Afternoon Waterfalls Tour from Portland
From$76.5
4 hours
Portland, ME, US
About this activity
Experience the breathtaking Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge on a guided half-day tour from Portland, including transportation and expert commentary.
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Multnomah Falls
- Discover the scenic Columbia River Gorge
- Visit the historic Vista House
- Enjoy a comfortable ride from Portland
- Learn about the area's geology and history
Full description
Set off on an unforgettable half-day adventure from Portland to witness the majestic Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Your journey continues through the picturesque Columbia River Gorge, renowned for its lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the area's geology, history, and ecology. The tour also includes a visit to the historic Vista House, offering panoramic views of the gorge. With comfortable transportation provided, this excursion is perfect for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers alike. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest on this captivating tour.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge
- Transportation from Portland in a comfortable vehicle
- Professional driver-guide providing insightful commentary
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Millions of years ago, during the formation of the Cascade Mountain Range, lava and other pyroclastic matter flowed west from what would be the Cascades all the way to the Pacific Ocean, creating a thick shell of basalt rock that covered Western Oregon. Then, during the Pleistocene Ice Age, roughly 15,000 years ago, water from the Lake Missoula Flood carved out the Columbia River Gorge as hundreds of cubic miles of water, ice, rock and mud rushed from present-day Montana to the Pacific Ocean. Explore the beauty of the canyon walls and rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls and awe-inspiring visas that make the Columbia River National Scenic Area one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. Our enthusiastic guides will introduce you to the most amazing places in the Gorge, while providing a comprehensive narrative of this spectacular landscape and its transformative history.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Perched atop one of the most panoramic overlooks in the Columbia River Gorge, Vista House provides an unrivaled, majestic view of the Gorge. Often referred to as “The Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge,” Vista House was built between 1916 and 1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers, a scenic viewpoint, and a comfort station for those traveling on the newly constructed Historic Columbia River Highway. Built with expertly carved sandstone and stunning marble, then finished with bronze lining and amber-green opalescent art glass windows, Vista House and the view it offers are sure to amaze and inspire you.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
While at Latourell Falls You will be able to walk down the trail to the waterfall (approximately 1/4 mile) and get up close to the waterfall. This dazzling waterfall plunges 249 feet (76 m) over a massive wall of basalt and then rushes through the forest into the Columbia River. The falling water of Latourell is framed by some of the most perfect columnar basalt formations in the Pacific Northwest that are adorned with a large florescent patch of yellow lichen and shrouded in brilliant green flora. We’ll venture down to the punch-bowl pool below the falls, where you’ll hear the tremendous rush of water and feel the cool mist that it creates. You’ll easily realize why this special place is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
You will have time to walk to Benson Bridge and take photographs and explore the area around Multnomah Falls. Fed by underground streams that originate miles above on Larch Mountain, this ancient 620 foot (189 m) waterfall is divided into two sections; the upper falls plummets an impressive 542 feet into a pool and again drops 69 feet to form a creek that runs into the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States and the highest in Oregon, and is Oregon’s number one natural attraction, drawing over 2.5 million visitors a year from around the world. At the base of the waterfall sits the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, a full-service day lodge complete with restaurant, gift shop, snack and espresso bar and interpretative center. Although much of the area surrounding Multnomah Falls was recently damaged by fire, you will be able to visit the lodge and experience the natural beauty of the waterfall.
Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
If time allows we will stop at this this waterfall (that really looks like a horse tail!) and you will be able to walk up to it for photographs and enjoy the spray from it on a hot summer day. Named for its characteristic form, Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet within view of the Historic Columbia River Highway's "Waterfall Corridor".
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children under 2 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap.
- Pets are not allowed on the tour.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as weather conditions can change.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child Safety Seat Law Child passengers must be restrained in child safety seats until they weigh forty pounds or reach the upper weight limit for the car seat in use. Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach two years of age unless the child turned age one prior to May 26, 2017.
- Booster Seat Law Children over forty pounds or who have reached the upper weight limit for their forward-facing car seat must use a child seat with harness or a booster to 4'9" tall or age eight and the adult belt fits correctly.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour is operated in a Sprinter van. This is not a boat tour.
- This tour does operate in rainy weather.
- America’s Hub World Tour’s works in collaboration with Oregon Tour Experts. All pickups are made via Oregon Tour Expert’s transportation and tour guiding company.
Traveler reviews
4.8494 reviews
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Beautiful scenery
This was a great way to see some beautiful scenery around Portland in just an afternoon. Our guide was knowledgeable, funny and friendly.
Rachel_HJul 3, 2026VIATOR
Dinner is our tour driver...
Gunner is our tour driver and he is the best. He has lots of stories to share with us along the drive.
Rebecca_YJul 2, 2026VIATOR
The Greatest Multnomah Falls Experience
This was a well organized tour and an overall good experience. The information that the guide gave from pick up til drop off was very informative and had rich historical values. It was worth the price and the time was enough for all 4 of the falls. I only wish that one of the falls or the river we passed we could swim in but that would be a longer and different tour.
D1511BJkellyrJun 28, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Waterfall treasure!
Wonderful guide and trip. John was very knowledgeable and made the trip interesting and fun. It was a perfect afternoon! Don't hesitate to take this tour.
mikkiz2020Jun 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Lovely waterfall trip
John, the driver and tour guide, was very knowledgeable and kind. Since he grew up in Portland he knew the area well. He had also gone out of his way to do research on common questions he frequented heard about the falls or the area. Within the 4 hour experience, we had the opportunity to see 5 different waterfalls, all which were included in the trip price!! At each stop, John explained what made that waterfall unique, including the naming history of the different falls. Additionally, due to the relatively small tour group (about 12 of us all together), the experience did not feel rushed or crowded. It was truly such a lovely experience for the whole family!
273zpJun 26, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Child Safety Seat Law Child passengers must be restrained in child safety seats until they weigh forty pounds or reach the upper weight limit for the car seat in use. Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach two years of age unless the child turned age one prior to May 26, 2017.
Booster Seat Law Children over forty pounds or who have reached the upper weight limit for their forward-facing car seat must use a child seat with harness or a booster to 4'9" tall or age eight and the adult belt fits correctly.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
This tour is operated in a Sprinter van. This is not a boat tour.
This tour does operate in rainy weather.
America’s Hub World Tour’s works in collaboration with Oregon Tour Experts. All pickups are made via Oregon Tour Expert’s transportation and tour guiding company.