The Missoula Floods, a series of cataclysmic events during the last ice age, are responsible for the current shape of the gorge.
The area is home to the Columbia River Gorge Commission, which manages land use under a unique interstate compact.
The gorge acts as a natural wind tunnel, making it a globally recognized destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
More than 90 waterfalls are located on the Oregon side of the gorge alone.
The climate gradient spans over 50 inches of rainfall difference from the west end to the east end of the scenic area.
It was designated a National Scenic Area by Congress in 1986 to protect both the natural scenery and local economic development.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stretches 80 miles along the Columbia River, marking the boundary between Oregon and Washington. Carved by the Missoula Floods, the landscape features sheer basalt cliffs reaching up to 4,000 feet. It contains one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in North America, including Multnomah Falls. The area transitions from a lush temperate rainforest in the west to a semi-arid shrub-steppe environment in the east. It is a congressionally designated national scenic area managed by the USDA Forest Service. The region hosts significant geological, archaeological, and recreational resources within its 292,500 acres.
The Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls for the classic waterfall vista.
Check the Forest Service website for real-time waterfall parking permit requirements before arriving.
Carry layers, as the climate changes drastically between the western rainforest and eastern desert sides of the gorge.
Download offline maps, as cell service is unreliable throughout the canyon.
Ignoring permit requirements at popular trailheads; attempting to cross the river outside of designated bridges.
Some high-elevation trails are inaccessible during winter due to snow; certain parking lots require timed-entry permits during peak season.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and protect sensitive moss and lichen ecosystems.
