# Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood

> 2-day road trip of about 164 km (102 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Timberline Lodge. About 1 h 49 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/columbia-gorge/

**At a glance:** 2-day road trip of about 164 km (102 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Timberline Lodge. About 1 h 49 min of driving in total. Waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway, Hood River orchards and Timberline Lodge.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 164 km (102 mi) |
| Driving | 1 h 49 min |
| Suggested days | 2 |
| Stops | 4 |
| Route | Portland → Timberline Lodge |
| States | OR |
| Updated | September 7, 2026 |

## Route description

From Portland, head east on I-84 and leave it at Corbett for the Historic Columbia River Highway, which passes Vista House at Crown Point and a string of waterfalls down to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest at 620 feet. The old road is narrow and winding with stone guard walls, so longer motorhomes should stay on I-84, which has its own exit and parking for the falls. Timed permits may apply in summer.

Further east, Hood River sits where the gorge meets the orchards of the Hood River Valley, and the town is a center for windsurfing and kiteboarding. OR-35 then climbs south through the orchards toward Mount Hood, and a side road leads up to Timberline Lodge, the stone and timber lodge built by the WPA in the 1930s on the mountain’s slope.

Return to Portland on US-26 to complete the loop. Spring brings blossom to the valley and fall brings the harvest, while in winter the roads around Mount Hood are snowy and traction tires or chains may be required.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Portland** (OR)
2. **Multnomah Falls** (Bridal Veil, OR): Oregon's tallest waterfall, 620 feet in two tiers, just off I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge. Timed permits may apply in summer.
3. **Hood River** (OR)
4. **Timberline Lodge** (Government Camp, OR): A stone and timber lodge built by the WPA in the 1930s on the slope of Mount Hood.

## FAQs

**How long is Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?**
2-day road trip of about 164 km (102 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Timberline Lodge. About 1 h 49 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood?**
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 49 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood start and end?**
It starts in Portland and ends in Timberline Lodge.

**Which states does Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood pass through?**
Oregon.