The Pacific Northwest Hiking Tour

Day 1: Multnomah Fall and Bridge of the Gods

As snow melt sends water gushing down creeks and rivers it ultimately crashes over the towers of basalt that form the walls of the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge area is known for breathtaking incredible waterfalls. We start our excursion with a loop-drive on the Oregon side of the river that takes in five waterfalls, the tallest of which is the 620 ft Multnomah Falls, known to be the most popular tourist destination in the state of Oregon. Moving on from there, we cross over the Bridge of the Gods, where at one time a massive landslide spanned across the entire river. In the evening, we can all relax and enjoy a fine dinner at Skamania Lodge – a premier hotel destination along the Gorge. As we will be here for two nights, in the morning we can just depart without baggage for our 2nd day of adventure!!

Walking Distances: Multnomah Falls Loop: 7 miles, 1800 ft gain

1st Night: Skamania Lodge

Day 2: Hamilton Mountain and Beacon Rock

On the way to Hamilton Mountain, our ascent will be through lush pine-scented forests, past waterfalls to wildflower meadows set atop basalt cliffs. We then descend into a rainforest canyon of Red Alder and Maple trees an abundance of ferns. If you want to and can, scaling Beacon Rock isa tempting option! This up and down roller coaster of peaks is not for the faint of heart, to be sure, but it is a must for those whose spirit-animal is the mountain goat!!

Walking Distances: Hamilton Mountain Loop: 7.5 miles, 2000 ft gain

2nd Night: Skamania Lodge

Day 3. Waterfalls, Forests & Wildflowers

Depending on the time of year, we’ll start the day with one of two potential hikes, both of which are favorites of locals and visitors alike! We may head to Dog Mountain to experience the dramatic wildflower display if it is early in the Spring/Summer season. If later, we forego this part of the hike and head directly to enjoy incredible waterfalls: there are simply so many, but the list may include Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Punchbowl Falls! Our guests always enjoy picnic lunches we are known for and depending on the timeframe we will find a great spot to stop and enjoy dining alfresco (outdoors)! Heading on, we’re off to Hood River which is famous for its water and wind activities sports! You will absolutely feel the enthusiasm that abounds here for outdoor activity, so much energy!! Outside Magazine has dubbed Hood River “One of America’s Best Towns” and you will get to see what!! We will spend the night on the shores of the mighty Columbia River, with our own private beach access!

Walking Distance: Dog Mountain: 7 miles, 2900 ft gain, Falls Hikes: variable distance and gain

3rd Night: Hood River Inn

Day 4: Rafting on the White Salmon River

We will start Day 4 with some Whitewater Rafting down the glacial White Salmon River. Running fast and cold, the river cuts directly through a rocky gorge that is narrow and has 100-foot cliffs, emptying out into beautiful meadows. We’ll enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch along the river before we head for the high point of our tour, the Timberline Lodge. It is a magnificent Historic Landmark situated at the base of Mt Hood. Before dinner enjoy a walk through the beautiful mountain meadows and snowfields that exist surrounding the lodge. Take in the expansive sweeping views then, if you wish, celebrate with an incredible dinner in the fabulous Cascade Dining Room and relax afterward in front of the famous three-story fireplace.

4th Night: Timberline Lodge

There is an option here to extend the tour to an additional day and night at Mt. Hood with beautiful hikes the next day towards the summit! Please call for details!

Day 5: Mirror Lake and Volcano Views

On our last day we most explore the best of Mt. Hood! Mirror Lake earns its name by offering guests a perfect reflection of the mountain on a calm day! We’ll contribute above a glacial headwall through wildflower fields to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain! This rocky summit in the midst of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness offers us the perfect spot to take in the icy volcanic towers of Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson, as well as a host of other peaks in the northern Oregon Cascades. On a clear day, more than 5 volcanoes are visible from this spot!!!

A celebration is in order with a picnic before returning to Portland which brings our fabulous tour to an end!

Walking Distance: Mirror Lake, TD&H Mtn: 7 miles, 1600 ft gain