The Columbia River Gorge is one of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning destinations — a dramatic river canyon straddling Oregon and Washington, home to ancient waterfalls, world-class wineries, fertile fruit orchards, and unparalleled outdoor recreation. This guide combines three essential touring maps into one complete reference.
Columbia Gorge & Columbia Valley AVA wineries from Hood River to Maryhill
Historic Columbia River Highway from Corbett to Dodson, plus scenic overlooks
Orchards, lavender farms, bakeries, and u-pick stands through Hood River Valley
State parks, campgrounds, dams, river access, and outdoor adventure hubs
Volcanoes, rivers, towns, and AVA wine regions that define the landscape
Wine Press Northwest's 2007 Oregon Winery of the Year. Award-winning Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Merlot. Beautiful picnic area with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
Take a mini trip to Italy on the Heights of Hood River. Award-winning Italian varietals made with passion — Primitivo (Best of Class, 2011 SFWC), Sangiovese (Double Gold), Uvaggio, Pinot Grigio, Dolcetto, Barbera. Benvenuti in Italia!
Grape growing takes center stage here. Great wine begins in the vineyard with meticulous farming and miniscule yields ensuring quality over quantity. Sunlit tasting room just steps from estate vineyards. Picnic patio available.
Hood River's first estate organic winery. 15 different wines, a picnic area with Majestic Mt. Hood as a backdrop, and a large stone fireplace. The ultimate Columbia Gorge wine experience — a hidden jewel nestled in the Hood River Valley hills.
Award-winning wines plus bottles from 30+ Columbia Gorge wineries. Set on a century-old working farm with fruit orchards, flower fields, and vineyards. Fantastic mountain views, landscaped patio gardens — wine, microbrews, fruit, art & more.
A winemaker for 30+ years, Rich Cushman was "Born in the Gorge." World-class wines presented by fun, knowledgeable staff. Try Pinot Noir, Barbera, Tempranillo, Grüner Veltliner, Rieslings, authentic 2009 "Ice Wines" and more.
Magnificent new tasting room in the heart of Hood River Valley on a family-owned Century farm. Surrounded by 20 acres of estate vineyards with stunning views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Estate Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling. Available for weddings & events.
Handcrafted estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay — harvest, crush, and barrel aging all on-site. Small family-run boutique winery. Tasting room deck overlooks a beautiful waterfall and pond. Pet friendly!
We aim to Tease! Vintage Oregon and Washington wines with exotic brands and provocative labels. Locally-made microbrews and live music most Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon nights. One of Hood River's liveliest stops.
The Pines Vineyard has been producing quality wine grapes for more than a century. Family passion for the grape shows in every bottle of exquisite, limited-production boutique wine. Tasting room with live music Thurs–Sat evenings.
An old downtown cannery with amazing acoustics — come for music nights, dance classes, or thought-provoking lectures. The wines reflect everything the Gorge is capable of: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet, and the one-of-a-kind Cherry Ort dessert wine.
Downtown Hood River tasting room with vineyards located across the Columbia in Underwood, Washington. Cerulean wines are handcrafted in a European style — pure, natural, authentic.
Take it Outside! Enjoy views of the Columbia River and kick back with easy-drinking red, white and rosé wines. Picnicking is recommended. A casual, relaxed outdoor experience for wine lovers.
Sunset Magazine's "Coolest place to taste wine" (May 2011). Expansive tastings of 10+ top-rated Italian and French varietals. Live music, festivals and food in The Dalles; intimate tasting in downtown Hood River.
Unique and traditional wine blends handcrafted by a small family winery. 20+ varietals in a relaxed vineyard setting with gorgeous river views. All flights include food pairings to complement balanced, food-friendly wines. Dogs and kids welcome!
The Ziegler family homesteaded Underwood Mountain five generations ago, farming the unique volcanic loess soil of the Columbia River Gorge. The legacy of grape growing resonates in every bottle. Stunning views of the Gorge, Hood River, and Mt. Hood.
Visit the vineyard and taste the wines grown there. Classic wines and unique blends including a Spicy White and a field blend of Malbec/Syrah. Also sells grapes to home winemakers throughout North America.
Founded 1999 in the heart of Lyle wine country. James and Poppie Mantone craft highly sought-after Rhône varietal wines — exceptional single-vineyard Syrah and Mourvèdre. The biodynamic estate vineyard is a model of care. Pack a picnic and unwind in sunny Lyle.
Wines for food! Produced in "old world" style, Brian McCormick creates wines conserving the fruit character without excessive oak or alcohol. Bright-tasting wines from five estate vineyards. Conveniently-located tasting room overlooks two rivers. The view is second only to the wine.
The NEXT generation of Washington wine. Goal: produce approachable wines of great character and distinction. Specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cab Franc, Alsatian-style Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. Old school meets new on the Lyle Highway.
Family-owned and operated in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge near Lyle. Specializes in blending Rhône varieties to produce wines with a nuanced finish. The secret? Picking grapes at optimum ripeness and gently guiding them through fermentation. Approachable, honest, enjoyable.
Convenient tasting room for Ziegler wines, located in Bingen along Highway 14. Offers the full range of estate-grown wines from the Underwood Mountain vineyard.
Family-owned winery in the heart of the fertile Columbia River Gorge, just east of Mosier. Built on sustainability and stewardship. Panoramic Gorge views from the tasting room deck overlooking the 300+ acre estate (also produces cherries, pears, and apples).
One of the original Columbia Gorge wineries. Specializes in Piedmont varietals — barbera, dolcetto, and nebbiolo — plus the only planting of Symphony in the Pacific Northwest. Waterfront views, towering basalt cliffs, and multiple tasting rooms. Rated "Best of the Best in the Pacific NW."
Riverside tasting room along the banks of the Columbia River with a spectacular view of Mt. Hood, just east of Cascade Cliffs. Handcrafts limited quantities of ultra-premium award-winning Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc.
One of the most beautiful views in the Gorge. Family vineyards and cherry orchards just five minutes from I-84. Features Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Syrah, as well as the Fort Dalles Red blend.
Best Destination Winery and Washington Winery of the Year 2009 — 800+ awards in 10 years! Tuscan-style arbor with panoramic views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. Free live music every summer weekend, bocce courts, and a majestic outdoor amphitheater with nationally-acclaimed concert series. Eclectic gift shop.
Family winery with mostly estate wines grown on the bank of the Columbia River just below the Stonehenge monument. Italian varieties — Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera — plus Columbus Landing (Rhône blend), Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Sweet Sangiovese Rosé and Orange Muscat.
Town The starting point of the Historic Columbia River Highway scenic drive. Small community with services. Access off I-84 Exit 22. From here the highway winds east through the cliffs above the river.
Viewpoint A favorite spot for photographing Vista House against the Gorge. Pull-out parking lot; no hiking required. One of the most photographed views on the highway.
Historic Landmark The iconic 1918 octagonal observatory sits atop a 733-ft basalt promontory. 360° views of the Columbia River Gorge. Gift shop and exhibits inside. One of Oregon's most-visited landmarks. Accessible from I-84 Exit 22 or 28.
Waterfall At 224 feet, one of the tallest falls on the highway and arguably the most dramatic — it plunges directly off a basalt column. An easy 2.4-mile loop trail passes behind the falls and up to an upper falls overlook. Paved parking area.
Waterfall Twin falls cascade through a wooded alcove just off the highway. A short hike leads to trails above. The bridge over the creek offers a lovely framed view of the falls below.
Waterfall A two-tiered waterfall dropping about 100 feet into a basalt bowl. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail winds through old-growth forest and offers close-up views. One of the more accessible waterfall hikes on the highway.
Waterfall A 242-foot tiered cascade with a graceful veil-like flow. Just 0.5 miles from the Multnomah Falls zero marker. A popular loop trail connects Wahkeena to Multnomah Falls, passing through Fairy Falls along the way (4.8-mile loop).
Waterfall Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet, and the most-visited natural site in the Pacific Northwest. The historic 1925 Multnomah Falls Lodge has a restaurant, gift shop, and USFS visitor center. A paved 1.1-mile trail leads to the top of the upper falls. The Benson Footbridge offers the classic postcard view. Arrive early to avoid crowds; parking fills by 9am in summer.
Waterfall The Oneonta Gorge Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Oregon — it follows the floor of a narrow basalt slot canyon, requiring you to wade through cold, shallow water (log jam entry). The 1.1-mile hike rewards with a hidden 100-ft waterfall at the end. Not accessible in high water. Trail starts at the Oneonta Gorge bridge.
Waterfall A roadside waterfall visible immediately from the parking area — no hiking required to see it. The trail to Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail) is 2.6 miles round-trip and passes behind the falls through a cave-like overhang. Connected to the Gorge Trail network.
Campground Campground and trailhead for the Gorge Trail network. Located 3.5 miles from Horsetail Falls along the highway. Full hookups available. Also provides hiker/biker sites and connects to multiple waterfall hikes.
Waterfall At 289 feet, Elowah is one of the tallest and least-crowded waterfall hikes on the Oregon side. The 3.2-mile loop passes beneath towering basalt walls and offers close-up views of the dramatic plunge pool. Accessed from the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor trailhead near Dodson.
Viewpoint At 4,055 feet, the summit offers an incredible panoramic view of five Cascade volcanoes simultaneously: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson. Access via Larch Mountain Road (14.5 miles, paved). No services at top. Turn-off is near the Multnomah Falls area.
State Park · WA The second largest monolith in North America at 848 feet. A paved, switchback trail with handrails and bridges leads 1 mile to the summit for stunning views of the Gorge and Columbia River. The state park also offers camping, hiking (Hamilton Mountain trail), and a boat launch.
Fresh cherries and seasonal produce near the stunning Panorama Point overlook of the Columbia River.
Local farm stand offering seasonal fruits and vegetables from the valley.
Historic farm with wine tasting, fruit, flowers, and art. Award-winning wines plus bottles from 30+ Gorge wineries. Orchards, flower fields, and landscaped patio gardens. Also stop #3 on the Fruit Loop and a key winery destination.
Estate winery on a century farm surrounded by 20 acres of vineyards. Estate Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and more with stunning mountain views.
Gourmet fruit gift packages and fresh produce. Famous for their premium pears, apples, and cherries. Ships nationally.
Classic red barn farm stand with fresh local produce and seasonal specialties.
One of the Fruit Loop's most popular stops. U-pick and farm stand with pumpkins, berries, sweet corn, and a fall corn maze. Seasonal activities for families.
Family farm stand with fresh fruits and vegetables from the valley.
Boutique winery producing estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Charming tasting room deck overlooks a waterfall and pond. Pet friendly. Also listed under Wineries.
Specialty chestnut farm; one of the few in the Pacific Northwest. Fresh chestnuts available in season (fall).
Family orchard with fresh apples, pears, and seasonal produce available throughout harvest season.
Fragrant lavender fields at their peak in July. U-pick lavender available in season; lavender products, soaps, sachets, and culinary lavender available year-round.
Working alpaca farm open to visitors. Watch the alpacas and browse the fiber products, yarn, and handmade goods made from the farm's own fleece.
A beloved Fruit Loop staple. Fresh-baked pies, pastries, and breads alongside orchard-fresh apples, pears, and peaches. The homemade pies are legendary.
Farm stand in the middle valley area offering seasonal fresh produce, local goods, and farm charm.
Family orchard with fresh fruit sales during harvest season.
An exceptional stop — the Kiyokawa family grows over 60 varieties of apples alone, plus pears, peaches, and other tree fruits. One of the most diverse orchards in the region. Excellent fresh cider.
Orchard with panoramic views of Mt. Hood. Fresh apples, pears, and seasonal produce. One of the southernmost stops on the loop with the closest views of the mountain.
Specialty berry farm with fresh seasonal berries — strawberries, raspberries, and more — available in summer.
U-pick and fresh blueberries in season. Set near the scenic Lost Lake area, making a nice pairing with a visit to Lost Lake itself.
A charming country store and bakery featuring local produce, house-made preserves, baked goods, and regional products. A cozy stop that captures Hood River Valley's farm culture.
Hood River's first estate organic winery. 15 varieties, Mt. Hood views, stone fireplace. Also listed under Wineries.
Stunning purple lavender fields peak in July. U-pick lavender; culinary lavender, essential oils, and lavender products. One of the most photogenic stops on the entire loop.
Family orchard with seasonal fresh fruit available at the stand during harvest.
Estate winery with a sunlit tasting room just steps from the vineyards. Meticulous farming, quality over quantity. Picnic patio. Also listed under Wineries.
Italian varietals on the Heights of Hood River — award-winning Primitivo, Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, and more. Also listed under Wineries.
U-pick blueberries on the heights above Hood River. Buckets provided; pick your own fresh blueberries in summer.
Oregon Winery of the Year 2007. Award-winning wines, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams views, picnic area. Also listed under Wineries.
Estate winery in the Hood River Valley producing wines from locally grown fruit. A Fruit Loop winery destination with valley views.
Winemaker Rich Cushman — "Born in the Gorge." Pinot Noir, Barbera, Tempranillo, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and ice wines. Final stop on the numbered Fruit Loop. Also listed under Wineries.
The first national scenic area in the US, established 1986. Protects 73,000 acres spanning both sides of the Columbia River from the Sandy River to Deschutes River. Over 800 miles of maintained hiking trails; waterfalls, wildflowers, ancient forests, and basalt cliffs. Administered jointly by USFS and state agencies.
Hood River is the "Windsurfing Capital of the World" and a premier kiteboarding destination. The Event Site on the waterfront is the main launch area. Also features a marina, waterfront restaurants and brewpubs, a walking/biking path, and regular events. The Columbia River provides consistent strong winds through the Gorge.
One of the most popular state parks in Oregon. Three miles of sandy Columbia River beach, boat ramp, picnic areas, and a clothing-optional beach area at the eastern end. Excellent birdwatching in the wetlands behind the beach. Beautiful views of the Gorge walls.
Tranquil lake in the Gorge with picnic areas, a sandy swimming beach, and non-motorized boating. Benson Lake is a popular family destination surrounded by the forested walls of the Gorge. Very close to Multnomah Falls.
Campground nestled in the Gorge at the eastern end of the Historic Highway waterfall corridor. Full hookup and hiker/biker tent sites. Direct access to the Gorge Trail which connects Ainsworth to multiple waterfall trailheads east and west. The canyon walls tower overhead.
One of the great New Deal public works projects, completed 1937. Free visitor center and powerhouse tours available. Underwater fish viewing windows let you watch salmon and steelhead migrating past the fish ladders. The adjacent hatchery has large sturgeon pools you can feed. Bradford Island visitor center is the main hub.
Charming town straddling the Columbia River. The Bridge of the Gods toll bridge connects Oregon and Washington and is famous as a crossing point on the Pacific Crest Trail. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler offers scenic cruises. Marine Park has a boat launch, picnic area, and the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum.
The 848-ft Beacon Rock monolith — second largest in North America — dominates the Washington shore. A 1-mile paved trail with handrails and bridges spirals to the summit for breathtaking views. The state park also features Hamilton Mountain trail (8 miles, excellent Gorge views), camping, boat launch, and picnic areas.
One of the premier whitewater rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The lower White Salmon offers Class III–V rapids through a spectacular basalt canyon. Several outfitters in the Husum/BZ Corner area offer guided rafting trips. The river has been partially restored after removal of Condit Dam in 2011, improving salmon habitat significantly.
A 31-mile rail-trail converted from an old railroad grade running along the Klickitat River canyon — one of the most scenic rail-trails in Washington. The lower section (Lyle to Pitt) is the most dramatic. The Klickitat River itself offers excellent steelhead fishing and kayaking through a stunning basalt canyon. Access from Lyle, WA.
The Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountains in the only sea-level gap in a major North American mountain range. This creates dramatic weather — moisture-laden Pacific air meets the dry eastern plateau — producing the strong, consistent winds that make Hood River the windsurfing capital of the world, and the climate gradient that allows nearly every wine grape variety to thrive within 40 miles.
Oregon's highest peak at 11,249 feet, Mt. Hood is a snow-capped stratovolcano and an iconic backdrop for the entire region. Timberline Lodge (a National Historic Landmark built by the WPA in 1937) offers year-round skiing on the Palmer Snowfield. The mountain is the namesake of Hood River and is visible from wineries, farms, and viewpoints throughout the valley.
Washington's second-highest peak at 12,281 feet — and the second-most massive volcano in the continental US. Mt. Adams dominates the view looking north from Hood River Valley wineries and farms. The Mt. Adams Wilderness offers excellent backcountry hiking and the Yakama Nation manages access to the sacred mountain's southern slopes.
The hub city of the Columbia Gorge wine and recreation region. A vibrant small city (pop. ~8,000) perched on a bluff above the Columbia River with stunning views of both Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Known for its exceptional restaurant scene, craft breweries, outdoor sports culture, and the Hood River Valley's orchards and wineries. Gateway to the Fruit Loop and Mt. Hood.
The eastern gateway to the Columbia River Gorge and the largest city in the region (pop. ~16,000). Historically significant as the endpoint of the Oregon Trail. The Dalles Dam impounds the river and has a visitor center. The city has a growing wine and culinary scene, anchored by the historic Sunshine Mill winery complex.
Twin towns on the Washington shore directly across from Hood River. White Salmon sits up on the bluff; Bingen is at river level. Together they form a vibrant community with excellent restaurants and a strong arts scene. The White Salmon River flows through here on its way to the Columbia, offering world-class whitewater rafting.
A small Washington wine country town at the confluence of the Klickitat and Columbia Rivers. Home to several excellent wineries including Syncline, Memaloose, COR Cellars, and Domaine Pouillon. The Klickitat Trail rail-trail begins here. Lyle is a quieter, less-visited corner of the Gorge with authentic charm.
Established in 2004, the Columbia Gorge AVA spans both sides of the river. The AVA is defined by its extraordinary climate gradient — rainfall drops from 40 inches per year in the west to 10 inches in the east over just 40 miles. This allows the region to grow an unprecedented range of varietals, from cool-climate Pinot Noir and Gewürztraminer to warm-climate Syrah and Zinfandel.
The larger Columbia Valley AVA encompasses the eastern portion of the Gorge area and extends into eastern Washington. This high-desert region receives only 10 inches of annual rainfall and features a continental climate ideal for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. Wineries like Maryhill, Waving Tree, and others east of Wishram operate within this AVA.
The easternmost destination in the Gorge touring area. Sam Hill's full-scale replica of Stonehenge (built 1918–1930 as a WWI memorial) stands on a bluff above the Columbia. Maryhill Museum of Art, also built by Sam Hill, houses Rodin sculptures, a Théâtre de la Mode collection, and Native American artifacts. Maryhill Winery with its concert amphitheater is nearby.
Larch Mountain (4,055 ft) rises above the western Gorge and offers the famous "5-volcano" Sherrard Viewpoint. The entire Gorge landscape was sculpted by the Missoula Floods — the largest floods in Earth's history — which roared through the Gorge repeatedly during the last Ice Age, carving canyon walls thousands of feet high and depositing the unique, varied soils that now give Gorge wines their "terroir." Soils range from red volcanic mudstone to gray basalt to deep silt deposited from what is now Montana.