The awesome spectacle of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 80 miles of recreational wonderland along North America’s second largest river, has thrilled tourists and locals alike for centuries.
Overview
The Columbia River Gorge represents one of the nation’s prime scenic and recreational areas. Carven cliffs, volcanic formations, breathtaking waterfalls, flowering hillsides, and acres of old growth rainforest led to the Gorge’s designation as a National Scenic Area in 1986. Visitors will enjoy a huge variety of outdoor recreation and indoor entertainment.
Location & Information
The area known as the Columbia River Gorge stretches from Troutdale (16 miles east of Portland) to Biggs (20 miles east of The Dalles) on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. The Gorge is easily traversed along Interstate 84; the Historic Columbia River Highway, parallel to I-84, offers an alternate route with stunning views overlooking the river.
Outdoor Recreation
Many exciting outdoor adventures are experienced along the Gorge, including:
- Boating, kayaking, rafting, windsurfing, kiteboarding
- Camping, hiking, mountain biking
- Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing
- Fishing
- Golf
Attractions & Activities
- Museums and tours
- Sightseeing
- Photography
- Bird watching
- Wine-tasting
- Dining
- Shopping
History
The Columbia River Gorge has formed a corridor through the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. Lewis and Clark traversed the Gorge to reach the Pacific Ocean during their famed 1805 expedition. Two dams, Bonneville and The Dalles, facilitate shipping and boat travel by submerging what were once major whitewater rapids.
