My Favorite Day Hikes In The Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is an amazing place for any hiker! It’s full of dense forests packed with 1000’s of waterfalls and all right along the beautiful Columbia River. There is no question why so many choose to visit here each day. This blog will go through some of my favorite day hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, both on the Oregon and Washington side of the river!

Before we hit the trails I want to express to you the importance of the Leave No Trace Principles. These are seven principles we all need to do to recreate responsibly. It’s incredibly important we all do our part in preserving the outdoors to protect these beautiful areas and for future generations. 

These and many other trails can often be very busy and parking lots can fill up fast on weekends. I always recommend having a backup plan in case of full parking lots rather than overcrowding a trail not meant for that kind of traffic. If you’re able to go early in the morning or on weekdays, do it! I recommend checking out AllTrials and offline maps for great tools to navigate these trails.

Oregon 

Multnomah Falls 

By far one of the most popular destinations in the Gorge. Multnomah falls is a one mile steep hike to the top. You’ll be rewarded with a great view of the gorge from above. If you’re looking to avoid some crowds and to have a waterfall to yourself keep hiking up the trail about half a mile more to Wiesendanger Falls. Down at the base of the waterfall there is a lodge with a restaurant, snackbar in the summer, and gift shop. 

2.4 miles | 810ft Elevation Gain | Out & Back 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 30 Min

Wahclella Falls

Also a common hike, Wahclella falls is an easy 1.9 mile hike to a small pool and falls. The gorge is full of so many waterfalls but this is a must see! This is one of my favorite easy hikes to do if I wanna just go out for a quick little hike. This trail has very little elevation to it so it very family friendly.

1.9 miles | 223ft Elevation Gain | Out & Back 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 40 Min 

Eagle Creek

One of the very first hikes I ever did and return to often. Eagle Creek takes you deep into the valley of the creek. It runs from the gorge, Eagle Creek campground all the way to Wahtum Lake. You will pass by many waterfalls on the hike along with one you can walk behind! This waterfall is about six miles in and is a good turnaround point if you don’t plan to do the whole hike. This is a popular trail for day hikers and backpackers. I recommend visiting in the spring when the waterfalls are at their peak. Day pass is required for a small fee or you can also use an annual pass. 

25.8 miles | 4,927ft Elevation Gain | Out & Back 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 45 Min 

Washington 

Cape Horn 

This hike is full of some many views of the gorge; the loop is a seven and a half mile hike. This is just a great day hike for the average person. If you are looking for something more away from people though this is not that hike. Part of this hike is close enough to the highway for you to hear it. The Cape Horn loop will make you feel like you’re hiking on another planet at times especially through the moss covered boulder field. This trail also closes for habitat protection typically in the spring-early summer. Check the local website for current trail conditions. 

7.5 miles | 1,587ft Elevation Gain | Loop 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 35 Min

Hamilton Mountain 

If you’re looking for a view of the Gorge then this is the hike for you! I love the view that this hike offers but it doesn’t come without some work. This trail can be steep in some spots but is rewarding reaching the top. This trail also takes you past a few waterfalls towards the beginning of the hike if you’re looking for a shorter and easy hike, these are a great option then.

6.4 miles | 2,060ft Elevation Gain | Out & Back 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 49 Min

Dog Mountain 

This difficult hike is one of the best hikes in the gorge! You’re met with similar views to Hamilton Mountain. This hike is great to do in the spring when the wild flowers are blooming. This hike is doable for all ages but there are certainly some steep areas. Dog Mountain is probably the most popular hike on the Washington side so plan to hit the trail early in the morning or on a weekday. 

6.3 miles | 2,837ft Elevation Gain | Out & Back 

Drive time to trailhead from Portland: 1 Hour