Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour

On the eastern edge of the Portland Metro Area is the western edge of the beautiful 85-mile long Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Your guide will drive you along segments of this stunning 74-mile (119 -km) highway that was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps.

We'll parallel the Sandy River while driving the western segment of the Columbia River Highway. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.

Here's your chance to capture the quintessential Gorge shot.

This 100-year-old 'fanciest rest stop in the world' sits atop a basalt point above the Columbia River, with a 360-degree balcony. The sandstone, limestone, and marble building includes historical interpretation and fancy restrooms.

A short walk from the vehicle reveals a 249-foot hanging waterfall adorned with fluorescent lichen and columnar basalt.

This delightful little cove provides for a hidden surprise and some remarkable pictures.

An old logging ghost town dating to the 1880s, harboring a waterfall, an operating post office, and a circa-1920s B & B.

A short switch-back trail through Hemlock and Doug-fir leads to a bridge at the base of the falls.

The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

A slot canyon created by a fault, with plants growing on the walls found nowhere else.

Get some quirky photos at this quirky waterfall!

View the fifth-largest free-standing monolith in the world, from a distance.

As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!