Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
Overview
Our half-day Portland City Tour will reveal the laid-back small city feel of this fun and thriving downtown. You will experience the best Portland sites including the International Rose Garden (seasonally), the World Forestry Museum (seasonally), the Oregon Society of Artists (seasonally), Pioneer Courthouse Square, NW 23rd (the best shopping area in Portland), the Pearl District, the South Park Blocks, and Lan Su Chinese Garden.
On the half-day Gorge Waterfalls tour you will explore the beauty of the canyon walls and rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls and awe-inspiring vistas that make the Columbia River National Scenic Area one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.
Inclusions
- Knowledgeable and Experienced Local Guide
- Pick-up & Drop-off At Downtown Portland, Oregon Hotels
- Transport by Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
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: Columbia River Highway, State Highway 30 from Troutdale to The Dalles, Troutdale, OR 97060
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.
Stop At: Vista House, 40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019-9725
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Latourell Falls, Guy W. Talbot State Park., Corbett, OR
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 minutes
Stop At: Multnomah Falls, 53000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010
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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave Broadway between Morrison and Yamhill, Portland, OR 97204-1410
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!
Stop At: International Rose Test Garden, 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205-5883
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!
Duration: 20 minutes
Pass By: Washington Park, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221-2760
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: Pearl District, 404 NW 10th Ave # LL1, Portland, OR 97209-3184
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.
Stop At: PSU Farmers Market, 1831 SW Pedestrian Trail, Portland, OR 97227-1879
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!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: OSA | Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 SW Park Pl, Portland, OR 97205, USA
This hidden gem promotes visual arts in the diverse communities of our region, with educational opportunities for artists at all levels of accomplishment. While here, we will visit the OSA Gallery which changes exhibits every month, learn about the amazing history of the OSA (which started in 1926), and view rarely seen works of art by master painters who are part of the amazing history of this important part of the Portland Community. We will visit the OSA from mid-October through the end of April on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221-2760
You can explore forests around the world through two floors of unique hands-on exhibits. Suitable for all ages, the Discovery Museum’s colorful and thoughtful exhibits include information about tree planting, wildlife, the benefits of wood, outdoor recreation, and forest careers. The first floor focuses on the many roles that forests play in our lives. View the forest as a habitat, a place for recreation and reflection, a critical resource, and more. Much of the second floor takes a global perspective, exploring how people around the world are connected to and dependent on their local forests. We will visit the World Forestry Center from mid-October through the end of April on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
We had a great day with Gunner. The morning was spent visiting the falls. Headed back into the city and had lunch on our own. We were then picked up and drive all over with several stops at the Pittock Mansion, Japanese Rose Gardens and the Chinese Gardens. Gunner was very informative and great c...
We had a great day with Gunner. The morning was spent visiting the falls. Headed back into the city and had lunch on our own. We were then picked up and drive all over with several stops at the Pittock Mansion, Japanese Rose Gardens and the Chinese Gardens. Gunner was very informative and great company. Just a very long and tiring day. In hindsight, we should have split the tours over 2 days.I often travel, so finding the best way to discover the city like a local but also somewhat a tourist is a little tricky time to time. I once went to another city and took a bigger bus with little to no stops to take in the scenery and of course get those instaworthy pics. This tour throughout Po...
I often travel, so finding the best way to discover the city like a local but also somewhat a tourist is a little tricky time to time. I once went to another city and took a bigger bus with little to no stops to take in the scenery and of course get those instaworthy pics. This tour throughout Portlandia was outstanding; our tour guide Phil was just the most energetic and knowledgeable person that one could ask for while exploring any city. Although the day before, I traveled around the city on foot, this tour covers most if not all of everything you would want to do. I enjoyed the greenery and the multiple stops in the Columbia Gorge Waterfalls it was Gorg! Another great thing to note is that they drop you in the city for about an hour or so for lunch to grab some great food options with still enough time to explore the city. I love that the group wasn't too big and allowed me the opportunity to meet new people from all parts of the world. I would recommend this tour and even do it again! I wish this company were nationwide; I do this type of trip for any of the 50 states.Excellent- loved the guide and the beautiful scenery. Pick up was on time . Adequate time to enjoy the views. Suggestions given for other activity ‘s to do in the Portland area.
Excellent- loved the guide and the beautiful scenery. Pick up was on time . Adequate time to enjoy the views. Suggestions given for other activity ‘s to do in the Portland area.Pick up was on time. Big thanks to our tour guide, Keira. She was friendly and very informative about the city neighborhoods and local landmarks. The time spent at each stop was just right, enough to explore the highlights of the destination.
Pick up was on time. Big thanks to our tour guide, Keira. She was friendly and very informative about the city neighborhoods and local landmarks. The time spent at each stop was just right, enough to explore the highlights of the destination.The tour guide was quite knowledgeable. Sites were amazing. Enough time for sightseeing. I would recommend it to family and friends.
The tour guide was quite knowledgeable. Sites were amazing. Enough time for sightseeing. I would recommend it to family and friends.It was a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. I love that they pick you up at your hotel
It was a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time. I love that they pick you up at your hotel