The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls
At a glance
The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls is a 8h small-group experience in Portland, USA, operated by Terran Travels. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $139 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 14 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 19 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 8h
- Group
- Small group, up to 14 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup or meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Confirmed within 48 hours
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
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.
What's included
What's included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- PA system so the back row can hear the guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities (always appreciated)
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 2h
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.
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Stop 2 · 30m
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.
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Stop 3 · 20m
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.
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Stop 4 · 20m
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!
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Stop 5 · 1h
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.
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Stop 6 · 3h
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.
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Stop 7 · 20m
The quintessential photo opportunity for the eastern Gorge.
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Stop 8
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.
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Stop 9
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.
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Stop 10
Another National Historic Landmark, Bonneville Dam was the first Public Works Administration dam on the Columbia River, completed in 1938.
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Stop 11
Largest hatchery in the state of Oregon.
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Stop 12
A hidden beauty...watch quickly, or you might miss it!
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Stop 13
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.
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Stop 14
Don't miss this quirky waterfall as we pass by!
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Stop 15 · 30m
The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.
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Stop 16
Another cute waterfall to watch for closely!
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Stop 17
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.
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Stop 18
As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!
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Stop 19
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.
Meeting point
Pickup locations are flexible. We'll contact you the evening before to verify pickup time and location.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls take?
The experience lasts about 8h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $139 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Bottled water; Snacks; Air-conditioned vehicle; PA system so the back row can hear the guide.
Where does it start?
Pickup locations are flexible. We'll contact you the evening before to verify pickup time and location.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 13 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Portland.
