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Mt. Hood National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest: Our most recommended tours and activities

Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour

1. Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour

Your 8.5-hour trip begins early with a hotel pickup from downtown Portland. Embark on an exhilarating morning drive through the Columbia River Gorge. Catch spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains that flank the river and glimpse a waterfall or two. Along the forested highway, visit Oregon’s famous waterfall Multnomah Falls. Join your guide and fellow visitors on Benson Bridge and snap a picture of the 611-foot-tall cascade of water as it crashes below. Next, continue to Hood River, a picturesque valley town renowned as a prime destination for wind sports. Watch kiteboarders and windsurfers skate across the water as you learn about Hood River’s rich environmental and cultural history.Then take some free time for lunch, shopping or wine-tasting (if whimsy strikes you!). Then visit Rowena Crest which has spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. The final stop on your guided tour is the glorious Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak at 11,249 feet (3,429 meters) and Timberline Lodge. Take a mountain walk or a self-guided visit through the renovated lodge that was once the setting for the classic film The Shining. Your day concludes back in Portland by early evening.

Portland: Mount Hood Wine and Waterfalls Full-Day Tour

2. Portland: Mount Hood Wine and Waterfalls Full-Day Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour of the beautiful landscapes of the wine-growing regions near Portland. Discover breathtaking sights like the Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls. Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch and a winetasting experience at a local winery.  Be picked at your accommodation in Portland and relax in comfort aboard a Mercedes Sprinter van as you travel through the verdant landscape of the Willamette Valley which is known for its hazelnuts, berries, evergreen trees, and Pinot Noir wine. Ride into the foothills of the western Cascades and ascend to the tree line on Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon. Spend an hour at the historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression.  Explore the interpretive displays, go hiking, or play in the snow, before heading thorugh the Hood River Valley to a picturesque winery. Eat a farm-to-table lunch while enjoying a wine tasting at a boutique vineyard with a view of Mount Hood.  Learn about wine production in the region and visit 1 other winery in the Columbia Gorge or Columbia Valley areas. Travel through the Columbia Gorge and admire the towering basalt cliffs, before stopping for half and hour at Multnomah Falls. Have time to walk up to the Benson Bridge, visit the interpretive center, or peruse the gift shop. Afterward, head back to Portland to be dropped off at your hotel.

7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

3. 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise

Discover the lower Columbia River Gorge from the water on a roundtrip jetboat cruise from Portland. Travel at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour as you journey along the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River toward Multnomah Falls. Marvel at views of the city and surrounding countryside as you make your way to Multnomah Falls. Enjoy sights like Cape Horn, Crown Point, Rooster Rock, Mount Hood, and much more, with a live guide narrating your journey. Explorer cruises are an adventure-style experience traveling at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. You are welcome to bring food and drink on board (no food/drink included or available for purchase), as long as it fits in a small bag that can be held in your lap or at your feet. The boat can be loud, so noise-canceling headphones or complimentary ear plugs will be available. The Explorer is an open-air boat and not climate controlled; please dress for the weather. There is a small bathroom on board. The boat is not wheelchair/walker accessible. Although the boat is mostly covered, there is an uncovered deck in the back. Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen are recommended. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged! Please keep bags and personal belongings to a minimum as there is limited space. Note that river conditions vary and may result in frequent, sustained turbulent motion along with varied weather. For safety and comfort, guests should be in good health and without conditions that could be aggravated by motion. Please consult your doctor prior to booking a cruise on the Explorer if you have a health concern.

Portland: Flightseeing Tour Mount Hood

4. Portland: Flightseeing Tour Mount Hood

Go on this flight tour up to Mount Hood and enjoy a unique view. Enjoy a low-level tour past Multnomah Falls and the rest of the Columbia River Gorge. Take a unique flight climbing above the Sandy River toward Mount Hood and over the Mount Hood National Forest. At the peak of the tour, on a clear day, you are able to see Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adam, Mount Jefferson, and of course, Mount Hood. Descend back into the Columbia River Gorge, flying past Oregon’s famous natural celebrities such as Elowah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Multnomah Falls, and more.  This grand tour showcases some of the best natural landmarks in Oregon.

From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour

5. From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour

Explore the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest on board a luxury passenger van. Enjoy picturesque Pacific Northwest scenery on well-maintained trails with an expert guide. Depart from downtown Portland and drive towards Troutdale, known as the Gateway to the Gorge. Enjoy the journey along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first planned scenic roadway in the United States. Arrive at Crown Point Vista House, an overlook that sits high above the Columbia River. From here, go deeper into the Columbia River National Scenic Area to the first waterfall for the day, the dramatic Latourell Falls. This waterfall plunges 249 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt. Depending on the season, a short walk will take you closer to the falls. Proceed next to the grand Multnomah Falls, which plummets to the ground from 620 feet in two major steps. Explore the Multnomah Falls Historic Lodge and stand on the easily accessible viewing platform that offers a full view of the Benson Bridge and cascading falls beyond. Next up is Hood River, known as the "Windsurfing Capital of the World", where you can explore and grab some lunch. After, set out heading south, through the Fruit Loop orchards and lavender farms. If time permits, you may even make a brief stop at one of the farm stands. Then, climb about 6,000 feet in elevation to Timberline Lodge. This National Historic Landmark sits proudly against Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood. Take a walking tour at the lodge and enjoy the Cascade Mountain Range views from the lodge’s patios, before a relaxing journey back to Portland.

From Portland: Mt Hood, Hood River Valley and Columbia Gorge

6. From Portland: Mt Hood, Hood River Valley and Columbia Gorge

Travel east of Portland through the verdant landscape of Willamette Valley, known for its hazelnuts, berries, Christmas trees, and Pinot Noir. Stop at a donut shop in the town of Sandy for coffee and morning treats before beginning your ascent of Mount Hood, the highest summit in Oregon. Spend the next hour at the historic Timberline Lodge and enjoy 1 hour of free time. From Timberline Lodge, head to Hood River Valley. Here, feed baby pygmy goats, get a photo of Mount Hood, purchase local fruit and preserves, taste cider, or buy a huckleberry milkshake. Afterwards, visit downtown Hood River and break for lunch. After lunch, learn about the geological history that shaped the Columbia River Gorge as you drive eastward past windsurfers in the Gorge, before stopping at a viewpoint to admire panoramic views of the Cascades. Next, travel westward through the Columbia Gorge and stop at Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, where you can walk up to the Benson Bridge, visit the interpretive center, buy a snack, or peruse the gift shop before heading back to Portland.

Portland: Multnomah Falls and Hood River Day Trip with Train

7. Portland: Multnomah Falls and Hood River Day Trip with Train

Discover the best of the Colombia River American Viticulture Area on this day trip from Portland. Enjoy a wine-tasting flight at one of the area's most renowned wineries, travel on the Mount Hood Railroad, and explore Multnomah Falls with a local guide. After getting picked up from Portland, travel straight to Multnomah Falls. Admire the impressive upper falls, which plummet 542 feet into a pool that runs into the Columbia River, making it the second-highest waterfall in the United States. At the base of the falls, you can visit the Historic Multnomah Falls Lodge for souvenirs and snacks, or visit the interpretative center. Next, head to Hood River and enjoy some free time to explore downtown before lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price). After lunch, cross the road to board the Mount Hood Railroad where you will board the Hood River Excursion Train for a 3-hour ride. Enjoy a unique train ride through the lower Hood River Valley and learn about the landscape of Mount Hood and its history from your guide. Finally, pay a visit to one of the area's 65 wineries for a wine tasting. Depending on the day, you could visit The Gorge White House, Phelps Creek Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge Winery, Viento, Mt. Hood Winery, Stave and Stone, The Pines, Garnier, Hood Crest, or Wy’East vineyards. Get dropped off back at your hotel in Portland at the end of the day.

Portland: 3-Day Tour to Crater Lake with Wine Tasting

8. Portland: 3-Day Tour to Crater Lake with Wine Tasting

Day 1: Silver Falls State Park and Willamette Valley Visit what people call, the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, including the standout scenery of Silver Falls State Park. You will be able to check out the famous South Falls and see its 177-foot curtain of water, as well as taking a walk behind North Falls. Before heading out to Oregon's wine country, you'll have some time to explore and find lunch in the little town of Silverton. Then, you'll make your way to Willamette Valley to enjoy wine at one of Oregon most renowned local vineyards. Learn how the area, once known for fruit orchards and nurseries, transformed into one of the country’s premier cool-climate varietal producers. Your guide will also explain how the unique relationship between volcanic Jory soils, elevation and protective microclimates has consistently proven ideal for vineyards, and has produced Oregon’s top Pinot Noir for decades. In the evening, explore the wonderful town of Eugene at your leisure. Day 2: Crater Lake National Park On the drive to Crater Lake, you will stop at Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall and one of Southern Oregon’s most powerful falls, with an average yearly flow of 50,000 gallons per minute surging over the rocks. Upon arrival at Crater Lake, you will spend half the day visiting all the incredible vistas, visitor centers, overlooks, and the Historic Lodge. Explore the national park with its unique combination of the U.S.A.'s deepest lake; steep surrounding cliffs almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past. Enjoy your own lunch in Crater Lake National Park, with options to purchase lunch available on site. Then, enjoy your evening and overnight stay in Bend, Oregon. Day 3: Bend - Portland The next morning, visit the High Desert Museum. Get close-up views of native wildlife such as river otters, bobcat, and birds of prey. See art through a different lens. Chat with historic characters who’ll share tales of early Oregon explorers and settlers. Visit an authentic homestead and sawmill from 1904, and learn about Native American culture and history. Next, make a brief stop at Smith Rock State Park, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, with its towering rock spires that beckon climbers from around the globe since the 1980’s. The final stop on the way back to Portland is Timberline Lodge, the legendary, awe-inspiring tribute to the rugged spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Hear stories about this monumental ski lodge on Mt Hood with year-round skiing, how it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977, and why it is one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions.

Other Sightseeing Options in Mt. Hood National Forest

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What people are saying about Mt. Hood National Forest

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 110 reviews

Ezekiel was a wonderful guide. The tour was thoroughly entertaining , informative and worth the money. After driving all day to get to Portland having someone else drive to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge to see the waterfalls was luxury. I would never have been able to find all these wonderful places on my own.

it was a very packed day with lots of fun experiences! I really liked the stops we made, and the weather was perfect. our guide, Damon, was also very nice and extremely knowledgeable.

Cher did a great job and was very knowledgeable. Enjoyed it!

Very well planned tour with a very knowledgeable driver.

Awesome time. Great tour guide. Beautiful scenery.