The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls in Portland
Portland, United States

The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls

Outty Ranking 68 4.8 · 13 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $139

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$139
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls worth booking?

The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls is a 8-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $139 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (13)
Duration
8 hours
From
$139 per person

Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the lo

What you get

    About this experience

    Mt. Hood is the highest summit in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. It features waterfalls, glaciers, and historic Timberline Lodge, built by local artisans during the Great Depression, and featuring the longest ski season in the US. To the north of Mt. Hood is the Hood River Valley. You will get intimate with this area through a visit to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, fruit stands in the Hood River Valley, downtown Hood River (your opportunity for lunch and/or alcoholic beverages), and breathtaking stops in the eastern and western Columbia River Gorge (Multnomah Falls included). Your expert guide, with formal background in ecology and natural resources, will teach you about the natural and cultural history of the area, as you drive the Mt. Hood and Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byways. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Snacks
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • PA system so the back row can hear the guide

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities (always appreciated)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Mount Hood

      Mt. Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano, the highest peak in Oregon, and the fourth highest in the Cascades. Not only is it known for its beauty, visible on the skyline of much of northern Oregon and southern Washington, but it is also the most climbed stratovolcano in the Cascades, easily accessible from Timberline Lodge, which is the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year. You will spend 1-2 hours at Timberline Lodge, on the mountain, just below the Palmer Glacier.

      120 minutes here

    2. Timberline Lodge

      This Works Progress Administration project was dedicated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937. It is one of the most unique, and expansive buildings in the State of Oregon, sitting on Mt. Hood above timberline, for utterly sublime views. You can divide your time among interpretive displays, food & drink venues, hiking in summer and snowplay in winter, as you like. The lodge is a National Historic Landmark, and the only ski resort in the US that is open every month of the year.

      30 minutes here

    3. Draper Girls Country Farm

      Depending on the season, we'll stop at this charming orchard store, where you can buy fresh fruit & preserves, pet the cats and goats, and get a spectacular shot of Mt. Hood, weather permitting.

      20 minutes here

    4. Apple Valley Country Store

      Depending on the season, we'll stop at this homey country store, who not only sell fruit and preserves, but also homemade pies and huckleberry milkshakes!

      20 minutes here

    5. Port of Hood River

      Dubbed the "windsurfing capital" of the world, Hood River also has more breweries per capita than any other city in the US, and a plethora of tasting rooms, galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. This is where you'll spend your lunch hour.

      60 minutes here

    6. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

      The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, the Columbia River, a plethora of birds, and a plant community that changes dramatically between the west and east ends.

      180 minutes here

    7. Rowena Crest Viewpoint

      The quintessential photo opportunity for the eastern Gorge.

      20 minutes here

    8. Columbia River Highway

      This 74-mile (123-km) long historic highway was inspired by the Axenstrasse in the Swiss Alps. These days one can no longer drive the entire highway, but we will drive portions of this picturesque, engineering marvel in both the eastern and western gorge, past basalt terraces and waterfalls.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Bridge of the Gods

      Columbia River crossing for the Pacific Crest Trail, and lowest point on that trail. Named for a Native American legend that explains the local geology.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Bonneville Lock & Dam

      Another National Historic Landmark, Bonneville Dam was the first Public Works Administration dam on the Columbia River, completed in 1938.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Bonneville Hatchery

      Largest hatchery in the state of Oregon.

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Elowah Falls

      A hidden beauty...watch quickly, or you might miss it!

      Pass by without stopping

    13. Beacon Rock

      The fifth largest free-standing monolith in the world. It is an 848-ft (258-m) volcanic plug, composed of columnar basalt, so similar in size and composition to Devil's Tower, Wyoming.

      Pass by without stopping

    14. Horsetail Falls- Columbia River Gorge

      Don't miss this quirky waterfall as we pass by!

      Pass by without stopping

    15. Multnomah Falls

      The tallest waterfall in the state, with a combined height of 620 feet.

      30 minutes here

    16. Wahkeena Falls

      Another cute waterfall to watch for closely!

      Pass by without stopping

    17. Crown Point State Park

      Once known as Thor's Hammer, this geological feature towers above, with a crown-shaped building sitting atop, and a waterfall coming down the side.

      Pass by without stopping

    18. Rooster Rock State Park

      As we pass by, view the rock that inspired North America's oldest continuously running nudist beach!

      Pass by without stopping

    19. Sandy River

      We'll cross the Sandy River between the Columbia Gorge and Willamette Valley. The Sandy's headwaters is a glacier on Mt. Hood, and the river is known for its Steelhead and Chinook runs. As a result, the Sandy is one of three tributaries of the Columbia who's dams have been removed since 2007.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Portland

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 14 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Terran Travels

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls in Portland, photo 2Credit: Jordan & DaniThe Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls in Portland, photo 4Credit: Jordan & DaniThe Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls in Portland, photo 6Credit: Jordan & Dani

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    13 verified traveler reviews for The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    11
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    freespirit391 · June 2026

    Fantastic experience

    We had an amazing experience touring the gorge with Cher. She was very knowledgable on the history and architecture of things we saw, She took genuine interest in what we wanted to see and got us to many places in the short time we had (Mitchell tunnel, Small zigzag falls, Bridal veil post office, Rowena crest). She is also an amazing photographer attached are some of the pictures she took. At the end of the tour, we felt we had known her a long time and had a real friend in her. Highly recommend Terran travels in general , all the tours we took were amazing, and Cher is an exceptional guide.

    Response from the operator: Glad you enjoyed Cher, Mala!

    via Tripadvisor

    Jenelle_H · July 2024

    Great Tour

    Highly recommend! My expectations were exceeded. We stopped at 3 waterfalls, Rowena Crest, Hood River for lunch and Timberline Lodge. The snacks were perfect and came in handy. Sam was very knowledgeable as our tour guide!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review Jenelle!

    via Viator

    623teresitah · May 2024

    Amazing Mount Hood

    We have a very good tour with Cher. She was very knowledgeable and informative. We maybe wish we could have stayed longer at Mount Hood. But overall, it was a good experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Andrew_J · September 2023

    Fantastic full day tour with a wonderful and knowledgeable guide

    Took this amazing full day tour, we were picked up on exactly on time from our hotel in central Portland by our wonderful guide Cher who went above and beyond to make the excursion truly memorable. She had excellent knowledge of the area and was really engaging throughout the whole experience. As we were a relatively small group she was happy to tailor the day to our various interests and this tour was definitely one of the most enjoyable days of our entire holiday. Would definitely recommend.

    via Viator

    jingx777 · August 2023

    nice tour

    Dean is very familiar with the area, and thank him so much for bringing my phone back, saved my life!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)85
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)31
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.

    How much does The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls cost?

    +

    Prices start at $139 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.

    Is The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Portland?

    +

    Portland's activity list is food cart and brewery crawls, Columbia River Gorge waterfall tours to Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood day trips and Willamette Valley pinot tastings. Gorge tours vary in how many falls they reach, so route detail is the deciding factor. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour, Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Portland?

    +

    June to October for the Gorge, with waterfalls at their fullest in spring. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Portland?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for The Hood-Columbia Loop: Timberline, Orchards, and Waterfalls.

    Pick your date