The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

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.

1. 1

   Mount Hood

   2 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Timberline Lodge

   30 min

   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.

3. 3

   Draper Girls Country Farm

   20 min

   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.

4. 4

   Apple Valley Country Store

   20 min

   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!

5. 5

   Port of Hood River

   1 hour

   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.

6. 6

   Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

   3 hours

   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.

7. 7

   Rowena Crest Viewpoint

   20 min

   The quintessential photo opportunity for the eastern Gorge.

8. 8

   Columbia River Highway

   Pass by

   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.

9. 9

   Bridge of the Gods

   Pass by

   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.

10. 10

    Bonneville Lock & Dam

    Pass by

    Another National Historic Landmark, Bonneville Dam was the first Public Works Administration dam on the Columbia River, completed in 1938.

11. 11

    Bonneville Hatchery

    Pass by

    Largest hatchery in the state of Oregon.

12. 12

    Elowah Falls

    Pass by

    A hidden beauty...watch quickly, or you might miss it!

13. 13

    Beacon Rock

    Pass by

    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.

14. 14

    Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

    Pass by

    Don't miss this quirky waterfall as we pass by!

15. 15

    Multnomah Falls

    30 min

    The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

16. 16

    Wahkeena Falls

    Pass by

    Another cute waterfall to watch for closely!

17. 17

    Crown Point State Park

    Pass by

    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.

18. 18

    Rooster Rock State Park

    Pass by

    As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!

19. 19

    Sandy River

    Pass by

    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.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.