Columbia Gorge: Cliffs, Wind, Waterfalls

Highlights / General details

In the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, your naturalist guide will lead you out on a series of short hikes to experience a selection of the 90 + waterfalls that exist here. After a delicious lunch in Hood River, continue to high desert country and watch for birds and wildlife roaming the basalt cliffs before heading to The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Mary Hill Museum for some fascinating history and culture including the treacherous journey of Lewis and Clark in the early 1800’s.

Itinerary On its way to the Pacific Ocean the mighty Columbia River cuts a deep swath over 80 miles long through the Cascade Mountains, at points reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) deep. As we head East from Portland and enter the Historic Columbia River Hwy we will leave the present behind and travel back to a time when driving was about the journey, and not the destination. In the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, your naturalist guide will lead you out on a series of short hikes to experience a selection of the 90 + waterfalls that exist here, including the notable 620-foot high Multnomah Falls.We will enjoy some morning tea and scrumptious snacks as we take in the the waterfalls and wildflowers that adorn this natural wonder.

little farther up river we encounter the town of Hood River, where nearly constant winds of 35mph create a paradise for windsurfers and kite boarders and breathtaking natural beauty draws many thousands of adventure sports enthusiasts and sightseers each year. After our delicious lunch in Hood River, we continue Eastward across the Cascade Divide, where the landscape changes suddenly and dramatically before our eyes. We are now in the high desert. Take out the binoculars and spot for birds and wildlife, marmots, coyotes, elk, deer and fox roaming the basalt cliffs among sagebrush and Ponderosa Pines. In the town of The Dalles we visit The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Here we learn the fascinating history of the pioneers as they made their way West along the difficult and often deadly Oregon Trail, remnants of which can still be seen in the area. We will also learn of the native peoples of the Columbia River and of the treacherous journey of Lewis and Clark through this region in 1805 and 1806.

Seasonally, we may also visit the Mary Hill Museum, where we will encounter an impressive collection of art from around the world, including more than 80 works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and a vast array of artifacts from Pacific Northwest indigenous groups featuring ancient petrogylphs, intricate baskets and beadwork. As we make our way back to Portland via the Washington side of the Gorge, we may stop and stretch our legs at Beacon Rock. As always we will be on the look out for additional photo ops and wildlife as well!

Inclusion

Pick-up and Drop-off at your Downtown Portland Hotel or Cruise Terminal Highly qualified naturalist Escape Artist guide Travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Crossover Seasonal, local lunch Seasonal snacks and refreshments throughout the tour All entry fees Comprehensive naturalist commentary

Exclusion

Gratuity

Hours of operation

Departs at 8:00am

Duration

Tour is 10 hours

Redemption instructions Present voucher to driver at the time of pick up.

Itinerary

On its way to the Pacific Ocean the mighty Columbia River cuts a deep swath over 80 miles long through the Cascade Mountains, at points reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) deep. As we head East from Portland and enter the Historic Columbia River Hwy we will leave the present behind and travel back to a time when driving was about the journey, and not the destination. In the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, your naturalist guide will lead you out on a series of short hikes to experience a selection of the 90 + waterfalls that exist here, including the notable 620-foot high Multnomah Falls.We will enjoy some morning tea and scrumptious snacks as we take in the the waterfalls and wildflowers that adorn this natural wonder.

little farther up river we encounter the town of Hood River, where nearly constant winds of 35mph create a paradise for windsurfers and kite boarders and breathtaking natural beauty draws many thousands of adventure sports enthusiasts and sightseers each year. After our delicious lunch in Hood River, we continue Eastward across the Cascade Divide, where the landscape changes suddenly and dramatically before our eyes. We are now in the high desert. Take out the binoculars and spot for birds and wildlife, marmots, coyotes, elk, deer and fox roaming the basalt cliffs among sagebrush and Ponderosa Pines. In the town of The Dalles we visit The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Here we learn the fascinating history of the pioneers as they made their way West along the difficult and often deadly Oregon Trail, remnants of which can still be seen in the area. We will also learn of the native peoples of the Columbia River and of the treacherous journey of Lewis and Clark through this region in 1805 and 1806.

Seasonally, we may also visit the Mary Hill Museum, where we will encounter an impressive collection of art from around the world, including more than 80 works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and a vast array of artifacts from Pacific Northwest indigenous groups featuring ancient petrogylphs, intricate baskets and beadwork. As we make our way back to Portland via the Washington side of the Gorge, we may stop and stretch our legs at Beacon Rock. As always we will be on the look out for additional photo ops and wildlife as well!

Inclusion Pick-up and Drop-off at your Downtown Portland Hotel or Cruise Terminal Highly qualified naturalist Escape Artist guide Travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Crossover Seasonal, local lunch Seasonal snacks and refreshments throughout the tour All entry fees Comprehensive naturalist commentary

Exclusion Gratuity

Hours of operation Departs at 8:00am

Duration Tour is 10 hours

Redemption instructions Present voucher to driver at the time of pick up.

Policies Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation