Washington Side Adventure
Columbia River Gorge
HWY 14 Adventure
Discover the wild, untamed side of the Columbia River Gorge along Highway 14 in Washington. A stunning scenic drive, iconic landmarks, charming towns, and world-class outdoor adventure await.
Featured Adventure
Columbia River Gorge
Highway 14 Adventure
Highway 14 on the Washington side is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. This beautiful winding road hugs the Columbia River, offering stunning views at every turn. Multiple lookout points along the way offer breathtaking photo opportunities, and the whole corridor is packed with hiking, history, charming towns, and natural wonders. Whether you're a day-tripper or planning a weekend camping getaway, this is the PNW at its finest.
Outdoor Basecamp
Camping & Lookouts
The Washington side of the Gorge offers some of the best riverside camping and scenic overlooks in the region.
Beacon Rock State Park Campground
Riverside camping with easy access to hiking trails, including the famous Beacon Rock Trail. A perfect basecamp for exploring the Gorge.
Pullouts & Campgrounds
Multiple scenic pullouts and campgrounds line Highway 14, offering overnight stays with incredible river views. Perfect for RVs, tents, and van life adventures.
Cape Horn Lookout
Majestic panoramic views looking east down the Columbia River Gorge. One of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Washington side, offering sweeping vistas of the river canyon below.
Explore These Towns
Cute Towns to Explore
The Washington side of the Gorge is dotted with charming small towns that are perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploring.
Stevenson, WA
Charming small town with local shops, restaurants, and galleries. Stevenson sits right on the river and offers a friendly, walkable downtown with great places to eat and explore after a day on the trail.
Camas, WA
Quaint downtown with boutique shopping, coffee shops, and a welcoming community feel. Camas is known for its historic charm, beautiful waterfront, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere. A hidden gem on the Washington side of the Gorge.
Iconic Landmarks
Must-Visit Landmarks
The Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, spanning both the Washington and Oregon sides.
Bonneville Dam & Fish Hatchery
Visit the historic Bonneville Dam and watch salmon navigate the fish ladders. The onsite fish hatchery and visitor center offer fascinating exhibits on the history of the Columbia River and its incredible engineering legacy. A must-see for anyone interested in the power and history of the Gorge.
Bridge of the Gods
Cross the iconic Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) from Washington into Oregon. This steel truss bridge is one of the most recognizable crossings in the Northwest and is officially part of the Pacific Crest Trail. The views from the bridge are absolutely spectacular, with the Gorge stretching out in both directions.
The bridge connects the Washington side near Stevenson to Cascade Locks, Oregon.
Just Across the Bridge
Oregon Side Waterfalls
Cross the Bridge of the Gods into Oregon and you'll find yourself in waterfall paradise. The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its incredible concentration of waterfalls, many just a short drive or hike from Cascade Locks.
Multnomah Falls
The crown jewel at 620 feet — Oregon's tallest waterfall. Iconic bridge views and easy trail access.
Wahclella Falls
A spectacular 350-foot cascade through a narrow basalt slot canyon. 2.4-mile round trip hike.
Elowah Falls
Beautiful 640-foot waterfall in a secluded, peaceful setting. A hidden gem away from the crowds.
Dry Creek Falls
An easy adventure starting right from downtown Cascade Locks. A peaceful trail through the forest.
Horsetail Falls
Stunning roadside waterfall that you can see right from the highway. A quick and rewarding stop.
Ponytail Falls
Short hike to a waterfall you can actually walk behind. A truly magical experience in the Gorge.
Bridal Veil Falls
Classic Gorge waterfall with an easy, family-friendly trail. Beautiful views from the observation deck.
Latourell Falls
Dramatic single-drop waterfall plunging 249 feet over a basalt cliff. One of the most photogenic falls in the Gorge.
Right Across the Bridge
Cascade Locks, Oregon
The charming town of Cascade Locks sits right across the Bridge of the Gods from Washington. It's the perfect landing spot after crossing the river, packed with history, parks, and great food.
Thunder Island
Perfect for picnics and sunset views. A beautiful little island park with stunning river panoramas.
Cascade Locks Marine Park
Riverfront park with fishing access and the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge tour boat. Great for a relaxing afternoon.
Historic Locks & Canal
Explore the original navigation locks that opened the Columbia River to river traffic. Fascinating industrial history.
Shops & Breweries
Great local shops, restaurants, and breweries. The perfect place to refuel after a day of exploring the Gorge.
Hit the Trail
Best Hikes in the Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge offers some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging summit climbs.
Beacon Rock Trail
1.8 miles round trip | 680 feet elevation gain
Hike to the summit of Beacon Rock, a massive basalt monolith that rises 848 feet above the river. The trail features incredible switchbacks and cables, culminating in stunning summit views of the entire Columbia River Gorge.
Hamilton Mountain
Moderate hike with waterfalls and panoramic views
A rewarding hike near Beacon Rock that passes Rodney Falls and the stunning Pool of the Winds before reaching a summit with breathtaking views of the Gorge. Perfect for hikers looking for a moderate challenge.
Wahclella Falls Trail
2.4 miles round trip
One of the most spectacular waterfall hikes in the Gorge. The trail follows Tanner Creek through a narrow basalt canyon before reaching the stunning 350-foot Wahclella Falls. A relatively easy hike with a big payoff.
Angel's Rest
4.8 miles round trip | Popular moderate hike
One of the most popular hikes in the Gorge for good reason. The trail climbs steadily through mossy forest to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River and the surrounding peaks. Incredible gorge views from the summit.
Eagle Creek Trail
Multiple waterfalls along this famous trail (permit required)
One of the most famous hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. The Eagle Creek Trail passes multiple stunning waterfalls including the iconic Tunnel Falls, where the trail passes through a tunnel carved into the cliff behind the waterfall. A permit is now required, so plan ahead.
Iconic Landmark
Beacon Rock
A breathtaking 848-foot basalt monolith on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, with a spectacular summit trail.
Ready to explore the Gorge?
Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or looking to make the Pacific Northwest your home, I'd love to help you discover everything this incredible region has to offer. From finding the perfect house near the Gorge to recommending the best hiking trails, I'm here for you.
