Sample itinerary · Oregon & Washington

Waterfalls, a Volcano & the Coast

Four days from Portland: the Columbia Gorge, Mount Hood and the Pacific

Start with day 1
Hiker on a mossy cliffside trail with a cable handrail above a forested gorge
Moss, ferns and mist in the Columbia River Gorge

Start with a string of waterfalls an hour from the airport, sleep under a snow-capped volcano, then follow the Columbia River to the sea and cross into Washington. Big scenery, short drives and lots of places to get wet.

Great for Scenic Slow-RollerTrailhead Family
  1. Latourell
  2. Multnomah
  3. Hood River
  4. Trillium Lake
  5. Cannon Beach
  6. Cape Disappointment

Before you go

Rules and seasons checked October 2026

Multnomah Falls permit

In summer, a timed-use permit is required for the I-84 parking lot (May 22 to September 7, 9 am to 6 pm in 2026). Book on Recreation.gov, or arrive outside those hours.

Trillium Lake

$10 per vehicle day-use fee, or a Northwest Forest Pass. America the Beautiful passes are not accepted here. Day use ran May 1 to December 1 in 2026.

Washington state parks

Cape Disappointment requires a Washington Discover Pass, sold at the park's pay station.

Day 1 of 4

Waterfall alley

Land in Portland and head straight into the Columbia River Gorge.

  1. Vista House at Crown Point

    A domed stone overlook high above the river on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The first big view of the gorge.

  2. Latourell Falls

    The 224-foot lower falls appear almost immediately. Older kids can do the full 2.4-mile loop with about 600 feet of climbing past the upper falls.

    Alyssa's note Restrooms at the trailhead and no pass required.

  3. Multnomah Falls

    A short paved climb to Benson Bridge puts you right between the upper and lower falls.

    Alyssa's note Have your summer timed-use permit for the I-84 lot, or come before 9 am.

  4. Hood River for the night

    A riverside town with good food and a wide view of the windsurfers on the Columbia.

Day 2 of 4

Under the mountain

Orchard country, a historic lodge and the lake with the famous Mount Hood reflection.

  1. The Hood River Fruit Loop

    A signed farm loop south of town with orchards, farm stands and seasonal u-pick. What's ripe depends on the month.

  2. Timberline Lodge

    A stone-and-timber lodge built by WPA craftsmen in the 1930s, high on Mount Hood's south side. Walk the halls, then look up at the snowfields.

  3. Trillium Lake Loop

    A flat 2-mile loop around the lake with Mount Hood towering over the far end. Parts of it are accessible.

    Alyssa's note Calm mornings and evenings give the mirror reflection. Afternoon wind usually breaks it up.

Day 3 of 4

To the Pacific

Drive west to Cannon Beach for tide pools and a famous sea stack.

  1. Portland to Cannon Beach

    About an hour and a half through the Coast Range forests.

  2. Haystack Rock tide pools

    Starfish and anemones gather at the base of the giant rock at low tide. Tufted puffins nest on the rock in spring and early summer.

    Alyssa's note Watch for the volunteer interpreters who often set up on the beach at low tide.

  3. Beach time

    Kites, sandcastles and a long walk at the water's edge. Dinner in town, then sunset on the beach.

Day 4 of 4

Across the river to Washington

Astoria's hilltop column, the big bridge, and a lighthouse where the Columbia meets the sea.

  1. Astoria Column

    Climb the 164 steps inside a painted tower for a view of the river mouth, the bridge and the ocean.

  2. Astoria-Megler Bridge

    Cross more than four miles of bridge from Oregon into Washington.

  3. Cape Disappointment

    The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (open April to October) sits on a cliff above the river mouth. The lighthouse hike from its lot is about 1.5 miles, short but steep.

    Alyssa's note Bring your Discover Pass or buy one at the pay station.

  4. Back to Portland

    About 2.5 hours to the airport area.

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Kid-tested trails on this trip

Distances are round trip. Times are estimates for a family with kids about 6 to 9; the Trail Finder adjusts them for your crew.

Open in the Trail Finder

Latourell Falls Loop

2.4 mi600 ftAges 6+

The 224-foot lower falls appear almost immediately; the full loop adds the upper falls.

Multnomah Falls to Benson Bridge

0.4 mi~100 ftAny age

A short paved climb to the bridge between the upper and lower falls.

Trillium Lake Loop

2.0 mi~30 ftAges 3+

Mount Hood towers over the far end of the lake. Calm mornings bring the mirror reflection.

Haystack Rock tide pools

0.5 mi0 ftAny age

Starfish and anemones at low tide. Tufted puffins nest on the rock in spring and early summer.

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

1.5 mi~200 ftAges 5+

From the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center lot to the lighthouse above the Columbia River bar.

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Sources

Restaurants, hours, fees and seasons change. Confirm before you go.