The Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile canyon of the Columbia River that marks the state line between Washington and Oregon. The drive through the canyon on the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30/Interstate 84) is one of the most spectacular we’ve ever experienced. We were headed east this time and were awed by the canyon walls towering alongside the beautiful, rolling Columbia River. It was overcast and misty so we didn’t get many good photos on our drive.

The canyon transitions from sea level to 4,000 feet in 80 miles, from temperate rainforest to dry grasslands.

Waterfalls are abundant, including the tallest waterfall in Oregon, the 611-foot-high Multnomah Falls.

Opportunities for hiking abound! Next time, we will be sure to hike the Upper Multnomah Falls Trail. Here is a video of the falls.

Another interesting stop is the new 650 ft Mitchell Point Tunnel which opened to the public on March 21, 2025. The original tunnel was inspired by a tunnel set into a cliff face in Switzerland and it served as a roadway from 1915 to 1966. The tunnel was then blocked off until the Oregon Department of Transportation decided to re-bore and reopen the tunnel for recreational use.

This basalt tunnel offers beautiful, expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge through a series of five arched windows.

The wind tunnel effect of the gorge (a consistent 35 mph) that attracts wind surfers from across the world was also evident at the tunnel, resulting in Sue’s thick hair standing up straight!

Finally, we saw the sad evidence of the tragic Fall 2017 Eagle Creek Fire that burned over 50,000 acres. The good news is that we also saw signs of regeneration and renewal.

Thanks for following along with us.