Compare Columbia River Gorge hikes by scenery, effort, exposure, and access. Start with a roundup if you have not chosen a trail, or open a route guide below.
Start with a Gorge overview
If you have not settled on a trail, use one of these guides to compare landscapes, effort, and the kind of outing you want.
- 10 best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge — A broad starting point for comparing Gorge trails.
- Waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge — Compare short stops, walks, and longer waterfall outings.
- Columbia Gorge wildflower hikes — Look at bloom areas and the route conditions that shape a spring trip.
- Hood River hiking guide — Find an outing by direction and weather around Hood River.
Waterfalls and forest hikes
These guides focus on a particular waterfall or forest route. A roadside view and a full hike can require very different plans.
- Multnomah Falls hike — Choose between the landmark viewpoint and a climb to the top.
- Wahclella Falls Trail — A compact canyon hike to a waterfall.
- Latourell Falls Trail — A loop linking the lower and upper falls.
- Dry Creek Falls Trail — A forest hike from Cascade Locks.
- Horsetail Falls — A roadside view with a possible climb toward Ponytail Falls.
- Fairy Falls — A steeper climb from Wahkeena Falls.
Views, climbs, and longer routes
Compare the climb, exposure, route options, and turnaround before choosing one of these trails.
- Angel’s Rest Trail — A Gorge viewpoint reached by a sustained climb.
- Eagle Creek Trail — Pick a canyon turnaround and assess the exposed sections.
- Dog Mountain Trail — A strenuous climb with seasonal access rules to check.
- Coyote Wall Trail — An open-slope trail network with multiple route options.
- Hamilton Mountain Trail — Compare the falls, summit, and full-loop options.
- Cape Horn Trail — A Gorge hike with a seasonal loop restriction to check.
- Larch Mountain Trail — Choose a short summit stop or a much longer forest approach.
Access, parking, and restrictions can change. Read the full route guide and check its linked managing-agency sources before you go.