Discover The Majesty Of The Columbia River In Oregon And Washington
The mighty Columbia River flows for over 1,200 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, creating one of North America’s most spectacular landscapes.
Carving through mountains and deserts, this powerful waterway has shaped not only the geography but also the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest.
From thundering waterfalls on the Oregon side to charming small towns dotting Washington’s shores, the Columbia River offers endless adventures for nature lovers.
Born in the Canadian Rockies
The Columbia River starts its epic journey in the pristine Columbia Lake in British Columbia, nestled in the Canadian Rockies at 2,690 feet above sea level.
Snow-capped peaks feed this infant river that will eventually become the fourth largest in North America.
Indigenous peoples have lived along its banks for over 10,000 years, building rich cultures connected to the river’s rhythms.
Early European explorers arrived in the late 1700s, forever changing the river’s story.
Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Crown Jewel
Plunging 620 feet in two dramatic tiers, Multnomah Falls stands as the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge’s most photographed natural wonder.
The elegant Benson Bridge spans the gap between the upper and lower cascades, offering heart-stopping views.
Year-round water flow means this natural masterpiece never disappoints visitors.
Native American legends tell of a princess who sacrificed herself here to save her people from sickness, her spirit becoming the falls.
Hood River: Adventure Sports Paradise
Nestled where the Hood River meets the Columbia, this vibrant town has transformed from a humble fruit-growing community into the windsurfing capital of the world.
Consistent winds and river currents create perfect conditions that draw water sports enthusiasts from across the globe.
Beyond the water, the town charms visitors with its historic downtown filled with craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.
Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, Hood River offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and relaxation in one picturesque package.
The Dalles: Where History Meets River
Once the end of the Oregon Trail, The Dalles holds centuries of stories within its historic buildings and museums.
Native Americans gathered here for 10,000 years to trade and fish before Lewis and Clark camped at this crucial river narrows in 1805.
Today, visitors can explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center or walk the streets where pioneers, gold miners, and riverboat captains once roamed.
The massive concrete dam, completed in 1957, tamed the once-dangerous rapids that gave the town its French name.
Stevenson: Washington’s Riverside Gem
Tucked against forested hills on the Washington shore, Stevenson captures the authentic spirit of Columbia River life without the crowds.
The waterfront Walking Man Brewery pours award-winning craft beers while offering stunning river views from its garden patio.
The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum reveals fascinating stories of the region’s geology and cultural heritage.
Just minutes away, hot springs bubble in Carson and wind surfers catch air at the Hook. Stevenson perfectly balances outdoor adventure with small-town charm.
Grand Coulee: Engineering Marvel of the Desert
Rising like a concrete mountain from Washington’s desert landscape, Grand Coulee Dam stands as one of humanity’s most ambitious engineering feats.
Completed in 1942, it’s nearly a mile long and towers 550 feet high, controlling the Columbia’s flow through the arid interior.
The nightly laser light show projected onto the dam’s face tells the dramatic story of the river and its people.
Behind the dam stretches Lake Roosevelt, offering 130 miles of recreation paradise.
The dam’s massive turbines generate enough electricity to power Seattle three times over.
Astoria: Where River Meets Ocean
Standing where the Columbia meets the Pacific, Astoria combines maritime heritage with Victorian charm.
The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, this hilly port city has reinvented itself from fishing and canning to tourism and craft brewing.
The 4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge stretches majestically across the river’s mouth.
Climb the 164-step Astoria Column for breathtaking views of the Columbia’s final journey into the ocean.
Sea lions bark noisily along the riverwalk while massive cargo ships navigate the treacherous Columbia Bar.
Celilo Falls: The Lost Treasure
For 15,000 years, Celilo Falls thundered as the Columbia River dropped 20 feet through narrow basalt channels.
Native American tribes gathered here in one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited places, harvesting salmon and trading goods from across the continent.
In 1957, the rising waters behind The Dalles Dam silenced the falls forever.
Though now hidden beneath placid waters, Celilo’s cultural significance remains immense.
The nearby Celilo Village continues ancient traditions, keeping alive the memory of what many called the “Niagara of the West.”
