A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Sequoia National Park vs. Columbia River Gorge for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is a breathtaking, surreal, and impressive national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sequoia National Park. Although Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Sequoia National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sequoia National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. It is also home to the General Sherman tree. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Sequoia National Park different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Sequoia National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Spend time exploring the decent sights and museums in either Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge.

While most people don't head to Sequoia National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for nightlife. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Sequoia National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Sequoia National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Sequoia National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Sequoia National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge are high quality to visit with kids.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Columbia River Gorge is a very kid-friendly national park. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Both Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sequoia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

Couples visit Columbia River Gorge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sequoia National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sequoia National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Sequoia National Park is a moderate national park for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable national park. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Sequoia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Sequoia National Park?

How long in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Sequoia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Sequoia National Park than Columbia River Gorge. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sequoia National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sequoia National Park than Columbia River Gorge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sequoia National Park.

One day in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Sequoia National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Sequoia National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Sequoia National Park for five days. Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Sequoia National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Sequoia National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the magical destination of Sequoia National Park. Many people spend one week here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sequoia National Park, one week is sufficent for most.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sequoia National Park and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Sequoia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sequoia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sequoia National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Sequoia National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sequoia National Park Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.