Travel Guide
Everything you need to know β hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Oregon's tallest waterfall, plunging about 620 feet in two tiers in the Columbia River Gorge, roughly 30 miles east of Portland. Walk to the Benson Bridge between the two drops or hike to the top, and combine it with other falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Insider Knowledge
From late May to early September, a timed use permit is required for the waterfall corridor during daytime hours, so book on Recreation.gov.
Nearby
seattle-and-portlandOne of the largest urban forests in the US, covering more than 5,000 acres of Portland's West Hills with over 80 miles of trails. The 30-mile Wildwood Trail winds through ferns and Douglas firs and links to Pittock Mansion, whose lawn has sweeping views of the city and Mount Hood.
seattle-and-portlandA 14,410-foot glaciated volcano about 2 to 2.5 hours from Seattle, ringed by wildflower meadows, old-growth forest and waterfalls. The Paradise area offers the Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls and a visitor center, while Sunrise on the northeast side is the highest point in the park reachable by car.
seattle-and-portlandOregon's tallest waterfall, plunging about 620 feet in two tiers in the Columbia River Gorge, roughly 30 miles east of Portland. Walk to the Benson Bridge between the two drops or hike to the top, and combine it with other falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
seattle-and-portlandSeattle's public market, open since 1907, perched above the waterfront with fishmongers who famously toss salmon, farm stalls, flower vendors and craft booths. Below the main arcade, levels of quirky shops lead down toward the waterfront, and the nearby Gum Wall and long-running Starbucks storefront draw crowds.
seattle-and-portlandThe world's largest independent new-and-used bookstore, filling an entire city block in Portland's Pearl District with around a million books across color-coded rooms. Grab a store map, get happily lost in the stacks and look for the Rare Book Room's treasures.
seattle-and-portlandSeattle's 605-foot icon, built for the 1962 World's Fair, with a rotating glass floor called The Loupe and an open-air observation deck lined with glass benches. On clear days you can see Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound and the downtown skyline.
Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
Stop at Vista House at Crown Point for the classic gorge panorama.
The hike to the top is about 2.4 miles round trip with many switchbacks.
Common Questions
In summer, yes, for the waterfall corridor during set daytime hours; outside the permit season, no.
Trails can close after storms or wildfire damage, so check current conditions.
Permit rules change year to year, so check current requirements before you go.
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