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The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls
Full-day Tours 8 hours 4.8 · 12 reviews Offered in: English

The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

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Overview

Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the longest ski season in the US. To the north of Mt. Hood is the Hood River Valley.

You will get intimate with this area through a visit to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, fruit stands in the Hood River Valley, downtown Hood River (your opportunity for lunch and/or alcoholic beverages), and breathtaking stops in the eastern and western Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah Falls included).

Your expert guide, with formal background in ecology and natural resources, will teach you about the natural and cultural history of the area, as you drive the Mt. Hood and Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byways. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

  • Recommended by 98% of travelers
  • Badge of Excellence
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Mobile ticket

What's included

Bottled water

Snacks

In-vehicle air conditioning

Parking fees

PA system so the back row can hear the guide

Lunch

Gratuities (always appreciated)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup is offered for all travelers.

What to expect

  1. Mount Hood

    2 hours

    Mt. Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano, the highest peak in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. Not only is it known for its beauty, visible on the skyline of much of northern Oregon and southern Washington, but it is also the most climbed stratovolcano in the Cascades, easily accessible from Timberline Lodge, which is the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year. You will spend 1-2 hours at Timberline Lodge, on the mountain, just below the Palmer Glacier.

  2. Timberline Lodge

    30 min

    This Works Progress Administration project was dedicated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937. It is one of the most unique, and expansive buildings in the State of Oregon, sitting on Mt. Hood above timberline, for utterly sublime views. You can divide your time among interpretive displays, food & drink venues, hiking in summer and snowplay in winter, as you like. The lodge is a National Historic Landmark, and the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year.

  3. Draper Girls Country Farm

    20 min

    Depending on the season, we'll stop at this charming orchard store, where you can buy fresh fruit & preserves, pet the cats and goats, and get a spectacular shot of Mt. Hood, weather permitting.

  4. Apple Valley Country Store

    20 min

    Depending on the season, we'll stop at this homey country store, who not only sell fruit and preserves, but also homemade pies and huckleberry milkshakes!

  5. Port of Hood River

    1 hour

    Dubbed the "windsurfing capital" of the world, Hood River also has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US, and a plethora of tasting rooms, galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. This is where you'll spend your lunch hour.

  6. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

    3 hours

    The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, the Columbia River, a plethora of birds, and a plant community that changes dramatically between the west and east ends.

  7. Rowena Crest Viewpoint

    20 min

    The quintessential photo opportunity for the eastern Gorge.

  8. Columbia River Highway

    20 min

    This 74-mile (123-km) long historic highway was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps. These days one can no longer drive the entire highway, but we will drive portions of this picturesque, engineering marvel in both the eastern and western gorge, past basalt terraces and waterfalls.

  9. Bridge of the Gods

    20 min

    Columbia River crossing for the Pacific Crest Trail, and lowest point on that trail. Named for a Native American legend that explains the local geology.

  10. Bonneville Lock & Dam

    20 min

    Another National Historic Landmark, Bonneville Dam was the first Public Works Administration dam on the Columbia River, completed in 1938.

  11. Bonneville Hatchery

    20 min

    Largest hatchery in the state of Oregon.

  12. Elowah Falls

    20 min

    A hidden beauty...watch quickly, or you might miss it!

  13. Beacon Rock

    20 min

    The fifth largest free-standing monolith in the world. It is an 848-ft (258-m) volcanic plug, composed of columnar basalt, so similar in size and composition to Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

  14. Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

    20 min

    Don't miss this quirky waterfall as we pass by!

  15. Multnomah Falls

    30 min

    The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

  16. Wahkeena Falls

    30 min

    Another cute waterfall to watch for closely!

  17. Crown Point State Park

    30 min

    Once known as Thor's Hammer, this geological feature towers above, with a crown-shaped building sitting atop, and a waterfall coming down the side.

  18. Rooster Rock State Park

    30 min

    As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!

  19. Sandy River

    30 min

    We'll cross the Sandy River between the Columbia Gorge and Willamette Valley. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).

Additional Information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • Up to 14 travelers per booking
  • Each booking must include at least one adult.

FAQs about The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

Can I cancel The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls for free?

Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

How long does it take?

It takes about 8 hours.

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is offered for all travelers.

What's included?

  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Parking fees
  • PA system so the back row can hear the guide

What's not included?

  • Lunch
  • Gratuities (always appreciated)

Which places does it visit?

It visits Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge, Draper Girls Country Farm, Apple Valley Country Store, Port of Hood River, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, Columbia River Highway.

Which languages is it offered in?

It is offered in English.

What fitness level is needed?

It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is it suitable for children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Operated by Terran Travels

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