How long is the Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Loop route?

This route takes 4 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Portland to Portland in Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is June to early October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Classic road trip, Adventure, Food & drink.

Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Loop

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The route · 6 stops

2 overnight bases · 4 stops on the way

Portland

1 night

The loop's gateway city, where you collect the car and get your bearings. Walk the waterfront, browse Powell's City of Books, and stock up before heading east. On clear days Mount Hood floats on the skyline, a preview of where the road ends up. A good first night to shake off travel and plan the drive.The loop's gateway city, where you collect the car and get your bearings. Walk the waterfront, browse Powell's City of Books, and stock up before heading east. On clear days Mount Hood floats on the skyline, a preview of where the road ends up. A good first night to shake off travel and plan the drive.

Recommendations

On the way

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: The Historic Columbia River Highway, often called America's first scenic road, threads a cliffside corridor of waterfalls. In a few miles it links Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and 620-foot Multnomah Falls, with the Vista House at Crown Point looking far up the river. Go at sunrise to beat the crowds and the parking crush.Worth a stop on the drive: The Historic Columbia River Highway, often called America's first scenic road, threads a cliffside corridor of waterfalls. In a few miles it links Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and 620-foot Multnomah Falls, with the Vista House at Crown Point looking far up the river. Go at sunrise to beat the crowds and the parking crush.
Recommendations
Cascade Locks
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: A small river town under the Bridge of the Gods, where the Columbia once roared through rapids now stilled by dams. Ride the Columbia Gorge sternwheeler, watch salmon climb the fish ladders at nearby Bonneville Dam, and feel the famous Gorge wind build as you head east toward Hood River.Worth a stop on the drive: A small river town under the Bridge of the Gods, where the Columbia once roared through rapids now stilled by dams. Ride the Columbia Gorge sternwheeler, watch salmon climb the fish ladders at nearby Bonneville Dam, and feel the famous Gorge wind build as you head east toward Hood River.
Recommendations

On to Hood River

Hood River

2 nights

The Gorge's adventure hub, where a natural wind tunnel makes it one of the world's great windsurfing and kiteboarding spots. Base two nights to drive the Hood River Fruit Loop past orchards and cider houses, taste local wine with Mount Hood as a backdrop, and refuel in a lively brewery scene.The Gorge's adventure hub, where a natural wind tunnel makes it one of the world's great windsurfing and kiteboarding spots. Base two nights to drive the Hood River Fruit Loop past orchards and cider houses, taste local wine with Mount Hood as a backdrop, and refuel in a lively brewery scene.

Recommendations

On the way

Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge
Quick stop
Worth a stop on the drive: Turn south on Highway 35 to round Oregon's highest peak, 11,245-foot Mount Hood. Wind up to Timberline Lodge, a hand-built 1938 National Historic Landmark where you can ski in summer or just soak up the alpine view. Nearby Trillium Lake gives the postcard reflection, and the old Barlow Road recalls the Oregon Trail's last hard miles.Worth a stop on the drive: Turn south on Highway 35 to round Oregon's highest peak, 11,245-foot Mount Hood. Wind up to Timberline Lodge, a hand-built 1938 National Historic Landmark where you can ski in summer or just soak up the alpine view. Nearby Trillium Lake gives the postcard reflection, and the old Barlow Road recalls the Oregon Trail's last hard miles.
Recommendations
Portland
Quick stop
Drop back down Highway 26 through Government Camp, Zigzag and Sandy to close the loop in Portland. The forested descent is a quiet contrast to the morning's summit. Return the car, or stay a final night to round off the trip with a last meal in town.Drop back down Highway 26 through Government Camp, Zigzag and Sandy to close the loop in Portland. The forested descent is a quiet contrast to the morning's summit. Return the car, or stay a final night to round off the trip with a last meal in town.
Recommendations

Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Loop

The route · 6 stops

Portland

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

Cascade Locks

Hood River

Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge

Portland

Route highlights

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Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge Loop

The route · 6 stops

Portland

Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

Cascade Locks

Hood River

Mount Hood & Timberline Lodge

Portland

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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