Scenic Drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway

The Historic Columbia River Highway was built in 1915 purely for the scenery — a narrow, mossy road that loops past one waterfall after another on its way into the Gorge.

Portland · Drive · about 45 min · 16 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

• America's first scenic highway, built for the view
• Passes a string of waterfalls in just a few miles
• Mossy basalt cliffs and old stone guardrails
• Deep Douglas-fir forest and constant green
• The Vista House overlook high above the Columbia

What you'll see

• Crown Point and the Vista House
• Latourell, Bridal Veil and Wahkeena Falls
• Multnomah Falls and its arched footbridge
• The Columbia River far below in the Gorge

Best time to go

Spring, when the falls are at full volume — early morning to beat the crowds at Multnomah.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More Portland routes · All cities