Crunchy leaves, rushing waterfalls, freshly picked apples, and crisp fall air: autumn is a great time to pack up the kids and head for the Columbia River Gorge.
Just a short drive from Portland, the Gorge offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy the season, whether your kids are happiest hiking through the woods, searching for the perfect pumpkin or simply along for the snacks. Here are a few ways to make a fall day in the Gorge one the whole family will enjoy.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
You can’t visit the Gorge without seeing at least one waterfall, and fortunately, families don’t have to embark on a long hike to find one.
Start with Latourell Falls, where the 224-foot waterfall plunges dramatically over a wall of basalt. Families can get a good look at the falls from a viewpoint near the parking area, or take the trail for a closer look.
Of course, there’s also Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, Oregon’s most famous waterfall is impressive no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Walk to the lower viewing area with younger kids or continue up to Benson Bridge for an even closer look. Older kids who are ready for a challenge can tackle the switchbacks toward the top.
If everyone still has energy, Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls offer even more opportunities to get out of the car and explore.
Fall weather can make trails wet and slippery, so bring sturdy shoes and check current trail conditions before heading out. Some Oregon State Parks in the Gorge, including Latourell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, now require a day-use parking permit, so it’s also a good idea to check parking requirements before you leave.
Take the Scenic Route
The Historic Columbia River Highway is an adventure all its own, winding through forests and past waterfalls, historic bridges, and overlooks. In fall, changing leaves add splashes of yellow, orange, and red to the already impressive scenery.
Make your first stop Vista House at Crown Point, where kids can look out over the Columbia River far below. Nearby Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint offers another picture-worthy view of the Gorge and Vista House.
Turn the drive into a game by challenging kids to spot waterfalls, boats, bridges, birds, and different colors of leaves along the way.
Pick Apples in Hood River
Fall in the Gorge means harvest season, and there’s nothing quite like picking your own apples.
Head toward Hood River to explore the Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile route through orchards, farms, and farm stands. Depending on when you visit, families can pick apples and pears, hunt for pumpkins, visit farm animals, and stock up on cider and other fall treats.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Parkdale grows a huge variety of apples and pears, making it a fun place to see how many different kinds your family can find. Draper Girls Country Farm is another popular stop for fruit, pumpkins, and farm animals, while Packer Orchards gets into the fall spirit with seasonal activities such as a pumpkin patch and corn maze.
Pack a cooler, because there’s a good chance you’ll head home with more apples, pears, and treats than you planned.
Ride Through the Fall Colors
Have a train fan in the family? Give your feet a rest and see the Hood River Valley from the rails.
The Mt. Hood Railroad departs from downtown Hood River and offers seasonal train rides through the valley. Fall trips provide views of orchards, forests, and changing leaves, with Mt. Hood making an appearance when the weather cooperates.
For kids, the train ride itself is half the adventure. For parents, it’s a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery without having to keep your eyes on the road.
Schedules and special excursions change throughout the year, so check ahead before making the trip.
Watch Fish at Bonneville
For a fall outing that sneaks in a little science, make a stop at Bonneville Lock and Dam.
At the fish-viewing windows, kids can watch salmon and other fish make their way through the fish ladder. Fall is an especially interesting time to visit because several species of salmon may be migrating through the Columbia River system.
Then head over to the Sturgeon Viewing Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Kids can peer through underwater windows to see enormous white sturgeon swimming just inches away.
It’s free to visit, educational, and a good option when your family needs a break from hiking.
Stop And Explore Cascade Locks
Instead of simply driving through Cascade Locks, give your family some time to explore.
Walk along the riverfront, watch boats travel the Columbia, or look for the Bridge of the Gods stretching across the river toward Washington. The area also connects with trails and recreation areas, so you can make your stop as active or relaxed as your family wants.
And because no family road trip is complete without something tasty, leave a little room for a snack or treat before getting back in the car.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about the Columbia River Gorge is that you don’t need an elaborate itinerary to have a great family adventure. Pick a waterfall, add an orchard or two, stop whenever a viewpoint catches your eye, and leave a little extra time for unexpected discoveries.
Fall days in Oregon can also be unpredictable, so bring layers, rain jackets, sturdy shoes, water, and plenty of snacks. Check current road and trail conditions before leaving home, as weather and seasonal closures can affect access.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.