Easy Hikes in the Columbia Gorge

Why the Columbia Gorge Works for Easy Hikes

The Columbia River Gorge cuts through the Cascade Range along the Oregon and Washington border. Its west end has dense forest, basalt cliffs and a large number of waterfalls close to the historic highway and to Interstate 84. That means many scenic walks are short, and several begin almost at the parking lot.

The tradeoff is crowding. Popular spots can fill up on weekends and in summer, and some areas have used timed-use permits or parking limits. This guide focuses on short, low-effort options and on ways to plan around the busy periods. Distances and elevation figures below are approximate, taken from commonly published trail information, so confirm details with the managing agency before you go.

Easy Gorge Hikes at a Glance

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil is a short trail through lush forest to a viewing platform for a two-tiered waterfall, with clifftop river views along the way. It is on the Historic Columbia River Highway and is run as a state scenic viewpoint. The path includes some stairs, so it is not fully flat, but it is short enough that most beginners and families manage it.

Latourell Falls

Latourell Falls drops about 249 feet over basalt columns coated in yellow-green lichen. The walk to the lower viewpoint is brief and gentle. If you want a longer outing, a loop that links the lower and upper falls is commonly listed at around 2.4 miles with a few hundred feet of climbing, which is a step up from the viewpoint walk.

Wahclella Falls

Wahclella is a favorite for people who want a real hike without a steep climb. The trail follows a canyon with mossy rock walls and ends near a waterfall. It runs along Tanner Creek and includes a short loop near the end, with a bridge that offers a good view. Expect a gradual climb, and note that trail conditions in the Gorge have changed after wildfires and storms, so check current status.

Starvation Creek State Park

Starvation Creek has a flat, paved path that passes a series of waterfalls and is often recommended for strollers and mobility needs. It is a good choice for a quieter day and for people who want waterfalls without a climb. Parking is right off the highway. Some segments of the old highway trail near it may have been closed at times, so confirm before you arrive.

Multnomah Falls Lower Viewpoint

Multnomah Falls is the best-known waterfall in the Gorge and the most visited. The lower viewpoint is a short, paved walk from the parking area. The trail to the upper bridge is steeper with switchbacks, and the full route up to the top is a longer hike. In some summers the area has required a timed-use permit for vehicles using the I-84 exit, so check the current rules on the U.S. Forest Service and Recreation.gov websites before planning.

Catherine Creek Arch Loop (Washington Side)

On the Washington side, Catherine Creek has open oak and grass hillsides, rock arches and views across the gorge. It is at its best in spring, when wildflowers bloom, and it is drier than the west end’s forest trails. Several loop lengths are available, so you can choose a shorter or longer walk. The area is known for ticks and for poison oak and rattlesnakes in warm months, so stay on the trail and check yourself afterward.

What About Tunnel Falls?

Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail is a popular question, including “how long does it take?” It is a long hike, often listed at over 10 miles round trip, and the trail has narrow ledges with drop-offs. It is not an easy hike for beginners or for anyone nervous around exposure. Trail closures have occurred in the Gorge because of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire and later conditions, so always check current status with the Forest Service. For an easier first Gorge waterfall, choose one of the walks above instead.

Best Hikes Around Hood River

If you are staying in Hood River or Mosier on the east end, you have easy options with a drier climate:

• Mosier Twin Tunnels: A paved section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail through restored tunnels, good for walking or biking. See our guide to easy biking trails for tips on finding flat, scenic rides.
• Catherine Creek: On the Washington side across the river, as described above.
• Short waterfall walks on Mount Hood: Tamanawas Falls is a popular option, though it is longer than the walks above, so read a current trail description first.

How Many Days Do You Need?

One day is enough for a few short waterfall stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway if you start early. Two to three days lets you add the east-end trails and the Washington side without rushing. If you want to combine more than waterfalls, such as viewpoints, towns and orchards, plan more time.

Planning Tips

• Go early or on weekdays. Popular lots fill, and mornings are usually quieter.
• Check permits and parking. You may need a Northwest Forest Pass, an Oregon State Parks day-use permit or a timed-use permit at some sites in peak periods. Rules change, so confirm each year.
• Expect wet conditions. Forest trails on the west side can be muddy even when it has been dry elsewhere. Wear shoes with grip.
• Stay on the trail. Basalt cliffs can be unstable and slippery near falls. Do not climb on wet rocks near drop-offs.
• Check closures. Wildfires, landslides and storms have closed trails and roads in the Gorge. Check the Forest Service and Oregon State Parks pages before you drive.

For help choosing between waterfalls and what to bring, see our guide to easy hikes to a waterfall. If you are traveling on to the coast, the easy hikes on the Oregon coast offer a different type of scenery within a few hours’ drive.