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Oregon

Choose Your Pace: Hiking the Spectacular Columbia River Gorge

Program No. 1493660MEADV-1116-60
Join local experts to hike at your own pace and learn about the Columbia River Gorge, explore historic sites, take in awe-inspiring vistas and witness spectacular waterfalls.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
May 11 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
2,249
May 18 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
2,249
Filling Fast!
Sep 28 - Oct 4, 2025
Starting at
2,249
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 11 - May 17, 2025
Starting at
2,859
May 18 - May 24, 2025
Starting at
2,859
Sep 28 - Oct 4, 2025
Starting at
2,859
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

The Columbia River Gorge is the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience — home to waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, deep forests and outstanding vistas. Choose your daily route based on desired difficulty and watch history and geology come to life as you hike the country’s largest scenic area. Enjoy peaceful rivers and glittering waterfalls and learn how this region’s unique geography shaped the history of its people. Make your way to the top of Beacon Rock for spectacular views of the gorge, and visit the charming town of Hood River, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with food, mountains, rivers and natural beauty.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Each day, choose from multiple hiking options based on your desired level of challenge and pace, ranging from 4-8 miles on varied terrain. Elevations of 3,000-4,050 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Visit the historic Bonneville Dam along the Columbia River and learn about the aspects of a fish hatchery.
  • Experience the thundering waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge both in Oregon & Washington.
  • Try the region’s famous cuisine featuring local salmon at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge and other farm-to-table restaurants and breweries.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Cascade Locks, OR
Program Concludes
Cascade Locks, OR
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16 | 6B | 5L | 5D |
Activity Level
The Columbia River Gorge is the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience — home to waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, deep forests and outstanding vistas. Choose your daily route based on desired difficulty and watch history and geology come to life as you hike the country’s largest scenic area. Enjoy peaceful rivers and glittering waterfalls and learn how this region’s unique geography shaped the history of its people. Make your way to the top of Beacon Rock for spectacular views of the gorge, and visit the charming town of Hood River, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with food, mountains, rivers and natural beauty.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Visit the historic Bonneville Dam along the Columbia River and learn about the aspects of a fish hatchery.
  • Experience the thundering waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge both in Oregon & Washington.
  • Try the region’s famous cuisine featuring local salmon at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge and other farm-to-table restaurants and breweries.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
Each day, choose from multiple hiking options based on your desired level of challenge and pace, ranging from 4-8 miles on varied terrain. Elevations of 3,000-4,050 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 6B | 5L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us in the Road Scholar meeting room (ground floor near elevator across from room 101) to pick up your welcome packet containing the group roster and up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously). Take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. to meet our fellow Road Scholars and enjoy some group socializing activities.
Dinner:
At 6:15 p.m. We will walk over to the nearby Brigham Fish market to enjoy one of the towns landmark restaurants. Many local seafood/fish options and sandwiches.
Evening:
Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Participants in this physically demanding and challenging program can “Choose Your Pace” between two daily hikes. Hiking distances will be at least 4 miles per day with elevation gains of up to 1200 total. Hikes and presentations will be conducted by Group Leaders and local experts. For each route, participants will need to keep up with the group’s hiking pace; most hikes can be shortened according to personal needs. Groups typically start at the same location. The Group Leader and other guides will deliver educational content on hikes during the day. Transportation will be via 15-person vans. We strongly encourage participants to bring and refill personal water bottles each day. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. We will sometimes change hikes based on the conditions and other factors. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving about 14 miles, approximately 1 hour round-trip. “Choose Your Pace” from routes around Beacon Rock, up to 4.5 miles, up to 900 feet elevation gain/loss; hiking on switchbacks cut out of the rock with handrails on the side.
Breakfast:
In the adjacent restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu with choices such as eggs, pancakes, cereal, and juice or coffee.
Morning:
After breakfast at 9:00 AM, we will gather in our meeting room to go learn more about the day and assemble our own sack lunches with sandwich, snack, and fruit choices. At 10:00 AM, we’ll set out via 15-person vans for Beacon Rock, an 848-foot monolith with views of the Bonneville Dam. On October 31, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived here and first measured tides on the river, indicating that they were nearing the ocean.
Lunch:
At the marina in Beacon Rock State Park, we’ll have the sack lunches we prepared with views of Beacon Rock and the Columbia River.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to the trailhead and begin our first hike to Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (2.0 miles round trip, 380 foot elevation gain). We will see Wahclella Falls nestled in its rock grotto before retracing our steps to the trailhead. Our instructor and Group Leader will point out plants and animals we see along the way. Next, we’ll explore Bonneville Dam with a dam Ranger. Completed in 1937, it was a showpiece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. At the time, its single lift navigation lock was the largest in the world. We’ll learn about the dam and see how native salmon and steelhead salmon navigate fish ladders to get past the dam on their journey upstream to spawn. We’ll return to the hotel lodging with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
During a walk with our instructor to Cascade Locks Marine Park, we’ll orient ourselves to the town on our way to dinner. Among the highlights is the Oregon Pony, the first steam engine in the Pacific Northwest. There is also a walking bridge crossing the remains of the original shipping locks, connecting the Marine Park with 3-acre Thunder Island that was carved out of the mainland in 1890. Our guides will prepare a BBQ style buffet along the banks of the Columbia River. If you wish to ride to the park that is a option.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, we’ll have a presentation by one of our instructors about the local area. The presentation will end about 9:00 p.m.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours round-trip. “Choose Your Pace” from routes to Coyote Wall with distances of 3.1 miles round-trip (800 feet elevation gain) to 7.5 miles (1,590 feet elevation gain); open trail through spring wildflower fields following a creek to a viewpoint above the Gorge. Multiple options for hike.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be in the adjacent restaurant. We will then gather in our meeting room to assemble our own sack lunches with sandwich, snack, and fruit choices. Remember to bring and fill your personal water bottle to take along.
Morning:
We’ll hop into our vans and ride to the Coyote Wall trailhead. We will then hike to a sweeping view of the Columbia River Gorge through seasonal meadows and creeks.. Our instructor and Group Leader will point out plants and animals we see along the way.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have the sack lunches we prepared and enjoy views of this spectacular area.
Afternoon:
Those on the shorter route will complete their loop portion of the hike back to the vans. Those who would like a longer hike longer will continue further on the trail to the plateau of Coyote Wall.
Dinner:
We will ride to historic Multnomah Falls Lodge and order from a select menu with choices of main course, salad, dessert, and beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Built in 1925, the Lodge exemplifies Cascadian-style stone and timber architecture. We’ll enjoy a fine meal in this relaxing ambience.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.25 hour round-trip. “Choose Your Pace” with 2 hikes during the day, Eagle Creek/Punch Bowl Falls and Tom McCall Overlook in the Eastern side of the Gorge. Hikes through a gorge to the iconic Punch Bowl Falls and then a wildflower filled overlook in the eastern side of the Gorge.
Breakfast:
In the adjacent restaurant. We will then gather in our meeting room to assemble our own sack lunches with sandwich, snack, and fruit choices. Remember to bring and fill your personal water bottle to take along.
Morning:
We’ll ride in our vans for a short distance to Eagle Creek and the Punch Bowl Falls trailhead. This iconic waterfall view also offers insights into how a forest recovers from a forest fire. 3.8 miles and 600 ft of elevation gain. Trail is there-and-back along through a canyon.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have the sack lunches we prepared and enjoy views overlooking the Columbia River.
Afternoon:
We will drive to the Rowena Crest Trailhead for a hike in the Eastern side of the Gorge through hillsides of balsamroot and views looking towards the end of the Gorge and across to Washington. 3.4 miles and 1070 ft of elevation gain. Optional shorter hike available with a visit to Columbia River Gorge Discovery Museum in the afternoon. This is a optional activity and the admission cost is not covered in program cost.
Dinner:
We’ll ride in the vans to Hood River. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Hood River. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are many eateries in Hood River with food and drink ranging from simple home-style meals to gourmet offerings; outstanding wine to hand-crafted beers. In this rich agricultural region, the food is fresh and local.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1 hour round-trip. “Choose Your Pace” from routes to different falls with distances of 1 mile (200 feet elevation gain) and 2.5 miles (800 feet elevation gain); dirt paths, sections on paved asphalt, sections on basalt rock cut out for the trail.
Breakfast:
In the adjacent restaurant. We will then gather in our meeting room to assemble our own sack lunches with sandwich, snack, and fruit choices. Remember to bring and fill your personal water bottle to take along.
Morning:
We’ll drive in our vans to the Horsetail trailhead then hike along Oneonta Gorge. This route will cover 2.3 miles, gain 565 elevation and pass behind a waterfall.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have the sack lunches we prepared.
Afternoon:
Afterwards we will drive a short distance to Multnomah Falls, for one of the most postcard views of the Gorge and a hike to the top. The distance varies depending on personal choice from 2.4 to 3.0 miles, and 870-920 ft elevation gain. Afterwards we will drive to Vista House for a sweeping view from a historic landmark of the Gorge.
Dinner:
In our meeting room at the hotel, our meal will feature local pizza, salad, dessert, lemonade, water; no other beverages available, bring your own if you like.
Evening:
We’ll feature a local expert for the presentation on local history and geology that will end by about 9:00 p.m.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving about 36 miles, approximately 1 hour round-trip. “Choose Your Pace” from routes to Cape Horn with distances of 4.0 miles round-trip (200 feet elevation gain) to 5.6 miles one way with van shuttle (810 feet elevation gain); dirt trail, minimal rocks and branches.
Breakfast:
In the adjacent restaurant. We will then gather in our meeting room to assemble our own sack lunches with sandwich, snack, and fruit choices. Remember to bring and fill your personal water bottle to take along.
Morning:
We’ll ride in our vans to the Cape Horn trailhead, then hike along the routes of our choosing above Cape Horn’s basalt cliffs for views of Columbia River.
Lunch:
On the trail, we’ll have the sack lunches we prepared with views of the Columbia River and surrounding basalt layers.
Afternoon:
We will drive to Skamania Lodge for free time to relax and enjoy the views of Columbia River Gorge. Built in 1993, the lodge — tastefully constructed and decorated in Northwest style — is nestled amongst the trees overlooking the Columbia River Gorge and a golf course. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to ride back to our hotel in Cascade Locks to freshen up and relax.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a dinner from one of the local breweries in Cascade Locks highlighting the regions cuisine. Choose from the restaurants menu. beverage choices of coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Walking back to the hotel, we’ll have a closing slideshow that will end by 9:00 p.m.
Activity Note
Shuttle departs at 9:00 a.m., arriving at Portland airport 10:00 a.m. Allow 90 minutes for check-in security clearance. Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
In the adjacent restaurant. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
  • May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
  • May 18, 2025 - May 24, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
6 nights
Location: Cascade Locks
This is comfortable motel on outskirts of town. Easy walking distance to local stores. Recently constructed motel.
6 nights
Location: Cascade Locks
This is comfortable motel on outskirts of town. Easy walking distance to local stores. Recently constructed motel.
6 nights
Location: Cascade Locks
This is comfortable motel on outskirts of town. Easy walking distance to local stores. Recently constructed motel.
Participant Reviews
5
Based on 6 Reviews
Sort By:
Colleen – Class of 2019 | Wheaton, IL
This was a great program; the hikes were designed to showcase the best aspects of the Pacific Northwest. The leaders Ken and Nancy were so accommodating and prepared. Steve was a fantastic addition to the leadership team; very entertaining as well as informative. Highly recommend this trip even for novice hikers.
— Review left October 1, 2019
Lynda – Class of 2019 | Manhattan Beach, CA
Go on this adventure if you want to be enthusiastically guided to the best Columbia Gorge has to offer which includes scenic views, unbelievable and unique waterfalls, pleasant trails and a wonderland of flowers.
— Review left June 11, 2019
Yolanda – Class of 2018 | Albuquerque, NM
The Columbia River Gorge is an absolutely beautiful place to hike. Waterfalls and flowers everywhere. The group leaders were very knowledgeable about the area and the participants were all very friendly. Every had a great time.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Rhonda – Class of 2019 | Peachtree City, GA
This trip was very well organized and led. They did an excellent job of offering varied lengths of hiking options and describing the options of each day well so it was easy to make the daily choice. It was a great value and there were no "surprises" in cost or what was offered.The educational presentations made the trip "come alive" in both history and in recognizing the animals and plants and appreciating their place in the ecosystems and in our lives (ie, what we use the plants for)The leaders went over and above to exceed my expectations and make it an amazing trip! I am now hooked on Road Scholar trips and will be doing many more in the future.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Mary – Class of 2011 | White River Junction, VT
It is such a pleasure to be on a hiking trip in a new area for me, and end up feeling like we all knew each other and loved the same outdoor experiences as well as all the learning that took place. Thanks, Ken and Steve!
— Review left June 6, 2019
Sydney – Class of 2016 | Seattle, WA
A beautiful, well run program. Very good value for money.
— Review left June 2, 2019





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