Portland Sightseeing Tour with Waterfalls
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Portland's vibrant cityscape
- Marvel at Multnomah Falls' majestic beauty
- Discover the historic Vista House
- Experience the lush Columbia River Gorge
- Enjoy scenic views of Latourell Falls
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Portland's top attractions
- Visit to Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
- Transportation in a comfortable vehicle
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: The nation’s second National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge is also the largest and most densely populated, offering the amenities of urban centers close to the wild beauty of the outdoors. And that beauty is matched only by the stories that can be told here: of tribal people fishing, trading and thriving along its banks; of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery epochal 1805-06 journey; of pioneers launching their worldly possessions down its rapids; of Samuel Hill championing the nation’s first scenic highway and enticing generations of visitors to this heady, handsome place. It’s fitting that the Columbia River Gorge is known as one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. We will drive through this area as we explore the Gorge.
Pass by: Constructed from 1913 to 1922, the seventy-four-mile Columbia River Highway extended east from the Sandy River near Troutdale to The Dalles. With its pioneering advances in road design, the road is an outstanding example of modern highway development in twentieth-century America. We will drive along this highway as we explore the Gorge.
Perched atop one of the most panoramic overlooks in the Columbia River Gorge, Vista House provides the most 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. The Vista House and the view it offers are sure to amaze and inspire you.
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.
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. You will have time to walk to Benson Bridge and explore the lodge.
Pass by: In the heart of downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is the urban park at the center of events, community, and all things Portland. We will drive around this amazing location and your guide will tell you about the history here so you can come back later and explore!
Let the fragrance of our Rose Garden embrace you with over 550 different varieties of roses, and delight your senses with the lush and beautiful Washington Park, featuring some of the most amazing cascade mountain views around. You will have time to explore this garden and stop to smell the roses!
Pass by: Washington Park is a special place. It's an unusual place. Filled with gardens and museums; a zoo and a forest. Right in the heart of the city. The opportunities for exploration in the park can feel endless. We will drive through part of the park so that you can come back and explore more!
Pass by: Easily one of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, the Pearl District is home to some of the city’s best-known chefs and restaurants, world-class art galleries, and vibrant shops and boutiques. Formerly a neglected corridor of abandoned warehouses and railways, the Pearl District has earned a worldwide reputation for urban renaissance.
The PSU Farmers Market is a world-class farmers market that contributes to the success of local food growers and producers, and creates a vibrant community gathering space. The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State is large, spanning almost three blocks throughout the Portland State University campus. This means there is no shortage of vendors for the whole family to love. The options of where to buy and eat are truly endless at this market. They even have a Veggie Valet for shoppers to leave their bulk purchases while they finish up shopping! The market also has musicians and a Chef in the Market series which is a showcasing of cooking with seasonal marketing ingredients from local chefs. The PSU Farmers Market will only be visited on our Morning Portland City Tour and you will have time to walk around and explore the market. This will be the last stop of the tour so feel free to stay here, have lunch, and explore as long as you want!
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform us in advance if you have a child in your party.
- Pets are not allowed on the tour to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for both city and nature trails.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cityscapes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
- A small amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended
- 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
CITY AND WATERFALL TOUR
City & waterfall tour were fabulous! John is informed & enthusiastic!! Thx John for recommending the Saturday Market!
Amazing!
What an awesome tour! Jay was full of information and kept us entertained the entire time. Each stop on the tour was interesting and we're glad we took this tour before exploring on our own the next day.
Good Experience
It was a long day but a nice experience. Phil was great and knew a lot. He made sure everyone was well hydrated—especially with this hot it was—and he was patient.
Good excursion
Driver ver knowledgable about the area. Very safe driving. Took an interest in his passengers where they traveled from. Good tour..
Don’t miss this tour
The tour combined the wonders of waterfalls and the city of Portland. I was fortunate again to have Phil as a guide. He was his usual friendly self, well informed and welcoming. The morning consisted of visiting a couple of waterfalls. The waterfalls were beautiful and showed the wonders of nature. The afternoon tour of Portland gave more insight on the wonders of the city. The International Rose Test Garden was one of the highlights! It was great to see and smell so many rose varieties. I loved they picked me up and dropped me off at my hotel.
