Top 7 Adventures on the Columbia River

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The Columbia River, between Oregon and Washington, has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. It’s not just hiking, it’s a mixture of adventures to suit all needs. With major tributaries, such as the Palouse, and off-shooting rivers such as the Snake, the options are endless.

These are my 7 top picks for adventures along the Columbia River.

Hiking

There is an unlimited amount of hiking options along the river. If you are chasing waterfalls (yes that was a TLC reference) there is no shortage along the Columbia River.

Pacific Crest Trail

Stretching from Mexico to just over the Canadian border, this famous thru-hike passes through both Oregon and Washington.

There are many different sections you can hike in either state, but if you are looking to stay close to the Columbia River head to Cascade Locks. This is one of the most famous sections of the trail, especially if you are a fan of Wild.

Cross the sketchy Bridge of the Gods and follow the trail, disappearing into the woods. Make sure to take an offshoot of the trail to see one of the hundreds of stunning waterfalls in the area.

For more information on following Cheryl Strayed’s Wild check out my experience following the Wild Trail.

Rowena Crest Trail

For views of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, take the 3-mile Rowena Crest Trail. With approximately 1,000 feet in elevation gain you are rewarded with 180-degree views of the plateau grassland landscape and the mountain peaks in the distance.

The start of the trail takes you through stands of stunted oak trees that look like they would turn to dust if you so much as brush up against them.

On the plateau, at the right time of year, you can see multiple species of birds and mammals hunting for their next meal in the tall straw-colored grasses.

Multnomah falls

By far one of the most popular stops along the Columbia River is Multnomah Falls. This 611-ft waterfall right off the highway gives viewing options to all.

You can experience the falls from a lower viewing deck or hike up to a bridge spanning from one side of the falls to the other. The view of the falls from the lower deck that shows off the bridge is the iconic photo you see when you google this location.

But if you keep going past the bridge, schlepping up the side of a cliff and take a few switchbacks you are rewarded with a view from the top. This trail also continues on for several miles, so if you are looking for something a little more technical than just a waterfall view, keep going.

Palouse Falls State Park

On the Washington side of the Columbia River is Palouse Falls State Park. A small park with an expansive parking area gives the perfect views of Palouse Falls. This 200-ft waterfall pushes water through, dumping it out into the Snake River.

Created more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse Falls are considered one of the last active waterfalls from the Ice Age flood paths.

You can view the falls and the gorge it cuts through from a grassy plateau that skirts the edge of the rocky cliff, or you can sweep down a steep trail of loose rocks to enter into the heart of the gorge. The views in the gorge show off the impact of the long-ago ice flows as you can image them cutting their way through the terrain.

This trail also gives you the opportunity to walk right up to the upper portion of the falls and watch the water fall away into the churning bowl below.

Bike and Wine Tour

If hiking isn’t really your thing but you want to combine exercise and wine a bike and wine tour near the town of Hood River is the way to go.

MountNBarrel Winery

Started by two women who loved to go on bike and wine tours around the world, grab a bike and peddle towards oblivion. Others before me have said that the guides are a ton of fun and it’s a really great way to see that area and try some of the best wines of the region.

Take their “Original Tour” and visit 3 wineries and 1 U-Pick ($169). If you are not up to biking this option also has a shuttle available making all the same stops along the way.

Kayaking

Grab a kayak and head up the Palouse River, a windy, shallow tributary off the Snake River. This peaceful river makes you feel like you are really alone in the wild.

Cliffs with abandoned swallows’ nests rise up around you. If you kayak the river at the right time of the year you will bear witness to the swallows nesting in the crevices along these cliffs but late fall all those nests become abandoned. Becoming a veritable ghost town.

We kayaked up this lazy river watching for signs of deer and waterfowl. Stopping at a small grassy island we slowly paddled around not saying a word, just feeling the enormity of the area.

There is nothing like the absolute silence of nature and being surrounded by sweeping cliffs to humble you and make you feel like you are but a small part of something much grander.

Bike through the Mosier Twin Tunnels

Just outside of Hood River are the Twin Tunnels. Rent a bike and take an easy ride along a paved bike trail, the original Columbia River Highway. You can tell when you are on the original highway as it is decorated with various rock walls and white picket fences as guardrails.

Designed in 1921, the Twin Tunnels were created to cut the way through a high rock section. There were many accidents at the time due to rocks falling, so the tunnels were created to mitigate this risk.

After the new highway was built down at river level portions of this highway became a pedestrian only trail.

In the fall you can bike along this path enjoying the incredible shock of color during the peak foliage season.

White water rafting

Looking for something a little more adrenaline pumping? Or like me, looking to try something wild and new? Head to the Deschutes River for a day of white-water rafting.

Check out companies like River Drifters, who supply all the gear and take you on class 2 and 3 rapids. The perfect exposure on your first white-water rafting trip.

Jetboat Hells Canyon

One of the highlights of the area is a Jetboat tour of Hells Canyon, up the Snake River, the largest River Gorge in North America.

Enclosed in a jetboat you race up the river in search of wildlife and ancient rock formations. The river itself is a fisherman and a white-water rafters dream.

The silty water also creates beautiful white-sand beaches that you can stop and enjoy a lunch while watching the river go by.

Stand at the pinnacle of three states and view deer, turkeys, otters and big horned sheep, while enjoying your lunch from the patio at Garden Creek Ranch and pick some apples for dessert.

For a more in-depth description check out Hells Canyon – The deepest river gorge in North America.

Go on a River Cruise

Finally, the best way to really experience the Columbia River is by river cruise. Few ships do this tour and UnCruise arguably does it the best.

You can watch the scenery go by and witness the multitude of locks from the top deck hottub and head out on various adventure trips off ship.

Docking in some of the most scenic areas, you spend more time seeing a smaller section of river than you would on other traditional cruises.

I felt like I was able to really experience what the Columbia River had to offer through this cruise because we concentrated on various adventure activities that gave a multitude of ways to experience the local area.

See UnCruise – A Review for more details.