Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Columbia River Gorge?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Columbia River Gorge?
Most visitors spend two to three days in Columbia River Gorge when visiting. The scenic region offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the hiking, the food, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife.
The Columbia River Gorge is a scenic canyon that has been carved by the Columbia River. It's located in the state of Oregon, not far from Portland. The Historic Columbia River Highway weaves its way through the canyon for about 75 miles between Troutdale and The Dalles. It's popular with visitors, who stop for the frequent viewpoints and waterfalls.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Columbia River Gorge? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Columbia River Gorge?
Three days is the perfect amount of time here, as many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days exploring the area. You'll be able to take in the beautiful landscapes and scenery, as well as the hiking, the food, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in Columbia River Gorge
Don't miss Vista House at Crown Point during your trip to Columbia River Gorge, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.
Known for it's hiking, Columbia River Gorge sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.
Columbia River Gorge is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.
Shopping in Columbia River Gorge is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.
Is 4 days enough time in Columbia River Gorge?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of the region at your own pace to take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, admire the wonderful scenery, and grab some drinks at a bar. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Columbia River Gorge, near Portland, Oregon
How to spend 4 days in Columbia River Gorge
If you have more than 4 days in Columbia River Gorge, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the region has to offer.
After you've explored most of Columbia River Gorge, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Columbia River Gorge.
Is 5 days enough time in Columbia River Gorge?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this region has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the hiking, the food, the beautiful scenery, and the nightlife. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.
How to spend 5 days in Columbia River Gorge
Having 5 days in Columbia River Gorge will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the region.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Columbia River Gorge, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Columbia River Gorge.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Columbia River Gorge, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.