# Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood

> From Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Hood River and back on the Mount Hood Loop: around 400 kilometres between basalt walls, orchards…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-053-columbia-gorge-mount-hood/

**At a glance:** 5-day round trip of about 272 km (169 mi) with 12 stops, starting and ending in Portland. About 3 h 01 min of driving in total. From Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Hood River and back on the Mount Hood Loop: around 400 kilometres between basalt walls, orchards and Oregon’s highest volcano.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 272 km (169 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 01 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 12 |
| Route | Portland → Portland |
| States | OR |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Hood River and back on the Mount Hood Loop: around 400 kilometres between basalt walls, orchards and Oregon’s highest volcano.*

## The spirit of the route

The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon the river has sawn through the Cascades, and the road on the south bank follows it like a balcony. Waterfalls plunge over basalt steps into dark mossy ravines, a haze of spray hangs among the cedars, and at Crown Point the view opens out over the whole river. Beyond Cascade Locks the landscape becomes drier, the wind picks up and Hood River fills with kitesurfers and windsurfers. In the Hood River Valley orchards blossom in spring, and in autumn apples and pears hang heavy. Then the road climbs to Mount Hood: forest, glacial streams, alpine meadows, and above Timberline Lodge the glaciated summit. The weather changes quickly, and especially in summer the popular spots fill up early; if you heed time slots and passes, you can experience the Gorge in a relaxed way.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Portland to Cascade Locks (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** From Portland take I-84 east to Troutdale, then the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) through Corbett to Crown Point Vista House and the waterfalls at Latourell, Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls. The Historic Highway is narrow and winding, with stone bridges and tunnels; the route is restricted for large motorhomes, so heed length and height limits. Alternatively stay on I-84 and park at the exits. Pure driving time is about 1.5–2 hours; with stops, a full day.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Crown Point Vista House: a viewing house above the river, wind and panorama; the car park is small and only partly suitable for large vehicles.
  - Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s tallest waterfall (189 m), a bridge and hiking trails; in peak season (roughly late May to early September, 9 am to 6 pm) a timed-use permit via Recreation.gov is needed for the car park at I-84 exit 31; check the rules for 2027 in advance. Alternatives are the bus, a shuttle or the small car park on the Historic Highway.
  - Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls: shorter hikes to waterfalls; car parks are limited, so go early in the day.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Ainsworth State Park on I-84: a forest campground near Multnomah Falls, sites with hookups, showers and a dump station; access from I-84 and the Historic Highway. Alternatively Viento State Park between Cascade Locks and Hood River (sites with electricity and water, no dump station, a railway line next door) and Memaloose State Park about 20 km east of Hood River (sites with full hookups, dump station, access only from I-84 in the westbound direction); check vehicle lengths beforehand. Reserve through Oregon State Parks up to six months ahead.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** On car parks, beaches and roads in the Gorge, overnighting in a vehicle is not allowed; restrictions apply in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In the Mount Hood National Forest dispersed camping is possible on forest roads; check access roads and fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** I-84 has numerous rest areas, but not all are accessible in both directions; check the exits beforehand. Wildfire damage (the Eagle Creek fire of 2017) has at times changed trails and access in the Gorge; check hiking trail status with the Forest Service.

### Stage 2: Cascade Locks to Hood River (approx. 35 km)

- **The drive:** From Cascade Locks continue on I-84 east, past Wyeth and Viento to Hood River. The road is well built, 55–65 mph; at Hood River there is strong westerly wind, especially in summer. Pure driving time is about 30 minutes; allow half a day for visiting the town.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks: a steel bridge over the Columbia, with the Pacific Crest Trail crossing here; a small town with shops and a café.
  - Hood River waterfront: a kite and windsurf beach, breweries, shops and cafés; parking for motorhomes in the town centre is scarce, so park on the edge.
  - Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail: a cycle and hiking path on the old highway route with views over the river; note the trailhead car park.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Viento State Park (see stage 1) lies between Cascade Locks and Hood River; Memaloose State Park lies about 20 km east of Hood River. In Hood River itself there are private RV parks (for example at the Hood River Marina); check availability and vehicle length. Alternatively in the Mount Hood National Forest at Lost Lake Campground (USFS) at the foot of the mountain.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Hood River and on the waterfront, overnighting in a vehicle is prohibited; dispersed camping in the Mount Hood National Forest or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Washington side) is in places possible, so check access roads. Heed Forest Service notices on fire and fire levels.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The water and wind conditions at Hood River are the main reason for sports tourists; peak season is July to September, and windsurfers and kiters bring traffic. The Hood River Bridge towards Washington is tolled; check current payment arrangements. Fill up and stock up in Hood River.

### Stage 3: Hood River to Lost Lake und Parkdale (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** From Hood River take OR-35 and Hood River Valley Road south through the Hood River Valley, past orchards, then on to Parkdale. For Lost Lake a road branches off in the forest; some narrow forest roads, so check access for large campers. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Hood River Fruit Loop: fruit stands, farms, cider and wineries in the Hood River Valley, blossom in spring, harvest in autumn; parking for motorhomes is mostly sufficient.
  - Mount Hood Railroad: a train from Hood River to Parkdale, seasonal; check reservations and timetable.
  - Lost Lake: a lake with a view of Mount Hood, a circular trail and lakeshore; check the forest roads and the road for access.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Lost Lake Campground (USFS): sites by the lake, drinking water, no electricity, mind vehicle lengths; reserve through Recreation.gov. Alternatively Tucker Park (Hood River County) on the Hood River or Sherwood Campground (USFS) on OR-35 (simple, no electricity). Check season and road conditions beforehand.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Mount Hood National Forest, dispersed camping is possible on forest roads, but not on roads and at viewpoints; check vehicle length and road conditions. Heed fire bans in summer.
- **Insider tip for campers:** For hikes in the Mount Hood National Forest you in places need a Northwest Forest Pass or day pass at trailheads; check machines and rules on site. In summer heat carry water and sun protection; wildfire smoke is possible in late summer.

### Stage 4: Parkdale to Timberline Lodge (approx. 70 km)

- **The drive:** From Parkdale take OR-35 south over Bennett Pass (around 1,420 m) and on to the junction with US-26, then towards Government Camp and up the Timberline Road. The road is winding, 35–55 mph; in winter snow chains may be required. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Mount Hood Meadows and Tamanawas Falls: a ski and hiking area in summer, a waterfall hike on the East Fork Hood River; check car parks.
  - Trillium Lake: a lake with a view of Mount Hood, a circular trail, a beach; access via forest road, note the day fee or pass.
  - Timberline Lodge: a historic lodge from the 1930s, a gondola in summer, alpine meadows and glacier views; check parking for motorhomes beforehand.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Trillium Lake Campground (USFS): sites by the lake with a view of the mountain, drinking water, no electricity, vehicles up to 40 ft, season roughly late May to October, reserve through Recreation.gov, book early. Alternatively Still Creek Campground (USFS) near Government Camp or Camp Creek Campground (USFS) on US-26. Check vehicle lengths.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the Mount Hood National Forest, dispersed camping is possible on forest roads, but not on the Timberline Road and at viewpoints; many tracks are suitable only for off-road vehicles. Check road conditions and fire bans.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fees or a pass may apply for Timberline Lodge and the approach; check current rules with Timberline. A steep gradient on the Timberline Road: drive in a low gear. The weather changes quickly, and even in summer it can be cool and windy at 1,800 m.

### Stage 5: Timberline Lodge to Portland (approx. 100 km)

- **The drive:** From Timberline Lodge take US-26 west via Government Camp, Rhododendron, Welches and Sandy, then on US-26 and I-84 back to Portland. A well-built road, 45–65 mph, slow in rush hour. Pure driving time is about 1.5–2 hours.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Mirror Lake and Zigzag Mountain: a hiking area west of Government Camp; check access rules and car parks beforehand.
  - Sandy River and Oxbow Regional Park: a river landscape with old trees, hiking trails and a beach; check car parks in advance.
  - Portland: a city centre with food trucks, breweries and rose gardens; parking for motorhomes in the centre is scarce, so it is better to park on the outskirts.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Oxbow Regional Park (Metro Parks) on the Sandy River: a campground in old forest, sites for motorhomes without hookups, showers, dump station in places; reserve through Metro. Alternatively Barton Park (Clackamas County) on the Clackamas River or private RV parks near Portland. Check vehicle lengths.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In Portland and the surrounding area, overnighting in a vehicle outside campgrounds is restricted or prohibited; the city and county patrol. Dispersed camping in the Mount Hood National Forest is possible, but not near the city.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Before returning the vehicle, empty fresh water and waste water at a dump station; in Portland there are dump stations at RV parks and filling stations. Oregon has no sales tax, so shopping is inexpensive. If you are continuing to PDX airport, allow a buffer for traffic on I-84 and I-205.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Overnighting in a vehicle outside designated campgrounds is prohibited or restricted in the Columbia River Gorge, on car parks, roads and viewpoints; Oregon State Parks, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and towns enforce this.
- Dispersed camping is legal on much Mount Hood National Forest land, mostly for up to 14 days in one place; many access roads are unsuitable for large campers. Check wildfire and fire bans beforehand and heed Forest Service notices.
- Rest areas and supermarket car parks sometimes allow overnighting only briefly; if in doubt, ask in the shop. The I-84 rest areas mostly allow parking, but not camping.
- Wildlife: black bears, elk and cougars are rare; keep food in the vehicle at night and keep rubbish closed. Keep at least 100 yards (91 m) from bears and 25 yards (23 m) from other animals; feeding is prohibited.
- Useful apps and sites: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov (Forest Service sites), Oregon State Parks (reservations.oregonstateparks.org), TripCheck (ODOT road conditions) and the Columbia River Gorge Commission (notices).
- If you cannot get a site, you have three options: private RV parks (Troutdale, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Welches, Portland), short-notice sites on the parks’ websites and individual nights in towns with hotels.
- If you are checked, stay friendly, leave the car park and do not argue. Fines on rental motorhomes are usually passed on.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump stations are found in the state parks Ainsworth and Memaloose (Viento has none) and in RV parks for a fee; since 30 March 2026 the dump stations of Oregon State Parks cost 10 USD per use; sanidumps.com provides an overview.
- Tap water in Oregon is drinkable; you will find water stations in state parks and RV parks. Always filter or boil water from streams and rivers.
- Never drain grey water onto the ground or into streams; empty chemical toilets only at dump stations.
- Propane is available from filling stations, DIY stores and propane dealers in Portland, Hood River and Sandy. European gas bottles need an adapter; rental motorhomes have fixed US tanks.
- Fuel: Oregon has allowed self-service fuelling since 2023, but many stations still have an attendant; filling stations in Troutdale, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Government Camp and Sandy. There are only a few stations at Mount Hood.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Portland, Hood River and Sandy; in Parkdale and Government Camp only small shops. Oregon has no sales tax.
- Electricity: sites with hookups offer 30 and 50 A at 120 V; USFS campgrounds mostly have no electricity. Generators are allowed in state parks only at set times.
- Laundry and waste: coin laundries in Portland, Hood River and Sandy; bins at all campgrounds, often bear-proofed in forest areas.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits in mph: on I-84 the limit is mostly 55–65 mph, in places 55 in the Gorge; on US-26 and OR-35 mostly 45–55, 25–35 in towns. There is no general special limit for motorhomes and vehicles with trailers, but drive more slowly on mountain roads.
- Tolls and fees: no toll on I-84 and US-26; the Hood River Bridge to Washington is tolled. For hikes in the Mount Hood National Forest a Northwest Forest Pass is in places needed; the America the Beautiful Pass is valid for federal land.
- Parks and entry fees: campground prices in 2026 are roughly in the range of 20–60 USD per night depending on site type and season; sites with hookups cost more. Day-use fees in state parks apply to visitors who are not camping.
- Dimensions and lengths: many sites are limited to 30–40 ft; on the Historic Highway and on Timberline approaches, mind length and height. The legal maximum height is 14 ft (4.27 m). Watch height restrictions in small car parks and multi-storey car parks.
- Reservations: state parks up to six months ahead through Oregon State Parks, Forest Service sites through Recreation.gov. A timed-use permit (Recreation.gov) applies in summer for the Multnomah Falls car park on I-84, and time-limited permits likewise for some trailheads; check status beforehand.
- Weather and season: the western Gorge is damp and mild, the east dry and windy; Mount Hood in summer is mostly 10–20 °C, with snow into early summer. The best time is July to September; in winter snow chains are required and there are closures on the mountain road.
- Traffic law for travellers: a right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign forbids it; at junctions with stop signs, the order of arrival applies. Phones at the wheel only hands-free, and open alcohol containers in the vehicle are prohibited. A German driving licence is sufficient for tourists.
- Campsite rules: many sites limit the length of stay (often 14 nights), quiet hours are usually 10 pm to 6 am, and fires are allowed only in the fire rings and only when there is no fire ban. When booking, pay attention to vehicle and trailer length.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception in places drops out in ravines and on Mount Hood. Do not step onto waterfalls and rocks, and never underestimate thunderstorms and weather changes on the mountain.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Rain jacket and warm layers – the weather changes quickly on Mount Hood and in the western Gorge.
- Levelling ramps level 2–3 – forest sites and pitches on slopes are often sloping.
- Check snow chains or tyre choice – chains may be required on OR-35 and US-26 in winter.
- Offline maps and printed reservations as well as time-slot permits – there is often no reception in ravines and on the mountain.
- A water filter, sun protection and a windproof jacket for Hood River and the Gorge.
- A Northwest Forest Pass or day pass for trailheads, and small change for dump stations and coin showers.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Portland** (OR)
2. **Troutdale** (OR)
3. **Crown Point** (OR)
4. **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.
5. **Cascade Locks** (OR)
6. **Hood River** (OR)
7. **Parkdale** (OR)
8. **Mount Hood Meadows** (OR)
9. **Government Camp** (OR)
10. **Timberline Lodge** (Government Camp, OR): A stone and timber lodge built by the WPA in the 1930s on the slope of Mount Hood.
11. **Sandy** (OR)
12. **Portland** (OR)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood?**
5-day round trip of about 272 km (169 mi) with 12 stops, starting and ending in Portland. About 3 h 01 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood?**
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 01 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood start and end?**
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Portland.

**Which states does Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood pass through?**
Oregon.

**Where can you camp along Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood?**
OpenStreetMap lists 161 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Home Valley Campground, Columbia River RV Park and Vancouver Mall RV Park.

**When is the best time for Waterfalls, windsurfers and glacier peaks – by camper through the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood?**
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)