Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of North America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, a place where towering cliffs, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls frame the mighty Columbia River as it carves its way through the Cascade Range.

Straddling the border between Oregon and Washington, the Gorge has long been a vital corridor for trade, transportation, and cultural exchange. Today, it stands as a designated National Scenic Area, offering breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and a glimpse into a rich and layered history.

A Geological Masterpiece

The Columbia River Gorge is a product of millions of years of geological transformation. The Columbia River itself began carving its path through the region around three million years ago, cutting through successive layers of basalt formed by volcanic eruptions. The landscape we see today, however, owes much of its dramatic topography to the Missoula Floods—cataclysmic glacial outbursts that occurred between 19,000 and 15,000 years ago. These massive floods stripped away softer rock and soil, exposing sheer cliffs, shaping the steep bluffs, and creating the countless waterfalls that now define the Oregon side of the Gorge.

The Gorge stretches approximately 85 miles, spanning six counties—Multnomah, Hood River, and Wasco in Oregon, and Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat in Washington. The western portion is lush and green, while the eastern end transitions into a more arid, high-desert landscape as rainfall decreases dramatically. This striking contrast in terrain and climate makes the Columbia River Gorge a fascinating natural wonder, as well as a diverse ecological region.

A Corridor for Trade and Transportation

Long before European explorers arrived, the Columbia River Gorge was a hub of trade and cultural exchange for Indigenous peoples. The Dalles, one of the most significant Native American trading centers in the region, was a meeting point for tribes from both sides of the Cascade Range and beyond. Thousands would gather at Celilo Falls, one of North America’s greatest fishing sites before being submerged by The Dalles Dam in 1957, to harvest and trade salmon—a resource vital to their way of life.

When European fur traders arrived in the early 19th century, they quickly recognized the importance of the Columbia River as a transportation route. John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company was among the first to engage in trade with local Indigenous groups. However, the river’s powerful rapids and falls posed major challenges for early settlers and traders, who often had to portage around dangerous sections.

By the mid-19th century, the Oregon Trail brought thousands of pioneers through the Gorge, though many bypassed its steep terrain in favor of the fertile Willamette Valley. The 1860s saw the rise of steamboat travel and the construction of portage railroads, eventually replaced by locks and dams that tamed the river. Railroads followed, with major lines established along both the Oregon and Washington sides, creating a vital link between the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the country. Today, Interstate 84, Washington State Route 14, and active rail lines continue to make the Gorge a busy transportation corridor, echoing its historical role as a gateway between regions.

A Landscape of Dramatic Beauty

The Columbia River Gorge is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which shift dramatically from west to east. The western end, near Portland and Troutdale, receives heavy rainfall, creating a lush temperate rainforest dominated by Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and bigleaf maples. This verdant environment is home to some of the most iconic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, including Multnomah Falls—the tallest in Oregon—and dozens of others along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

As one moves eastward, the climate becomes drier, and the landscape transitions into open oak woodlands and Ponderosa pine forests. The basalt cliffs and rolling hills of the eastern Gorge create an entirely different yet equally stunning environment, shaped by the forces of wind, water, and time. This diverse terrain makes the Gorge a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, windsurfing, fishing, and scenic drives.

Flora and Fauna of the Gorge

Thanks to its unique geography and varying climate, the Columbia River Gorge is home to an extraordinary range of plant and animal life. The wetter western section supports moss-draped forests filled with ferns and wildflowers such as trilliums and Indian paintbrush. Springtime in the eastern Gorge, on the other hand, brings an explosion of wildflowers, with balsamroot and lupine blanketing the hillsides in vibrant color.

The Gorge is also an important habitat for wildlife. Bald eagles and osprey soar above the river, while great blue herons and waterfowl populate its shores. The region’s forests and grasslands support deer, black bears, and even the occasional cougar. The Columbia River itself remains an essential habitat for salmon and steelhead, continuing a legacy of life that has sustained both wildlife and people for thousands of years.

A Destination for Adventure and Tourism

By the late 19th century, as railroads and steamboats made travel to the Gorge easier, the region began attracting tourists drawn to its rugged beauty. The construction of the Columbia River Highway in the early 20th century solidified its place as a premier scenic destination. Often called “America’s first scenic highway,” the road was designed to showcase the Gorge’s most spectacular sights, winding past waterfalls, rock formations, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Today, millions of visitors flock to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area each year. Outdoor activities abound—hikers can explore trails like Angel’s Rest or Dog Mountain, while windsurfers and kiteboarders take advantage of the Gorge’s famously strong winds in places like Hood River. Cyclists, photographers, and nature lovers all find something to appreciate in this diverse landscape.

Conservation and the Future of the Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge has faced many challenges over the years, from dam construction that altered the river’s flow to logging and development pressures. However, strong conservation efforts have helped preserve its natural beauty. In 1986, the US Congress established the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, balancing environmental protection with economic development. This designation ensures that the Gorge’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites remain protected while allowing communities within the region to thrive.

Organizations like Friends of the Columbia Gorge continue to advocate for preservation, ensuring that future generations can experience the area’s unmatched beauty. Efforts to restore salmon populations, manage wildfire risks, and address the impacts of climate change are ongoing, reflecting the need for careful stewardship of this incredible place.