its name.
Afternoon: Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway
Continue driving along the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. Opened in 1916 as the first scenic highway in the United States, this 70-mile route is now a National Historic Landmark. Expect stone guardrails, arched bridges, and breathtaking overlooks.
Set aside three to five hours for the drive, though you could easily spend the day pulling off at trailheads and viewpoints. Be sure to stop at the Crown Point Vista House, which opened in 1918 as a rest stop and observatory, with panoramic views of the Gorge. Water shimmering in the valley below and cliffs rising on either side provide a stunning backdrop. There’s also a small museum, gift store, coffee stand, and parking area, making it a scenic stop for refreshment.
Evening: Stargazing and Campfire S’mores
As the sun sets, settle in for a night beneath the stars. Enjoy the simple pleasure of roasting gooey s’mores over the campfire, then look up in wonder at the cosmos before retreating to your luxury glamping tent to dream of the adventures ahead.
Day Two: Yoga, Hood River, and the Fruit Loop
Morning: Guided Yoga and Breakfast
Begin your day with a guided morning yoga session in the fresh mountain air, followed by a delicious breakfast paired with a refreshing fruit smoothie or a hot cup of coffee. Today’s destination is Hood River, the outdoor recreation capital of the Gorge, for a day on the water.
If the weather’s warm and breezy, try a kiteboarding lesson from one of the many board shops – it’s one of the best spots in the world for the sport. For a slower pace, you can book a group paddleboarding or kayak adventure to glide across the river.
Take a stroll along the riverfront park, through the charming downtown, and quench your thirst at Full Sail Brewing Co., located right on the river, for a crisp IPA or lager.
Afternoon: The Hood River Fruit Loop
Next up: the Fruit Loop. This 35-mile scenic drive circles orchards, fields, farm stands, and wineries, all with views of Mount Hood. Depending on the season, you might pick cherries, peaches, or apples straight from the tree. Eat your way along the loop and shop for small-batch jams and pastries. During lavender season in the summer, don’t miss soaking in the scents at Hood River Lavender Farms, where you can also pick up a few keepsakes and gifts to take home with you.
Stop at a vineyard to pick up a bottle or two of local wine. Thanks to its diverse climates, the Gorge produces a range of both red and white varieties. Cool-climate favorites such as pinot noir, pinot gris, riesling, zinfandel, and syrah are among them. Hood River Vineyards and Winery has been crafting reds and ports for more than 30 years, while Cathedral Ridge Winery is celebrated for its award-winning pinot noir and other varietals.
Evening: Al Fresco Dining at Sunset
As the Fruit Loop brings you back to Hood River, grab dinner in town or head back to camp. At Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, evenings are for gathering around, sipping local wine or cider, and watching the sun set behind Mount Hood. There’s no better way to end a day than with firelight, mountain views, and good food.
Day Three: White Salmon and More Waterfalls
Morning: Downtown White Salmon, WA
Savor breakfast at camp or head to charming downtown White Salmon for your morning bite. Stop by White Salmon Baking Co. (open at 8 a.m.; closed Tuesdays), where flaky, buttery croissants and seasonal fruit tarts fly off the shelves. Grab a pastry and a latte to-go, or linger a while in the cafe atmosphere.
Afternoon: Washington-Side Waterfalls
Explore a few more waterfalls on the Washington side of the Gorge, where fewer crowds often mean you’ll have a trail nearly to yourself. Visit the photogenic Little White Salmon Falls, tucked beside a fish hatchery, Falls Creek Falls, a dramatic triple-tiered cascade in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, or Dog Creek Falls, an easy-to-reach classic right off the highway.
If you’d rather see more on the Oregon side, simply cross the bridge to Hood River and pick up where you left off. Squeeze in a hike to Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail Falls), where the trail actually passes behind the water for a truly unique and magical view.
Evening: A Toast to the PNW
Cap off your trip with dinner, craft cocktails, and live acoustic music beneath the stars as you reflect on your adventure-filled getaway. Savor locally inspired dishes like wild king salmon or red wine miso-marinated steak with seasonal sides, and fireside s’mores for dessert, then retreat to your safari-inspired tent one last time for a restful night’s sleep and sweet dreams.
Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge
Set on 120 acres in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley, surrounded by forested hillsides and the Cascade Mountains, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers spectacular views in every direction, including nearby Mount Hood. Featuring upscale glamping accommodations, a main lobby tent with local artwork and West Elm furnishings, a cafe-style dining area, and outdoor lounge spaces, this camp offers an elevated outdoor experience in one of the country’s most beautiful regions. Just 45 minutes from Mount Hood and an hour from Portland, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is your perfect base for three days of waterfall-chasing, wine-tasting, and making memories outside together.