Chasing Waterfalls in Multnomah County: My Columbia River Gorge Experience from Portland
My Oregon journey began in Portland, and on January 23, it continued east to Corbett, Oregon, a scenic community in Multnomah County, about 45 minutes outside Portland.
Rather than driving solo, I chose to experience this part of Oregon on a guided tour with Wildwood Adventures. The tour—officially called the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour—is what I personally like to call chasing waterfalls along the Columbia River. And that’s exactly what we did, all on the Oregon side of the river.
This roughly 4-hour tour blended jaw-dropping scenery with local history and geology, making it one of the most memorable outdoor experiences of my time in Oregon.
First Stop: Vista House at Crown Point
Our first port of call was the iconic Vista House, perched dramatically atop Crown Point overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
A Brief History of Vista House
Built in 1918, Vista House was designed as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a crown jewel along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Its octagonal stone structure, Roman-style columns, and stained-glass windows make it as architecturally impressive as the views it offers.
When the Wind Steals the Show
Vista House is famous for its panoramic views—and equally famous for its intense winds. Because of its exposed position high above the gorge, the site is often closed during extreme weather. On the day of our visit, it was very windy. I literally had to hold on to my hat to keep it from flying straight into the gorge. It was a powerful reminder of just how raw and untamed nature can be in this part of Oregon.
Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Iconic Waterfall
Next, we began what truly felt like waterfall-hopping, starting with the crown jewel:
Multnomah Falls
At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest. The waterfall cascades in two tiers, connected by the historic Benson Bridge, which offers a dramatic mid-point viewing area.
Our guide explained how the falls are fed year-round by underground springs from Larch Mountain, which is why Multnomah Falls continues flowing even during drier seasons. The mist, the roar of water, and the surrounding basalt cliffs made this stop nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Latourell Falls: Power and Basalt Columns
Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls immediately stood out because of its plunge-style drop and the striking columnar basalt cliffs behind it. Unlike some waterfalls that cascade gently, Latourell drops straight down with force, creating a dramatic visual and auditory experience.
We learned that these basalt columns were formed by ancient lava flows, giving the waterfall its unique backdrop. It’s one of the best places in the gorge to clearly see the volcanic history written into the landscape.
Horsetail Falls: Grace Along the Highway
Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is easily accessible and uniquely positioned right off the Historic Columbia River Highway. The waterfall fans outward as it descends, resembling a horse’s tail—hence the name.
Our guide shared how Horsetail Falls changes character with the seasons, sometimes freezing in winter and roaring with volume during heavy rains. It’s a perfect example of how accessible beauty can still be incredibly powerful.
Ponytail Falls: Walking Behind the Water
Ponytail Falls
Just upstream from Horsetail Falls lies one of the most interactive stops on the tour—Ponytail Falls. What makes this waterfall special is the trail that passes behind it, allowing visitors to literally walk beneath the cascading water.
Learning about how erosion carved out the alcove behind the falls made the experience even more fascinating. It’s not every day you get to stand behind a waterfall and look out through flowing water.
Shepperd’s Dell Falls: Hidden and Serene
Shepperd’s Dell Falls
Shepperd’s Dell Falls felt more intimate and tucked away than the others. Surrounded by dense greenery and framed by a historic stone bridge, it has a quieter, more secluded charm.
This stop highlighted how not all waterfalls need to be massive to leave an impression. Its layered drops and lush surroundings made it one of the most peaceful moments of the tour.
A Perfect Half-Day Adventure in Multnomah County
After about four hours, we returned to Portland, having covered some of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Multnomah County. The tour struck a perfect balance between education, scenery, and convenience—no stress, no navigation worries, just pure immersion in Oregon’s natural beauty.
If you’re visiting Portland and want to experience the Columbia River Gorge without driving or planning every detail yourself, a guided waterfall tour like this is absolutely worth it. For me, this day truly embodied what Oregon does best: dramatic landscapes, powerful water, and unforgettable views.
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