Historic Columbia River Highway
Places to Visit
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Nestled in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth is equal parts waterfall wonderland, hiker's playground and camper's delight.
Location: 17 miles E of Troutdale at Exit 35 off I-84
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Benson State Recreation Area (OR)
Simon Benson was a lumber magnate, philanthropist, and one of the principal promoters of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. Located one mile west of Multnomah, this park draws picnickers and has a disc golf course and a reservable shelter.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: From Troutdale, follow I-84 east to milepost 30.
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The first dam on the Columbia River is a National Historic Landmark. Two visitor centers tell the story of the dam and electricity generation. The nearby fish hatchery has fish viewing areas.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Interstate 84 from Portland to exit 40, or Washington State highway 14 from Vancouver to milepost 40.
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These falls are worth the short, verdant walk from the car. The trail to the falls will also take you to a nearby overlook of the river.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: A few miles east of Crown Point and Vista House.
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The bridge plays a major role in the Pacific Crest Trail by linking Oregon and Washington states.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: On the border of Oregon (Cascade Locks) and Washington.
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This town is named for the series of locks built near it in 1896. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through here (via the famous Bridge of the Gods). Cascade Locks is a friendly community and has everything you'll need.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: I-84 exit 45
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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (OR)
The magnificent natural wonder we call the Columbia River Gorge was created over millions of years as a result of a series of natural land upheavals, volcanic action and catastrophic floods.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Most of the Historic Columbia River Highway is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Scenic Area includes both Oregon and Washington for a stretch of about 80 miles along the Columbia River.
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The project consists of a navigation lock, spillway, powerhouse, and fish passage facilities.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: 192 miles upstream from the mouth of the Columbia River, two miles east of the city of The Dalles, Oregon.
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This is the largest city in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Recreation here includes windsurfing, white-water rafting, fishing, and camping. Much of the town's past remains in its 19th-century churches and homes.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: It's on the eastern end of the byway.
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Eagle Creek Recreation Area contains the first campground in a National Forest, established in 1915.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Interstate 84 exit 41
