Waterfall Alley: The Historic Columbia River Highway takes visitors through ‘Waterfall Alley.’

• The Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway stretches from Troutdale in Oregon to The Dalles. 
• Multnomah Fall, one of the many waterfalls along the route is considered to be among the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. 
• Portland Women’s Forum, Rowena Crest Viewpoint and Portland Women’s Forum are popular scenic viewpoints. 

A group of idealists decided to build the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway in the early 20th century. The road was intended to not only connect towns but also show off the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is the result. It starts east of Portland in Oregon and runs up to Mount Hood at the bottom of the Columbia River Gorge. The beauty of the drive is iconic—think moss-draped cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The scenic byway also takes you through some of the most impressive early American road designs. 

It was constructed in 1910 and is credited as the first road in America built for scenic touring. The highway’s 70 miles provide direct access to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic waterfalls—including Multnomah, Latourell, and Horsetail. On the opposite side of the highway flows the Columbia River.

Terra Lingley is the coordinator of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for the National Park Service. Oregon Department of TransportationIn an email with Travel + Leisure. She states that the goal was to build a rural road to take visitors to the Columbia River Gorge’s most breathtaking natural sights and scenic vistas. They wanted the road to ‘lay lightly on the land’ and enhance the scenery instead of diminishing it.”

As a result, the Historic Columbia River Highway feels almost part of the natural surroundings—and it has plenty of pull outs and rest areas that were thoughtfully placed to highlight scenic vistas or provide access to one of the roadways’ many sites. This guide will help you navigate this National Historic Landmark also known as “Waterfall Alley”.

Places to visit

Portland Women’s Forum

The first place you’ll stop on your drive east from Portland will be the Portland Women’s Forum. The viewpoint was named in honor of the women who helped preserve the site in the mid-20th century and offers one of the gorge’s most iconic panoramas—a sweeping, unobstructed gaze across the river valley, with the crown-like Vista House perched on its promontory in the distance. 

Lingley described the site as a “quintessential canyon photo” that teased of what is to come.

Vista House Crown Point

The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway has many popular stops. Vista House, which sits 733 feet over the Columbia River. It was finished in 1918 as a tribute to Oregon pioneers. The octagonal, stone structure was created to provide travelers with a moment to reflect and refocus. Its marble interior can be viewed from the balcony or the exterior.

Latourell Falls 

Lingley is a fan of one of the major waterfalls that are located along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The waterfall is “surprisingly tall” and easily accessible, but you’ll want to go further to see its iconic wooden bridges. the Latourell Falls Loop TrailHenderson Creek is crossed by the.

Latourell, which plunges 224 foot over a basalt rock, is one of the hidden gems along this route. Bridal Veil falls, a less-known neighbor to Latourell Falls, is also worth a visit. It is located off the highway and is only accessible by completing a short trail.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls It’s the most popular natural recreation site in Pacific Northwest. So, you should expect crowds. But like most highly visited sites, there’s a reason it’s so popular—it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Multnomah, a dramatic two-tiered waterfall that plunges 620 feet in height, is one of the highest year-round falls in the U.S.

You’ve likely seen the falls in photographs, but it feels different in person— mist rises from the lower plunge pool toward the arched Benson Bridge as the rhythmic rush of water echoes through the gorge. The area around the falls was also important in the history of various Native tribesThe Chinook, Wasco and Klickitat are all included. 

Horsetail Falls

The gorge continues on. Horsetail Falls spills 176 feet down a sheer rock face. Lingley says it is her favorite cascade because of its “immediate satisfaction.” She says that during the rainy seasons, “the flows can reach the Historic Highway as well as the plaza to watch the water cascading down the cliff.”

Horsetail Falls are a good option for travelers who have accessibility concerns. For those wanting more, they can hike to Upper Horsetail Falls in order to see the cave hidden behind the curtain.

Mitchell Point Tunnel

The newest site on the Historic Highway is the Mitchell Point TunnelThe replica tunnel, which was once the crown jewel of the route, is a faithful reproduction. The tunnel, which is carved in a massive mountain, features large windows carved out of rocks to let natural light into the tunnel and provide views to the Columbia River.

You’ll need to park in the small lot at Exit 58 of Interstate 84 eastbound and walk 2.7 miles into the tunnel. The tunnel is currently only accessible by bike or on foot.

Rowena Crest Viewpoint

The drive to the airport is a great way to finish (or nearly end) your journey. Rowena Crest Viewpoint The windswept viewpoint is located east of Mosier. The windswept viewpoint stands in stark contrast with the mossy Canyons that are found at the beginning. Golden grasslands have replaced the waterfalls, and the horizon appears to go on forever. 

Lingley says that Rowena Crest makes for a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset. “The wildflowers in this area are absolutely stunning,” he adds.

How to plan a trip

The Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is a west-to-east route that runs between Troutdale, Washington and The Dalles. It parallels Interstate 84 where cars travel at a faster speed. The beginning of the byway lies around 20 minutes to the east of downtown Portland Most travelers spend between three and five minutes to fully experience the area by car. If you plan to stop at several places and go hiking, you will need more time. 

It is important to understand that the drivable part of the Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is broken into two main parts— from Troutdale east to Dodson and from Mosier east to The Dalles—but there are technically four drivable sections in total. The Historic Highway State Trail connects all four sections, but it is closed to motorized vehicles. We found this map Understanding the route is easier with this information. (All of the recommended stops above—except the Mitchell Point Tunnel—are located along the two main portions of the scenic byway.)

Check out the Historic Columbia River Highway before you travel. TripCheck.com Check the current conditions. Highway 100 is the route.

When to Go

The scenic byway is open year-round, but is extra spectacular in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October).

Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood RiverIn spring, you will enjoy the vibrant wildflowers as well as stunning fruit blooms that line the borders of fruit orchards. Autumn brings beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures.”

Kadlub recommends that you visit during the week or early morning to avoid the crowds. She adds that in the late autumn and winter (November–February), “the scenery remains picturesque, the pace more relaxed, and the gorge feels tranquil and uncrowded.”

Weekends from Memorial Day until Labor Day are particularly busy. Since parking is limited at some locations, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case your first choice is full. 

Lingley reminds its visitors to only park on designated areas along the highway. They also urge them to obey any parking restrictions and remember that the highway connects businesses, residents and visitors. If parking is not available at your destination, you can still visit other attractions.

Consider taking the parking permit to reduce your impact on the environment and avoid paying for parking permits. Columbia Gorge Express busIt runs seven days per week along the scenic highway.

What to Eat and Drink, Where to Stay

Portland

Troutdale begins the Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway, about 20 minutes by car from Portland. Portland makes a great basecamp to start the journey. 

Cascade Locks

The scenic byway runs right through the tiny town of Cascade Locks, which Kadlub calls “a quintessential former logging town-turned-destination, with the most amazing soft serve drive-through serving enormous swirl cones.” For cones, visit Eastwind Drive-InThe nearest byway is.

Hood River 

Hood River It’s one of the bigger cities along this route but still retains a small town feel. There are just over 8,000 people living there. This is a good place to stay for those who want to explore the sites and waterfalls along the route or Mount Hood, a stratovolcano that offers great hiking and skiing.

“Hood River reminds me of a modern Old West—Oak Street has two-story brick buildings with unique and great shops on both sides. The highway here is undoubtedly the beating heart of the city. Kadlub said, “I like to park and walk the main street as a way to take a break from the drive.”