Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Hiking area · Skamania County
Oregon
"This dramatic river canyon stretches over 80 miles and plunges to depths of up to 4,000 feet, carved by Ice Age floods and framed by basalt cliffs that mark the Oregon–Washington border. Designated a National Scenic Area in 1986, it contains North America’s greatest concentration of waterfalls and an extraordinary range of ecosystems—from rainforest canyons to semi‑arid grasslands—making it a mecca for hiking, cycling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, rafting, and fishing. The region is also an agricultural and wine-producing heartland, with orchard and farm-to-table dining, a recognized American Viticultural Area, and small towns that pair post‑hike beers and waterfront views with access to trails, viewpoints, and cultural sites." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"A breathtaking area in Oregon offering numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic views. It is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare
"Stretching over 80 miles between Washington and Oregon, I found the Gorge to be a dramatic yet quietly luxurious landscape where Ice Age–carved canyons, fast-moving rivers for paddling and rafting, rolling vineyards and lavender farms, and forested trails collide; days are spent chasing waterfalls and sipping cool-climate Chardonnay, nights in treehouse cabins or riverside hot tubs, and the region’s low-key luxury vibe feels sustained by local businesses and grassroots groups striving to preserve its small-town character." - Jessica Chapel
"A remarkable collection of carved basalt cliffs, evergreen trees, and dramatic Columbia River views, offering stunning natural beauty and tranquility."
"Hikers in the Columbia River Gorge assist the U.S. Forest Service by snapping geotagged photos of American pikas." - Travel + Leisure Editors
