Columbia River Highway
Columbia River Highway
5
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A historical highway built as the first paved road in the Northwestern portion of Oregon.
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5.0
488 reviews
Excellent
410
Very good
66
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
1
PeoriaMom
Peoria, IL41 contributions
Oct 2021
The Columbia River Highway is beautiful and scenic. We were there the beginning of Oct. Traffic wasn't too bad except around Multnomah Falls. We had to circle back around and park in the lot on the other side of Interstate 84 to visit. We were surprised at how close many waterfalls are to each other, and how close they were to the Columbia River Highway. The falls were breathtaking! Highly recommend taking the scenic highway 30.
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David G
Santa Clarita, CA518 contributions
May 2021
We rode our bicycles on two different sections of the Historic Highway. From Troutdale to Vista House, and on a different day from Hood River to The Dalles. Great bike trails and a great highway to ride along with fabulous views
Written 21 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
booradley2
san diego213 contributions
The Historic Columbia River Highway was one of the high points of my visit to Portland. I drove the western portion on a grey Saturday afternoon in March. There was hardly any traffic on the old two-lane blacktop road, which is astounding because it is so scenic. Switchback curves, vista points hundreds of feet above the river, dark forests, waterfalls so close to the road you almost need to use the windshield wipers, the Highway is one of the most beautiful roads I've ever driven. If I ever get back to Portland I'm driving the entire route, all the way to the Dalles.
Written 12 March 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,123 contributions
Aug 2020
There is some confusion here in the reviews, maybe I can clarify. Reviewers are talking about two different things. On the one hand there is Highway 84 which is indeed a four lane highway from the Dalles to Portland through the Columbia River gorge. You can see some scenery from the highway, but it runs parallel to the river at the bottom of the valley, not the best vantage point. Currently the Multnomah falls exit from the I-84 is the only way to reach Multnomah falls by car.
On the other hand there is the historic Columbia river highway, a two lane windy road that runs roughly parallel to the freeway, but climbs up the side of the gorge for gorgeous views and access to half a dozen other waterfalls and trails. I would recommend for the full experience driving the scenic byway. If we hadn't taken the smaller road, we would have missed out on many views. Currently, part of the smaller road is closed due to flood damage (and possibly covid in the Multnomah falls area) but it was still worth it. Check the map before you come.
On the other hand there is the historic Columbia river highway, a two lane windy road that runs roughly parallel to the freeway, but climbs up the side of the gorge for gorgeous views and access to half a dozen other waterfalls and trails. I would recommend for the full experience driving the scenic byway. If we hadn't taken the smaller road, we would have missed out on many views. Currently, part of the smaller road is closed due to flood damage (and possibly covid in the Multnomah falls area) but it was still worth it. Check the map before you come.
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher C
Calgary, Canada558 contributions
Jan 2020
This isn't a winding little country road along the banks of the Columbia anymore .... Its an interstate highway, and it will get you where you need to go fast, if that is your desire .... But the point is to take the road less traveled, and relax and take the state park roads along the way when you can .... totally worthy
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
josephm997
La Grande, OR82 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
I've lived in Oregon since 1974 and it's always worthwhile stop at the aptly named Vista House at Crown Point. It's accessible whether you are traveling east or west on I-84 on the old Columbia Hwy. It can be slow going to reach especially on weekends as traffic can be heavy . Parking can be a challenge at times and if you do not wish to stop there is a traffic loop around the Vista House. The views are great from the Vista House and one can appreciate the beauty of the Columbia Gorge. It can be very windy at times. Inside the Vista House are interesting plaques and pictures with some of the history of the area. Also the architecture of the building is interesting. There is a small gift shop there as well. Along the highway I would recommend stopping at Multnomah Falls as well.
Written 26 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina M.K
Vancouver, WA63 contributions
I'm from Vancouver & I drive up this highway any chance I get. Not only is it fun to drive it's Beautiful!
Written 26 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
half-Brit
Oregon Coast49,568 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
Important Note about repair closures:
The Crown Point Viaduct Project will cause parts of this highway to be closed from summer 2012 through mid 2013.
Check the Crown Point State Park website for updated information, click on Viaduct Project.
The Columbia River Highway is the original paved road in this part of Oregon. Built between 1913 and 1922, today it remains as a lovely scenic route that bypasses part of busy I-84.
We drove it eastbound, and took exit #22 from I-84. You could also take exit #18 and go through Troutdale and along the Sandy River. Either way, you'll climb up the hill to Corbett.
Our first stop was the Women's Forum viewpoint at Chanticleer Point. The views are amazing, as they also are from the more crowded Crown Point as well. We also stopped at several of the lesser-known wateralls, including Latourell Falls and Wahkeenah Falls.
The road itself is a lovely drive, but don't be in a hurry! You'll want to take your time and enjoy the beautifual scenery. The highway is somewhat winding although it has been widened over the years and there is now adequate room for modern vehicles.
However -- if you are driving a motorhome or wide pickup truck, there is a short stretch just west of Multnomah Falls (I believe that's where it is) where the road is very narrow. Keep an eye out for other wide vehicles such as tour coaches! We drove the route on a sunny winter day but it will have much more traffic in summer, especially on weekends.
I would not recommend this route for anyone towing any type of camping trailer other than a small tent trailer.
Towering trees, roaring waterfalls, picnic areas, classic old bridges, hiking trails . . . you'll find it all along this old highway :-)
The Crown Point Viaduct Project will cause parts of this highway to be closed from summer 2012 through mid 2013.
Check the Crown Point State Park website for updated information, click on Viaduct Project.
The Columbia River Highway is the original paved road in this part of Oregon. Built between 1913 and 1922, today it remains as a lovely scenic route that bypasses part of busy I-84.
We drove it eastbound, and took exit #22 from I-84. You could also take exit #18 and go through Troutdale and along the Sandy River. Either way, you'll climb up the hill to Corbett.
Our first stop was the Women's Forum viewpoint at Chanticleer Point. The views are amazing, as they also are from the more crowded Crown Point as well. We also stopped at several of the lesser-known wateralls, including Latourell Falls and Wahkeenah Falls.
The road itself is a lovely drive, but don't be in a hurry! You'll want to take your time and enjoy the beautifual scenery. The highway is somewhat winding although it has been widened over the years and there is now adequate room for modern vehicles.
However -- if you are driving a motorhome or wide pickup truck, there is a short stretch just west of Multnomah Falls (I believe that's where it is) where the road is very narrow. Keep an eye out for other wide vehicles such as tour coaches! We drove the route on a sunny winter day but it will have much more traffic in summer, especially on weekends.
I would not recommend this route for anyone towing any type of camping trailer other than a small tent trailer.
Towering trees, roaring waterfalls, picnic areas, classic old bridges, hiking trails . . . you'll find it all along this old highway :-)
Written 4 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaskel08
California357 contributions
Sept 2022
Loved the drive. Amazing views of the gorge, river, waterfalls, etc. I couldn't stop rubbernecking. Would definitely do it again.
Written 22 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt-Eve
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
It was a mistake in driving this stretch. We recommend everyone to come here to cycle. It is not good for driving these roads.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trying to plan where to eat lunch on the drive from Portland to Multnomah Falls. Some to-go food for a picnic would be nice. Any recommendations? GF and vegetarians in the group = P Thanks!
Written 25 August 2016
Buying food in Portland before you get into the Gorge would be a good idea as there are not that many places on the scenic highway.
I would not recommend the Tippy canoe, but check it out for yourself, overpriced and not that good of food. The General store is more reasonable and fun to visit.
If your looking to pack a picnic and you have food considerations
I would recommend stopping at a "Whole foods" or New "Seasons"
Written 26 August 2016
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