Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included)

Get ready for a scenic ride as we cruise through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, tracing the powerful path of the Columbia River. Known for its epic 1,200-mile journey to the ocean, this waterway cuts through four impressive mountain ranges and showers the Pacific Ocean with more water than any other river in North or South America. Fun fact: this river used to hold the crown for the biggest salmon hauls on the planet, boasting returns that soared above 30 million salmon every year.

Get up close and personal with Mother Nature's raw power at Multnomah Falls - a whopping 611-foot-tall cascade of icy water. Brace yourself for a jaw-dropping view! For an even closer encounter, take a stroll up the paved trail and cross Benson Bridge. You'll be hovering over the misty base of the first tier and be rewarded with a full 542-foot view of the top tier and the heart-stopping 69-foot drop of the second tier. Don't forget to pack an extra pair of socks!

Get your taste buds ready for a locally grown feast along the stunning “Fruit Loop” drive in Hood River County! This road trip takes you through the picturesque orchards, vineyards, and family farms of the valley. With a whopping 28 fruit stands along the way, you’ll have a ball picking from a variety of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, homemade pies, jams, syrups, honey, ciders, and even handcrafted artisanal gifts. Did you know that Hood River County is the world’s top producer of Anjou pears and the largest pear-growing area in the US? But wait, there’s more! This region is also known for growing mouth-watering big tree fruits like apples, cherries, nectarines, and peaches. We’ll make a pit stop at a fruit stand like Packer Orchards & Bakery so you can sample and grab some of these farm-to-table goodies, and take a little piece of Oregon home with you.

Travel one hour east from Portland and you'll land in the breathtaking city of Hood River, Oregon. Nestled snugly in the Columbia River Gorge, this charming town has not one, but two possibly active volcanoes (Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood) as a backdrop. Once a timber town, Hood River has transformed into an adventure lover's paradise. Get ready to explore epic mountain biking trails, white water kayaking, paragliding, rock climbing, hiking, and skiing. We'll take a break for lunch in the downtown area, where a smorgasbord of craft breweries and restaurants like Boda's Kitchen and Double Mountain Brewery await your taste buds. Don't miss out on the chance to wander through local shops and sip on some delicious wine. After lunch, we'll head into the Hood River Valley, a place known for its stunning natural beauty, endless acres of fruit orchards, and generations of farming knowledge. As we bask in the sights of the mountains, we'll delve into the fascinating history of the area's agricultural and timber industry.

There's no other spot on earth quite like the Columbia Gorge. It's a visual feast, overflowing with outdoor thrills, wild creatures, and show-stopping floral displays. Plus, you can wander through endless micro-climates and stumble upon the most delightful vineyards and quirky wineries. The winemakers here are a unique bunch, breaking all the rules and crafting exceptional, one-of-a-kind vintages in the midst of jaw-dropping natural beauty. With over 30 different grape varieties flourishing along this 40-mile stretch, wine lovers will never tire of the endless options. The tasting rooms are casual and cool, traffic is scarce, and the vistas in every direction are absolutely staggering.

The majestic Timberline Lodge, perched on the southern side of Mt. Hood, rang in its 75th birthday in 2012. Originally, a brainchild of the Works Project Administration (WPA) art project, the lodge boasts some of the finest examples of artistry from that era, with gorgeous woodwork, ironwork, and paintings. The mountain's natural contours were mirrored in the lodge's design, using stone and wood sourced from the nearby forest. In 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. Nowadays, more than two million visitors flock to Timberline Lodge each year to hit the slopes, hike, or just bask in the glory of the mountain with a glass of Oregon's finest wine.

The runner-up of the world's most scaled mountains, Mt. Hood, reigns supreme with its 11 frosty glaciers and the sole year-long ski resort in North America. Timberline Lodge, a stunning structure erected during the 1930s WPA program, is now the perfect place to ski, hike, or unwind by the crackling fire, all while basking in the awe-inspiring sight of the towering mountain.

But that's not all! The area around Mt. Hood is a treasure trove of farms, with the Hood River County Fruit Loop being the crown jewel. It's a sprawling expanse of orchards, vineyards, and fields of fragrant lavender and wildflowers.