The Columbia River Gorge, straddling the border of Oregon and Washington, offers one of the most visually dramatic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. With its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, moss-covered forests, and panoramic vistas, it’s no wonder the area is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For those considering a move to the region or simply seeking to experience its natural splendor, few activities offer more immersive beauty than exploring the best Columbia River Gorge hikes.
From quick, family-friendly walks to rigorous summit climbs, the Columbia River Gorge presents an impressive range of trail experiences. For homeowners in nearby areas like Hood River, White Salmon, or even Portland, the Gorge is not just a destination—it’s an extension of the lifestyle. Whether introducing visitors to the area or simply enjoying a weekend out, these hikes showcase the Gorge’s unique geography and enduring appeal.
Angel's Rest
Among the most well-known Columbia River Gorge hikes, Angel’s Rest offers a relatively moderate 4.8-mile round-trip journey that rewards hikers with expansive views of the river, cliffs, and valley below. The trail begins near Bridal Veil and winds through shaded forest before opening to rocky switchbacks that lead to a wide, panoramic viewpoint.
The top of Angel’s Rest is an open bluff, with views extending both east and west along the Gorge. On a clear day, hikers can see as far as Portland in one direction and Beacon Rock in the other. Because of its accessibility and high visual payoff, this hike is especially popular in spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage adds extra color.
For prospective homeowners considering the lifestyle benefits of living near the Gorge, the convenience and beauty of Angel’s Rest underscore why this region is so cherished.
The top of Angel’s Rest is an open bluff, with views extending both east and west along the Gorge. On a clear day, hikers can see as far as Portland in one direction and Beacon Rock in the other. Because of its accessibility and high visual payoff, this hike is especially popular in spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage adds extra color.
For prospective homeowners considering the lifestyle benefits of living near the Gorge, the convenience and beauty of Angel’s Rest underscore why this region is so cherished.
Dog Mountain
Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, Dog Mountain is a challenging hike that’s best known for its spring wildflower displays and commanding views. At just over 6.5 miles round-trip with more than 2,800 feet of elevation gain, this trail is a favorite among experienced hikers.
In May and June, the meadows near the summit burst into bloom with balsamroot, lupine, and paintbrush, creating a sea of color framed by distant peaks and the river below. Because of its popularity during this window, permits are often required on weekends and holidays.
Despite the rigorous climb, the reward is unmistakable: an unobstructed, aerial perspective of the Columbia River snaking through the cliffs, with Mount Hood visible in the distance. Dog Mountain is widely considered one of the definitive Columbia River Gorge hikes for those seeking high-impact scenery and a physical challenge.
In May and June, the meadows near the summit burst into bloom with balsamroot, lupine, and paintbrush, creating a sea of color framed by distant peaks and the river below. Because of its popularity during this window, permits are often required on weekends and holidays.
Despite the rigorous climb, the reward is unmistakable: an unobstructed, aerial perspective of the Columbia River snaking through the cliffs, with Mount Hood visible in the distance. Dog Mountain is widely considered one of the definitive Columbia River Gorge hikes for those seeking high-impact scenery and a physical challenge.
Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls Loop
This loop combines two of the Gorge’s most iconic waterfalls into one accessible and visually rich hike. Starting from the Multnomah Falls parking area, hikers can climb the paved trail to the Benson Bridge and then continue upward for a loop that connects to Wahkeena Falls, offering a 5-mile journey filled with dense forest, creek crossings, and multiple cascading falls.
While Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and draws the largest crowds, the upper trail loop provides a quieter, more immersive experience away from the base’s viewing area. The Wahkeena segment of the trail is especially lush, with stone steps and scenic viewpoints throughout.
This trail showcases the water-carved beauty of the Gorge and stands as a perfect introduction to the diverse terrain found on Columbia River Gorge hikes, blending accessibility with unforgettable scenery.
While Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and draws the largest crowds, the upper trail loop provides a quieter, more immersive experience away from the base’s viewing area. The Wahkeena segment of the trail is especially lush, with stone steps and scenic viewpoints throughout.
This trail showcases the water-carved beauty of the Gorge and stands as a perfect introduction to the diverse terrain found on Columbia River Gorge hikes, blending accessibility with unforgettable scenery.
Tom McCall Point
Just east of Hood River, Tom McCall Point offers a seasonal hike that boasts breathtaking views with minimal crowds. The trail begins at the Rowena Crest viewpoint and climbs steadily to a ridgeline that overlooks the Gorge, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood. Wildflowers are abundant in spring, and the open hillsides provide sweeping views at every turn.
At about 3.6 miles round-trip, the hike is shorter than some others in the area but still delivers dramatic rewards. Because this area lies in the eastern portion of the Gorge, the climate is typically drier, making it a good option during wetter months when trails on the western side may be muddy or closed.
For those considering relocating to the Gorge region, trails like Tom McCall Point highlight the accessibility and variety offered by Columbia River Gorge hikes, providing year-round options for outdoor living.
At about 3.6 miles round-trip, the hike is shorter than some others in the area but still delivers dramatic rewards. Because this area lies in the eastern portion of the Gorge, the climate is typically drier, making it a good option during wetter months when trails on the western side may be muddy or closed.
For those considering relocating to the Gorge region, trails like Tom McCall Point highlight the accessibility and variety offered by Columbia River Gorge hikes, providing year-round options for outdoor living.
Hamilton Mountain
Hamilton Mountain, located in Beacon Rock State Park on the Washington side, offers a well-rounded hiking experience that includes waterfalls, deep forest, and wide-open ridge views—all within a 7.5-mile loop. Early sections of the trail pass by Rodney and Hardy Falls before climbing steep switchbacks to expansive overlooks of the Columbia River.
The summit provides one of the best ridge-line views in the Gorge, especially during fall when golden tones sweep across the hillsides. Along the descent, hikers encounter more viewpoints and loop options, making this a versatile trail suitable for both casual and seasoned hikers.
As one of the more complete Columbia River Gorge hikes, Hamilton Mountain is a prime example of the outdoor variety that makes the region so attractive to homeowners seeking a balance of natural beauty and recreational opportunity.
The summit provides one of the best ridge-line views in the Gorge, especially during fall when golden tones sweep across the hillsides. Along the descent, hikers encounter more viewpoints and loop options, making this a versatile trail suitable for both casual and seasoned hikers.
As one of the more complete Columbia River Gorge hikes, Hamilton Mountain is a prime example of the outdoor variety that makes the region so attractive to homeowners seeking a balance of natural beauty and recreational opportunity.
Coyote Wall
Located near Bingen, Washington, Coyote Wall is part of a trail network known for open terrain, wildflower displays, and high-desert views. The trail system here is popular among both hikers and mountain bikers and offers a more arid experience compared to the western Gorge’s temperate rainforests.
Ascending the wall rewards visitors with unique geological features, rolling meadows, and long-range views of the Gorge and surrounding plateaus. The trail options are flexible, ranging from shorter out-and-backs to longer loops that connect with neighboring paths.
Coyote Wall is an excellent choice for spring hiking, when wildflowers such as desert parsley and balsamroot cover the hillsides. It’s one of the lesser-crowded yet highly rewarding Columbia River Gorge hikes, particularly appreciated by locals who favor less-traveled paths.
Ascending the wall rewards visitors with unique geological features, rolling meadows, and long-range views of the Gorge and surrounding plateaus. The trail options are flexible, ranging from shorter out-and-backs to longer loops that connect with neighboring paths.
Coyote Wall is an excellent choice for spring hiking, when wildflowers such as desert parsley and balsamroot cover the hillsides. It’s one of the lesser-crowded yet highly rewarding Columbia River Gorge hikes, particularly appreciated by locals who favor less-traveled paths.
Julie Gilbert | Live Near the Trails You Love
Living near the Columbia River Gorge means having unparalleled access to one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're an avid hiker, casual explorer, or simply someone who enjoys scenic weekend getaways, the variety and accessibility of Columbia River Gorge hikes make the region a lifestyle destination as much as a place to live.
If you're considering making this area home, connect with Julie Gilbert for local expertise and personalized real estate guidance. Discover how living near the Gorge’s best trails can elevate your daily life and offer the perfect blend of nature and community.
If you're considering making this area home, connect with Julie Gilbert for local expertise and personalized real estate guidance. Discover how living near the Gorge’s best trails can elevate your daily life and offer the perfect blend of nature and community.
