Leave the Portland metro area behind and journey through the communities of the West Columbia Gorge Area, dotting a path 30 miles upriver into the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. This is only the first stretch of the 75-mile Historic Columbia River Highway, also known as the King of Roads. Over 100 years old, the Historic Columbia River Highway was the U.S.’s first nationally designated scenic highway and is home to natural and historic wonders as well as charming riverside and agricultural communities.
Towns in the West Columbia Gorge Area | Points of Interest | Seasonal Favorites | Events
Only a stone’s throw away from Portland you can find the communities of the West Columbia Gorge Area. Most well-known are Troutdale and Cascade Locks, but don't miss the chance to explore Fairview, Wood Village, and Corbett too. Keep reading to discover why you should not miss stopping by these towns when exploring the West Columbia River Area.
Just a 20-minute drive east of Portland, Fairview marks the entrance into the West Columbia Gorge Area. Named after the vistas that stretch along the riverside and its two lakes, Fairview is a great destination for fishing and outdoor activities.
Rent a boat at Blue Lake Regional Park, cast a line or go for a swim in the park’s namesake, a natural lake fed by underground springs. ”Spray ground“, a nature-themed playground, is great for kids, plus all ages can check out the nearby discovery garden, sports facilities and marvel along the wetland’s trail and viewing platform. Relax on the shoreline, walk, bike or romp at the playgrounds, or have a picnic along the lake. Choices abound at the Fairview Food Plaza food cart pod with Mediterranean, Thai or Hawaiian flavors, plus check out the 37-foot giant fork at the center of the pod.
Just minutes from Portland International Airport, Wood Village is the ideal base camp to start your journey. Both the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway and the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway pass through “The Village,“ allowing one to travel either way from one starting point. Start your perfect road trip here when you follow the Infinity Loop.
Troutdale, with its old-fashioned downtown nestled against the wild beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is a true gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. Don’t miss strolling around this city, browse its main street filled with art galleries, specialty shops, and brew pubs. Visit nearby historic sites, like the Harlow House, Depot Rail Museum, and King of Roads Exhibit. Troutdale's many downtown summer events like monthly First Fridays invite you to extend those long and warm summer days. Listen to an Edgefield concert on the lawn at Troutdale‘s most magical outdoor venue on the historic grounds of McMenamins Edgefield, surrounded by trees.
Stop in at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center for more information about the region’s attractions and lodging before your vacation or road trip to the West Columbia River Gorge.
Located on the Historic Columbia River Highway between the Sandy River and Crown Point, Corbett is home to the Vista House. This observatory overlooking the Columbia River also serves as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and a comfort station for travelers on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stop at one of the many berry and lavender farms along the Historic Highway when making your way east, many of which are part of the West Gorge Food Trail. Kirby's Blueberry Farm is one of many U-pick options in this area.
Cascade Locks is surrounded by natural beauty and located right on the Columbia River, only 44 miles from Portland. Cascade Locks is at one end of iconic Bridge of the Gods along the Pacific Crest Trail. Don’t miss an overnight here for good beer, bronze art, and fresh fish from Tribal-owned fish markets. The Columbia River is well known for its salmon and steelhead runs and Cascade Locks is the perfect location to get the day’s fresh catch or see the salmon jumping the ladders at Bonneville Dam. All along the way enjoy basalt cliffs, eagles and ospreys, and numerous waterfalls.
At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls is the largest of the over 70 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to viewing the waterfall from below, visitors can follow a trail from the famous Multnomah Falls Lodge, built in 1925, which climbs to the iconic Benson Bridge and then zigzags to the top of the falls. Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s top visited natural site which means it attracts large crowds throughout the year. Use our helpful How to Multnomah Falls guide to get the best tips on how to best enjoy your experience there.
Looking for waterfalls with a bit less traffic? Latourell Falls is a family-friendly 2.4-mile total trip to a tall flowing falls, or McCord Creek Falls is a rushing double waterfall accessible with a 2.2-mile total hike with a bit more incline accessed off of the Elowah Falls Trail – if you’re feeling like more of a hike, visit both.
Located in Troutdale, visit the King of the Roads Barn Museum to learn about the history of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Over 100 years old, the Historic Columbia River Highway was the U.S.’s first nationally designated scenic highway.
The Barn Exhibit Hall is the ideal entry point to your travels. Immerse yourself in the highway’s history with rare photographs and intriguing tales about the people who helped to build one of the greatest engineering marvels of the last century.
Berry farms, breweries, fisheries, farmers markets, and restaurants serving up ingredients sourced within 150 miles are just some of what travelers can expect to savor along the West Gorge Food Trail. Make sure to stop at some favorite locations on the trail, like lunch at Lolo’s Boss Pizza or Sugarpine Drive In. Pick berries at Columbia View Blueberries/Klock Farm or Kirby Farms. Make everything smell like lavender after a stop at Bates Lavendar Farm. Finally, don’t miss out on a chance to try fresh and smoked Native-caught fish at fish markets in Cascade Locks.
Bonneville Lock and Dam is recognized as one of the world’s largest hydroelectric systems and an important landmark that’s well worth a stop on your tour along the West Columbia Gorge area. Built in 1938, this Dam was part of the WPA Project to help get people back in jobs after the Great Depression.
Take exit 40 from I-84 to stop by the Bonneville Dam Bradford Island Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery to learn about the history of the structure and the fish hatchery located on the same site. Depending on the time of year, you can see scores of salmon make their way up the fish ladders at the Dam or see hundreds of lamprey clinging to the walls and windows of the dam in search of food.
Nestled just around the corner from downtown Troutdale is the Troutdale Art Center. Here you can watch a handful of local artists in action as they create beautiful masterpieces and shop for some of their latest creations. The building is filled with sculpture and photography, paint and upcycled art, and ceramics and jewelry.
The Columbia River is well known for its salmon and steelhead runs. In a typical year, approximately one million chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon and steelhead will travel up the river to spawn. Native tribes have been fishing these waters since time immemorial. Get some Native-caught fish yourself from the fish stands under the Bridge of the Gods or at the fish stand at 108 Highway 35, or get prepared dishes for dine in or to-go from Brigham Fish Market - don't miss their smoked salmon dip!
