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Historic Columbia River Highway — United States — Historical
North America

Historic Columbia River Highway

United States

In short: Historic Columbia River Highway is a 105 km historical road trip in United States, typically driven over 1 day, best in late spring to early fall. Highlights: Troutdale, Vista House at Crown Point, Latourell Falls.

Distance
105 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
late spring to early fall
IconicEasyHistoricalEV-friendly

This classic Oregon drive follows the restored Historic Columbia River Highway through the Columbia River Gorge, linking waterfalls, stone bridges, and bluff-top viewpoints. Starting near Troutdale and finishing in the Hood River area, it blends early 20th-century engineering with constant river-and-cliff scenery, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Practical notes
This route is fully paved and fine for any vehicle, but traffic can be heavy near Multnomah Falls, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Parking lots fill early, some trail access may close after wildfire damage or during maintenance, and winter weather can bring ice or rockfall on the gorge slopes.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Troutdale — Departure — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Departure
Troutdale
Gateway to the gorge with a small-town launch point. Leave the Portland edge and head straight into waterfall country.
Hotels
Cascade Locks — City — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
City
Cascade Locks
A river town near the end of the historic highway stretch. It is a good place to stretch, eat, and watch traffic on the Columbia.
Hotels
Hood River — Arrival — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Arrival
Hood River
A lively gorge town with river views and a relaxed finish. It wraps up the drive with food, breweries, and mountain scenery.
Hotels

Things to Do

Vista House at Crown Point — Landmark — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Landmark
Vista House at Crown Point
A dramatic stone lookout perched above the Columbia River. Its wraparound views make an iconic first pause on the route.
Latourell Falls — Nature — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Nature
Latourell Falls
A tall, single-drop waterfall framed by bright basalt cliffs. The short trail gives an easy close-up of the spray and moss.
Multnomah Falls — Nature — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Nature
Multnomah Falls
The route's signature waterfall, with a two-tier drop and the famous footbridge. It is the most photographed stop in the gorge.
Horsetail Falls — Nature — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Nature
Horsetail Falls
A roadside cascade that pours right beside the highway. It is a quick, scenic stop with easy access and strong summer flow.
Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint — Nature — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Nature
Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
A lush trail leads to a shaded waterfall overlook. The stop feels tucked into the forest and the gorge's damp cliffs.
Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area — Landmark — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Landmark
Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area
A quiet stone bridge spans a narrow green ravine. It is one of the highway's best examples of early scenic-road design.
Hike to Multnomah Falls Bridge — hike — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
hike
Hike to Multnomah Falls Bridge
Walk to the iconic Benson Bridge for a close look at the upper and lower falls. The short trail delivers the route's best waterfall view.
Visit Vista House Interpretive Exhibits — historic site — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
historic site
Visit Vista House Interpretive Exhibits
Step inside for gorge history, old photos, and a viewing terrace above the river. It adds context to the road's engineering story.
Photograph Latourell Falls — waterfall viewing — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
waterfall viewing
Photograph Latourell Falls
Capture the basalt columns and bright green cliffside around the falls. The short approach makes it one of the easiest scenic stops.
Explore Cascade Locks Marine Park — park — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
park
Explore Cascade Locks Marine Park
Stroll the waterfront and watch boats on the Columbia River. It is a calm break before the final push to Hood River.
Walk the Hood River Waterfront Trail — scenic walk — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
scenic walk
Walk the Hood River Waterfront Trail
End the day with river views and mountain backdrops along the waterfront. It is an easy way to unwind after the drive.

Where to Eat

McMenamins Edgefield — Northwest pub — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Northwest pub
McMenamins Edgefield
A sprawling historic property with multiple dining spots and casual pub food. Good for a lingering meal near the start of the drive.
Multnomah Falls Lodge — American lodge dining — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
American lodge dining
Multnomah Falls Lodge
Classic stop for snacks, lunch, or a sit-down meal right by the falls. It is the easiest place to pair food with the route's most famous landmark.
Cascade Locks Ale House — Pub and burgers — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Pub and burgers
Cascade Locks Ale House
A casual stop in the river town with hearty plates and local beer. It works well as a mid-route lunch or early dinner.
The Sunny Pine Bakery and Cafe — Bakery and cafe — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Bakery and cafe
The Sunny Pine Bakery and Cafe
Known for coffee, pastries, and easy roadside breakfast or lunch. A practical stop in Hood River after the scenic drive.
Bette's Place — Cafe and brunch — Historic Columbia River Highway — United States
Cafe and brunch
Bette's Place
A popular Hood River breakfast and lunch spot with classic diner comfort food. It is a solid finish if you want a relaxed meal at the end.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Historic Columbia River Highway drive?

The Historic Columbia River Highway covers 105 km from start to finish.

How long does the Historic Columbia River Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Historic Columbia River Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Historic Columbia River Highway?

The recommended season for the Historic Columbia River Highway is late spring to early fall.

Where does the Historic Columbia River Highway start and end?

The Historic Columbia River Highway runs from Troutdale to Hood River.

What are the main stops on the Historic Columbia River Highway?

The Historic Columbia River Highway passes through Troutdale, Vista House at Crown Point, Latourell Falls.

Can I drive the Historic Columbia River Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Historic Columbia River Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Historic Columbia River Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Historic Columbia River Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Historic Columbia River Highway safe to drive?

This route is fully paved and fine for any vehicle, but traffic can be heavy near Multnomah Falls, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Parking lots fill early, some trail access may close after wildfire damage or during maintenance, and winter weather can bring ice or rockfall on the gorge slopes.

What scenic tier is the Historic Columbia River Highway?

The Historic Columbia River Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.