The Right Path

The Larch Mountain Lookout You can hike there and earn this breathtaking view of Mt. Hood (pictured here at dusk). The hike is roughly six miles beyond the Multomah Falls trail and the elevation gain is substantial—the trail climbs higher than the lip of the gorge. You can also drive to the Larch Mountain Lookout, but that would be cheating.

The Historic Columbia River Highway makes for gorgeous views right out your car window—a section of the highway adjacent to Latourrel Falls is pictured.

Shepherds Dell Waterfall This small waterfall is tucked away from the the Historic Columbia Highway, which makes it easy to breeze past. It’s worth a stop.

The curved pathway that leads to Shepherds Dell Waterfall is a little jewel in itself.

Wahclella Falls Lush, damp, and shaded, the hike to thundering Wahclella Falls, which spits through a crack in a narrow box canyon near the Bonneville Dam, is perfect for all ages when summer heat gets oppressive.

Wahclella Falls The cacophonous Tanner Creek is nestled in the narrow slot of rock, protected by a sun-blocking canopy of Western red cedar and Douglas fir.

Bridal Veil Falls The only major waterfall that occurs below the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Approaching the falls, the trail runs alongside Bridal Veil creek.

Metlako Falls One of several waterfalls seen on the Eagle Creek Trail. Whether you end your hike at Punch Bowl Falls, continue to High Bridge or make it a slog by going all the way to Tunnel Falls, the sound of Eagle Creek coursing down toward the Columbia is a constant companion.

Also stirring are the dramatic drop-offs and the sections of trail that are little more than ledges, prompting the Forest Service to bolt handrails into the rock as an extra precaution.

Punchbowl Falls One of the Eagle Creek Trail’s iconic views.

Drop down to the path below, wade out into the icy water, and soak up this head-on view of Punch Bowl Falls.

Lower Punchbowl Falls A brief jaunt off of the Punchbowl Falls trail reveals this bonus lookout.

Find more hikes in the Columbia Gorge on the Find a Trail map.

Read more in 30 Great Trails, Hiking & Biking adventures from Hood to the coast.