Waterfalls and Legends: A Columbia River Gorge Self-Guided Drive

This 140-mile driving loop explores the geologically violent and breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. Traveling from mossy rainforests to high-desert plateaus, you’ll trace pioneer history and dramatic landscapes carved by Ice Age floods. Highlights include: * Iconic Waterfalls: View the 620-foot Multnomah Falls and the elegant Latourell Falls. * Historical Marvels: Visit the "Crown Jewel" Vista House and a full-scale concrete Stonehenge. * Unique Legends: Discover the "Bigfoot Capital," where harming a Sasquatch is a felony. * Nature & Wildlife: Meet Herman, an 80-year-old sturgeon, and see "Silver Skeleton" forests recovering from fire. * Geological Giants: Marvel at the 848-foot Beacon Rock monolith.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Drive past the "Crown Jewel" of the Gorge, Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet. Learn the indigenous legend of a maiden’s sacrifice and view the historic 1925 stone lodge. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   Roll past this 1918 "observatory" perched 733 feet above the river, which critics once nicknamed the "$100,000 Outhouse". Learn about its marble interior and green opal-tiled dome while enjoying panoramic views. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Drive past this elegant 224-foot "plunge" waterfall. Learn about the neon-yellow lichen covering the cliffs and the unique hexagonal columnar basalt formations created by ancient, cooling lava flows. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

4. 4

   Stop 4

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   Cruise over a stunning white concrete arch bridge to see this "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" waterfall. Learn about George Shepperd, a dairy farmer who donated this land to the public for just one dollar. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Pull in to visit Herman the Sturgeon, a 10-foot-long, 500-pound "prehistoric beast" who has survived both kidnappers and forest fires. Learn about the ancient sturgeon species that has existed since the Triassic period. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Cross or drive past this legendary steel bridge, a critical milestone for Pacific Crest Trail "hiker trash" trekking from Mexico to Canada. Learn about the indigenous legend of a natural stone bridge destroyed by fighting mountains. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

7. 7

   Dalles Dam

   Pass by

   Drive past this massive concrete barrier that forever silenced the roar of Celilo Falls, once the "Wall Street of the West". Learn about the 15,000 years of indigenous history currently submerged beneath the reservoir's surface. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.