We were having lunch on a log bridge on the Latourell Falls trail 25 years ago, and as his orange fell in the water so too did his backpack and before I knew it he was in the water trying to save both. I have a vivid memory of my friend Brian standing waist-deep in water, holding his soaking wet backpack dripping above his head. Trailhead Location: Latourell Falls Trailhead.These hikes are relatively easy – not too long, and not too much elevation gain – and should be accessible to most people. Here are the best hike in the Gorge, organized by difficulty level. The 12 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge I hardly go anywhere without snacks, so this is just good life advice. If you’re headed back into town on the 84 around 3:30 – 6 pm, you’ll most likely encounter traffic. If there’s a chance of rain, stuff your rain jacket in your pack. It could rain, but even if it hasn’t rained in a couple days, the trails are likely to be muddy so don’t wear your new white Keds. The parking lots for the more popular hikes will fill up by 9 am, so plan on getting there early, or if you have the late summer sun on your side, show up after 3 or 4 pm. Here’s what you should know before you head out: What a treat! I’m still a diehard fan of the Gorge, but it’s kinda like the second cup of coffee – I still really enjoy it, but it’s not quite as good as the first one. Tips for Newbiesįirst of all, I’m jealous you get to experience the Gorge trails for the first time. Plus, the Northwest Forest Pass can work for any car, so after you’re done you can gift it to some lucky stranger! The Discover Pass requires a license plate number to be included on it, but it has space for two which still gives you an option of gifting it later on. Some trailheads don’t have an easy way to purchase a pass onsite and if you’ve got one in your glove compartment it’s easy-peasy (you can buy the day passes in advance from REI – NW Forest Pass / Discover Pass). Even if you’re not sure you’ll use an annual pass enough, you still may want to get one for convenience. The day parking fee for trailheads that require the Northwest Forest Pass is $5, and for the Discover Pass is $10. I used to get annoyed that Washington had to have its own pass and resent the fact that I had to buy two passes each year, but really the quality of trails out there is totally worth the amount you’ll pay. If you live in the area and you plan on hiking on a somewhat regular basis (one or two hikes a month), I highly recommend buying an annual Northwest Forest Pass ($30) and a Discover Pass ($35). Here are some quick tips to know before you head out to the Gorge. That being said, we would absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.ħ When to Go Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge Tips for Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge Interested in hiking around Portland? Make sure to read our guide to the best hikes near Portland for our top picks inside the city and just outside it.ĭisclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. I’ll give you a local’s look at all the Gorge has to offer. These hikes in the Gorge make an excellent day trip from Portland if you’re looking to get outside and experience the sheer natural beauty surrounding the city. I’ve been hiking these trails since I was a teen in the mid 90’s and have seen and hiked it all. I’ll be your guide on this virtual trip through the Gorge, and I’ve got you covered. With options for newbies and seasoned trekkers alike, we’ll outline the best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge for anyone who’s ready to get out there and embrace the outdoorsy Pacific Northwest lifestyle. The Columbia River Gorge, aka Portland’s Playground, aka the Gorge, aka the Notorious CRG, stretches over 85 miles along the mighty Columbia River and is home to towering waterfalls, world-class windsurfing, and spectacular hiking. National Parks in Washington State Expand.
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