Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area

Explore the Columbia River Gorge, the largest national scenic area in the United States.

The great Missoula Floods formed the Columbia River Gorge into what it is today. It is a stunning 80-mile long landscape full of gorgeous vistas and over 90 waterfalls. This place is only 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and offers outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, discovering waterfalls, and landscape photography. The mighty Columbia River is the windsurfing capital of the world, and Columbia Gorge is home to over 70,000 people. This laid-back town features restaurants, shops, orchards, and wineries.

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area boundaries begin on the eastern edge of Gresham to The Dalles on the Oregon side and from Washougal to Wishram on the Washington side. If you're visiting Portland, Oregon, or Vancouver, Washington, you would be amiss to skip out on the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. Please note that the wettest months are usually from October to April, so hike with extreme caution near the streams and waterfalls or opt to come in the spring and summer months if possible.