The scenic highway is about 10 miles long with single lanes in each direction. Alongside six waterfalls, there are several viewpoints including Vista House, a museum and a conference center. Parking lots are available near Multnomah, Bridal's Veil and Latourell falls. The parking fee is $12 for all lots for the day. It took us about 2.5 hours to drive from Multnomah falls to all the way down to end of the highway. The duration varies based on the time spent on each of the location along the way. The highway is in good condition, I didn't notice any ditch or broken patches. Up from the hill, most of the drive had stunning view of the Columbia river, the banks and surrounding landscape. The I-84 interstate runs along some part of the drive, adding some excitement with the high speed traffic. All in all it is one of the must visit places for anyone visiting Portland, Oregon. read more

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Extraordinarily beautiful! Whether you are taking a drive, riding your bike, or hiking the trail, the historic Columbia River Highway (Scenic Hwy 30) is a must experience. As you follow the twists and turns of the road, incredible vistas of the Columbia River, the basalt cliffs of the gorge and the rolling hills dotted with orchards and farms awaken all of your senses. This is incredible territory and makes you understand why the early settlers came from far away to live here! Accolades to the Civic Engineering team who built the the many stone guardrails with arches, meticulous work to creat the symmetry, and the many tunnels along the way. The tunnels were cut right into the rock cliff. Amazing! over 100 years later, we are still marveling at the engineering feat and using this road, tunnels and bridges to explore this marvelous country. In several areas there are white metal guardrails that create a stunning contrast to all the green and blue along the way. The road starts around Corbett - make sure to stop At Chanticleer Point for the most amazing view, the Crown Point and Vista House for more - and continue to Hood River and then Mosier, a quant and charming town of just 430. Along the way there are dozens of trails to hike, look out points to pull over, and waterfalls to see from the road. This route never gets boring. Every day is different based in the sun, clouds, blooms and foliage. it's living art and it makes me happy every single time I am traveling this route. Breathe it all in, it's good for the soul! read more

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Go see the wondrous twin tunnels in Mosier on the historic Columbia River Highway. It is shut down to vehicle traffic. So you can go by bikes, Ebikes, running shoes, walking shoes and strollers. Hatfield east side or west side entrance it's about 5 miles one way. From the East side it's 1 mile to the tunnels - a construction marvel for any time in history. The tunnels have been preserved and are over 100 years old. Pretty amazing that construction workers cut the tunnel right in the side of a sheer rock cliff. About 500 feet above the Columbia River level. We enjoyed a good bike ride starting at the eastside in Mosier and road west towards Hood river and back again which was a little over 10 miles. The ride totaled 1,300 feet total elevation gain on a flat to rolling paved double wide trail. Average elevation was 170 to 670 feet. Pedaling along you have extraordinary views of the Columbia River and sheer cliffs surrounding the river. Plenty of look-out stops. The majority of time you're riding under the shade of some maple and pine tree canopies. Have fun - you will enjoy! read more

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If you'd like to take a quick and easy hike in the Columbia River Gorge, this one is a great choice! Well, actually there are two choices. The Western section of the trail, which is closest to Portland (about 40 miles away) and the Eastern section which is between Hood River and Mosier, Oregon. Mosier is about 70 miles East of Portland. Back around the 1920's the historic Columbia River Highway was built along the Columbia River Gorge. Then came modern times (the mid 60's) and Interstate Hiway 84 was built. Parts of Old Hiway 30 were then abandoned and forgotten. Then, in the 1980-1990's, parts of the old highway were uncovered and turned into a spectacular paved Gorge trail designed for hiking and biking. This is a perfect spot for a quick, casual hike. Since the wide trail is paved, you don't even need boots, but I would take some water, your camera, and a jacket if it is cold or rainy. THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE TRAIL The trail section nearest Portland starts near Bonneville Dam, which is about 40 miles East of Portland on I-84. It's just past Multnomah Falls. Take exit #40 which will be signed "Bonneville Dam." At the end of the freeway ramp turn right at the stop sign, then immediately turn left at the fork. The road takes you up the hill and in about 2 minutes you're at Tooth Rock Trailhead and a small parking lot. Walk towards the freeway and you'll find the paved trail. Go right, walking away from Portland! The trail takes you into forest with many ferns and moss, it's beautiful. You'll go over the freeway tunnel. Continue about 2 miles along the old hiway, go down a 60 step stairway and you'll arrive at the Eagle Creek area. You'll see some fantastic stonework from the past, check the photos! Of course the views along the trail are killer! At that point you can continue on to Cascade Locks or turn back! We explored the Eagle Creek area and headed back. There is also another segment of the trail just east of Hood River, which I'll tell you about below. You can get maps and more information at the website which is listed above! THE EASTERN SECTION OF THE TRAIL The Eastern section of the trail is between Mosier and Hood River, Oregon. It is roughly about 5 miles long. I recommend you start at the Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead East, near Mosier, Oregon. It's about 70 miles East of Portland on I-84. Take exit #69, then watch for the signs that lead you to the trailhead parking area. After parking, hike a short distance back down the road you drove in on, to the actual trail entrance, about 1 or 2 minutes away. You'll see the signs. Be sure to check the maps on the official website, listed above. Print a copy to take along on your hike! The twin tunnels are about one mile up the trail (heading West). The wide easy to hike paved surface will take you by spectacular Gorge views and beautiful forests! As you enter the first tunnel, watch on the right for a hand written message carved in the stone wall near the entrance, commemorating travelers stuck in the snow back in 1921! The trail continues on to Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead West, near Hood River. We hiked about half a mile past the tunnels and turned back, which gave us a great 3-4 mile round-trip hike. When leaving your car unattended in the Gorge, it's important to lock up. Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Don't forget to check the photos! read more

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Wow... I am usually super skeptical about other ppls reviews... but no one was lying about this location... the drive from wa to seaside, Oregon was decent. The sand is sooo soft. U can't find sand like this in Miami. I was so surprised When I seen a large family, prolly 30-40 ppl come down to pick up trash seaside is pretty small tho. Not a lot of attractions. Later went to rowena Oregon.... AND THATS WHERE U NEED TO GO. The drive there was immaculate if ur a nature scenic person.. there is this sunflower trail once u arrive to rowena trust the drive. I was scared I'd be wasting my time n gas but it worked out!! Def going again in a month read more

Both east and west trails are great for bikes. These are somewhat easy bike and hike trails that are fun, relaxing and cool in the summer heat. Both have their hills to climb and to ride down. The westren side near Bonneville Dam is a nice trail that is way to close 84. The trail will pull you right along side the freeway at times then out into the woods. The noise of the freeway can still be heard while in the woods but it is much quieter. The westren trail will also so lead you to the Bridge Of The Gods in Cascade Locks. This is a good resting point or go into town for some refreshments or food. You also have an option to cross the bridge and ride into Stevenson, Wa. But you will be riding on the side of highway 14. Not fun for a family with small kids.... The Eastern trail starts in Mosier and works it way west. The trail is tough geting up to the tunnels but once past it gets easer. Some days there it can get very windy there. My girlfriend was riding downhill when the wind push her backwards up the hill. Along this trail are some wonderful views of the gorge. The trail ends 5 miles later near hood river. This part has nice park facilities to relax before the trip back. It also has park volunteers at the display room. The ride back is easier if the wind is blowing to he east. Many downhill stretches that are a lot of fun. At one part I got the bike up to 30 miles an hour. WooHoo!!!!! Be very carful of others on the trail please. Always remember that hikers always have the right of way. The Bicyclist (the expensive gear and skin tight cloths) are rude on these trails. They are so absorb in themselves that they just want you to get out of their way..... Say hello anyway and tell them to have a nice day.... read more

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - The Columbia River from a different light. - Parks Near Me

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Really cool trail with the twin tunnels. It was overcast and gorgeous the day we went read more

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Great bike path! Beautiful views! My family and I really enjoyed the ride from Hood River to Moiser. A few of the hills may be too much for novice riders. Will definitely go back! read more

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - Parks Near Me

Hitting the hike from the west end this time changed almost everything about how it felt to me. Initially there are fewer views of the gorge but a far greater sense of what it was like to roll west from South Dakota or Minnesota from the late 1910's through the early 1950's on this section of highway 30. The vehicles were smaller, the people smaller, the highways smaller, the, well, you get the idea. Walking along old highway 30 gives you a firm sense of this. It may not be a very challenging hike as to terrain, but it's a living history lesson if you take the time to think on it. It's an 8.5 mile round trip and worth every step. Does it remind you of the Axenstrasse in Switzerland? Go walk that old highway and report back. For my money they are very similar, and would be more so had Mitchell Point windowed tunnel not been destroyed in the mid-1960's. But that milk is spilt. Yodel in the Mosier Tunnels while carrying a copy of Rick Steve's "Switzerland". I bet you'll feel transported to the 'old country'. read more

Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - about mid way on old Highway 30 - Parks Near Me

''A nice little Drive made by myself and sometimes by family many times through the years? One picks it up around Fairview Oregon just east of Gresham then on to Cascade locks. I can't recall exactly now? It then meanders and exits back to the regular Highway through the gorge maybe it is about Bridal Veil as I recall? This Highway was built during the Roosevelt years [FDR] it is a awesome drive if you like scenery, Waterfalls and incredible views of the Mighty Columbia ? And on the way is a tunnel carved through solid rock on the journey which is also a pleasant diversion before the stop for a short rest at crown point which is a must?" great view and excellent spot for photos!" very windy though? 5 stars as I couldn't give it anything else? *****! ''Thank you'' read more