How to Plan Your Small Group Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt Hood Day Tour in Portland

Are you planning a trip to Portland and looking for the best outdoors activities to enjoy? Look no further than the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt Hood Day Tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your tour.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step is to book your tour in advance to avoid the hassle of looking for last-minute availability. You can book the Small Group Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt Hood Day Tour from Portland on Viator, a trusted online travel platform. The tour includes an expert local guide, live commentary onboard, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and more. To book the tour, click here.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Tour

Before the tour, make sure to prepare essentials such as comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, a hat, sunscreen, a camera or phone, and extra batteries. As this is a small-group tour, you’ll have a chance to ask your guide questions and engage with your fellow travelers, so bring a positive attitude and an open mind.

Step 3: Join the Tour

On the day of the tour, meet your guide at the designated meeting point at Pioneer Square in front of Starbucks corner of Broadway & Morrison St., a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the tour’s starting time of 8:00 AM. You’ll board the air-conditioned vehicle and head out of Portland toward the Columbia River Gorge, a stunning canyon that runs along the Columbia River for over 80 miles.

Step 4: Explore the Columbia River Gorge

As you enter the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll start to see waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, such as Crown Point and the Vista House, which offer panoramic views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also visit some of the most iconic waterfalls in the area, such as Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Latourell Falls, each with their unique allure and charm.

Step 5: Have Lunch in Hood River

After exploring the Columbia River Gorge and its waterfalls, you’ll head to Hood River, a charming town known for its windsurfing and local cuisine. Here, you’ll have lunch on your own, with plenty of options to choose from, including cafes, restaurants, and food trucks. Take a stroll around town or snap some photos of this picturesque community before heading back to the tour.

Step 6: Ascend Mt Hood and Visit Timberline Lodge

After lunch, you’ll continue your journey towards Mount Hood, the highest mountain in Oregon and a popular outdoor destination year-round. You’ll ascend the mountain and visit Timberline Lodge, a historic hotel and ski resort that’s been a National Historic Landmark since 1977. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the lodge’s architecture and artwork, enjoy the view, and snap some photos.

Step 7: Return to Portland

After visiting Timberline Lodge, you’ll head back to Portland, arriving in the early evening. Your guide will drop you off at the original meeting point, and you’ll have plenty of memories and photos to keep for a lifetime.

Conclusion

The Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls and Mt Hood Day Tour is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Portland. By following these steps, you’ll be able to plan your tour with ease and create unforgettable moments in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance, prepare for your journey, and join your guide on this exciting adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portland

Portland, Oregon is a popular tourist destination known for its vast natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. If you are planning a trip to Portland, you might have some questions about the city. This post aims to provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Portland.

1. Where is Portland located?

Portland is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is the largest city in the state of Oregon and is situated along the Willamette River, about 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

2. What is the weather like in Portland?

The climate in Portland is mild and rainy, with cool winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature in summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters can be rainy with temperatures hovering around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to pack waterproof footwear and an umbrella if you are visiting in the winter months.

3. What are some must-see attractions in Portland?

Portland has a wide variety of attractions, from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Some of the top attractions include:

• Washington Park, which features several popular attractions including the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden
• The Portland Art Museum, which houses over 42,000 works of art
• Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as the “living room” of Portland, is a bustling public square featuring outdoor concerts and events
• The Columbia River Gorge, a scenic area with hiking trails and waterfalls just outside of the city

4. What is the food scene like in Portland?

Portland is known for its diverse and innovative food scene, with over 600 food carts and numerous award-winning restaurants. Some of the must-try local dishes include Voodoo Doughnuts, Portland-style pizza, and Oregon berries.

5. What is the best way to get around Portland?

Portland has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, operated by TriMet. Biking is also a popular transportation option in Portland, with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing programs available throughout the city.

6. When is the best time to visit Portland?

The best time to visit Portland is during the summer months, when the weather is dry and warm, and numerous outdoor festivals and events take place. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices.

7. What are the top neighborhoods to explore in Portland?

Portland has numerous unique neighborhoods, each with their own distinct culture and attractions. Some of the top neighborhoods to explore include:

• Pearl District, known for its upscale boutiques, fine dining, and art galleries
• Alberta Arts District, a hip neighborhood with numerous street murals, art galleries, and live music venues
• Hawthorne District, a bohemian neighborhood with numerous vintage shops, independent bookstores, and eclectic restaurants
• Multnomah Village, a charming neighborhood with numerous antique shops, bookstores, and cafes

8. How can I experience Portland’s natural beauty?

Portland is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including its numerous parks, gardens, and hiking trails. Some of the best ways to experience Portland’s natural beauty include:

• Visiting Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States with over 5,000 acres of hiking trails and wilderness
• Exploring Mt. Tabor Park, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city and numerous hiking and biking trails
• Visiting the Oregon Coast, which is just a short drive from Portland and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean

9. What are some family-friendly activities in Portland?

Portland has numerous family-friendly activities, including:

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, which offers interactive exhibits and a planetarium
• Portland Children’s Museum, which features interactive exhibits and activities for children ages 0-10
• The Oregon Zoo, which is home to over 2,500 animals, including elephants, lions, and bears

10. What are some free things to do in Portland?

Portland has many free activities for those on a budget, including:

• Visiting the Portland Art Museum, which offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month
• Exploring the Waterfront Park, which features stunning views of the Willamette River and numerous walking and biking paths
• Exploring the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which offers free admission on the second Tuesday of every month
• Visiting the Hoyt Arboretum, a beautiful park with over 12 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the city skyline

In conclusion, Portland has much to offer visitors, from its stunning natural beauty to its diverse and innovative food scene. By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide you with the information you need to plan a memorable trip to this vibrant city.