Oregon Side of the Columbia River Gorge

The Lewis and Clark State Historical Site is just off Exit 18 and offers restrooms and historical interpretation. While you are there, you can take Jordan Road to the Friends of the Sandy River Delta trailhead. It's just north of the freeway and is a popular walking area providing numerous trails within the Sandy River Delta.

Lewis and Clark were intrigued by the Sandy River hoping its waters led to California. By sending men up the river a few miles, they learned that it is fed from the glaciers of nearby Mt. Hood. For more on their 'Quicksand River' see lewis-clark.org/sciences/geology/columbia-river-geology/the-sandy-river/.

Follow the Historic Columbia River Highway to the Vista House to see iconic views of the western end of the Columbia River Gorge. Along the way, the Columbia River Overlook (45.538, -122.247) has inspired millions of camera clicks with Vista House itself included in the frame.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped near the foot of Crown Point on November 2, 1805, so they missed the expansive provided atop the point.

When you leave Vista House, continue on the old highway to Multnomah Falls. Along the way, you may want to stop at some of these notable Gorge Falls:

• Latourell Falls (Trailhead at 45.539, -122.2179) A 2-mile loop takes you to one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Oregon side.
• Shepperd's Dell Falls (45.5466, -122.1975) can be seen from a pull-off on the old highway.
• Bridal Veil Falls can be viewed via a short trail walk. Parking is opposite the Bridal Veil Lodge Bed and Breakfast (45.5534, -122.183).
• Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls share a trailhead on the old highway with parking at 45.5755, -122.1279.

Of all the Gorge waterfalls, Multnomah Falls is the most famous and most developed. The Historic Columbia Gorge Highway has a parking area (45.5777, -122.1182) separate from the lot provided I-84 travelers.

Sgt. Gass wrote "the hills on both sides are very high, and a number of fine springs flowing out of them, some of which fall 200 feet perpendicular." Had Clark written about Multnomah Falls on that day, he likely would have estimated a height close to its actual 620 feet.

When you leave, continue east on the old highway. You will pass the Oneonta Gorge and the trailhead to Horsetail Falls. At Ainsworth State Park, return to the eastbound lane of I-84.

NOTE: In peak season, the I-84 exit parking lot requires a timed use permit. Learn more and reserve at www.oregon.gov/odot/waterfall-corridor-permits/Pages/default.aspx.

The town of Cascade Locks has dining, overnight accommodations, and the old lock used to navigate around the Cascades of the Columbia before the installation of Bonneville Dam. On Thunder Island, the locks, picnic tables, and a statue of Seaman and Sacagawea can be found.

At Cascade Locks, the Bridge of the Gods crosses to the Washington side making a possible loop to return to the Portland/Vancouver metro area. See our Washington Side trip inspiration for possible stops.

In spring, wildflowers abound at the Tom McCall Preserve: arrowleaf balsamroot and bicolored cluster lily are two plants collected by Lewis in this area on their return in April 1806.

The Rowena Crest viewpoint gives an excellent view up the Columbia and the old highway which seemingly loops completely around itself. This is a favorite vantage point for photographers.

Located just west of The Dalles, Oregon, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. One of the more unique exhibits at the Discovery Center is the Cargo of Lewis and Clark Exhibit, which allows visitors to examine why and how the Corps of Discovery acquired and packed over 30 tons of supplies for the journey and how difficult it was to transport the cumbersome cargo. The Discovery Center also serves as the trailhead for the fully accessible, 8 foot wide, paved, rolling Riverfront Trail.

This ledge of Columbia River Basalt offered a secure site for the expedition. On their way down the river in 1805, they stopped here to repair canoes and meet new Native Nations—the Upper Chinooks. Moving back up the river in the spring of 1806, they stopped here to trade for the horses they would need to continue past Celilo Falls.

The Expedition's story at Fort Rock is told in their own words at our educational website Discovering Lewis & Clark. Their downriver stay starts October 25, 1805 and their 1806 return trip starts April 15, 1806. See also Fort Rock and The Dalles by Joseph A. Mussulman.