The Columbia River Gorge is a 75-mile-long canyon that reaches depths of up to 4,000 feet. The Columbia River—the largest in the Pacific Northwest—forms the northern border of Oregon.
The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway, the first designated scenic highway in U.S. history, was constructed between 1913 and 1922. Originally part of U.S. Route 30, the highway stretches from Troutdale to The Dalles. After the construction of Interstate 84, a portion of the highway was cut off and converted into the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, now a scenic route for biking and walking.
Traveling along this historic highway, you'll experience breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, stunning waterfalls—including Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon—panoramic vistas of Mount Hood, and vibrant wildflower meadows.
The Columbia River Gorge has a rich cultural and historical significance. It was a key route for the Lewis and Clark Expedition as they journeyed toward the Pacific, and later, pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s followed this same path westward.
Beyond its spectacular scenery, the Columbia River Gorge is a hub for outdoor adventure and numerous events. Popular activities include hiking, biking, water sports, horseback riding, fishing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, wine and beer tasting.
Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge Festivals & Events
Saturday Night Lights Fireworks – Mount Hood
Saturday Night Lights Fireworks at the Skibowl Snow Tube & Adventure Park (Mount Hood SkiBowl) takes place four times during the winter season, every third Saturday from December through March. The party includes free fireworks displays at 8 pm and Cosmic Tubing with a DJ spinning starting at 7 pm.
Enjoy over 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights, rocking music, and more. Food Service is available in the Multorpor Lodge Cafe and the 70th Meter Bar & Grill upstairs.
When: Every third Saturday of December, January, February, and March annually
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
Snow Beach Festival – Mount Hood
Snow Beach Festival at Mount Hood Skibowl offers annual Spring Break kicks off with pond skimming, hot dog eating contests, beer sampling, music, and much more.
Pond Skim Rail Jam Contest with bikinis, beach balls, pink flamingos, and Hawaiian shirts, freezing water, and an attempt to cross it. Awards and prizes will be given in various categories, including the best crash and costume. Prizes are available to those who eat the most hotdogs and pies in the hotdog and pie eating contests. The festival offers beer tasting from the best microbrews in Oregon.
Enjoy the night lights and fireworks at the end of the Snow Beach Festival.
When: During spring break
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
Annual Ski For Sunshine – Mount Hood
Annual Ski For Sunshine benefits the Portland Sunshine Division. Skiers and snowboarders may ride for free from 9 am to 4 pm with the donation of 10 food items equal to a day lift ticket for $51. All participants are encouraged to bring canned vegetables or meat, pasta, rice, and cereal to fill the Sunshine Division truck. Portland Police Bureau Sunshine Division has provided food and clothing relief to Portland families and needy individuals.
When: The end of March
Where: 87000 U.S. 26 Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
Phone: 503-222-2695
Website: skibowl.com
First Friday Art Walk – Troutdale
On the first Friday of each month, Historic Downtown Troutdale businesses host a cultural event. Dozens of local artists exhibit their works of art, and there is live music, shopping, and wine tasting.
When: The first Friday of each month
Where: Columbia River Gallery, 303 E Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, Oregon 97060
Phone: 503-491-8407
Website: columbiarivergallery.com
Zwickelmania
The annual event is always President’s Day Weekend, when Oregon breweries open their doors. Tours, beer samples, and more from over 120 breweries. 6 Oregon regions: Willamette, Central, Portland Metro, Oregon Coast, Southern, Columbia River Gorge.
When: The President Day Weekend
Where: Statewide. Check the website to find the nearest locations.
Phone: 503-491-8407
Website: oregoncraftbeer.org/zwickelmania
Hood River Valley Blossom Time
The Hood River Valley celebrates spring with the annual Hood River Valley Blossom Time, which starts in early April, when the cherry, apple, and pear trees release their white and pink flowers. Visit family-friendly events, craft shows, culinary, wine, and cider tasting. Enjoy the 35-mile spectacular Hood River County Fruit Loop, which follows the county's Scenic Tour Route.
When: April 1-30
Where: Hood Valley County
Website: http://hoodriver.org/hood-river-valley-blossom-time/
Annual Northwest Cherry Festival
Three days of family-friendly events take place in The Dalles. They showcase agricultural heritage, have a parade, a classic car show, a 10k race, pony rides, a carnival, live music, and cherry sampling.
When: The last weekends of April
Where: 1st St, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
Phone: 541-296-2231
Website: thedalleschamber.com/northwest-cherry-festival/
Troutdale’s Annual SummerFest
Live Music and Entertainment, a pancake breakfast, and a community parade through Troutdale. Fun with face painting, an egg toss, a water balloon toss, music, food from the community, a dunk tank, and pony rides.
When: The third Saturday of July
Where: Glenn Otto Park, Troutdale, OR 97060, USA
Phone: 503-658-5646
Website: westcolumbiagorgechamber.com
Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival & Barlow Trail Days
Huckleberry Festival & Barlow Trail Days along the Oregon Trail. Experience a living history village. Delicious Huckleberry jams and sauces and a selection of other Wild Berry jams. Native American Salmon bake, Native American storytelling, flute music and drumming, and a “Huckleberry Ceremony.”
When: The third weekends of August
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 In the historic village of Rhododendron, OR
Phone: 503-622-4798
Website: http://cascadegeographicsociety.com
Mount Hood Salmon, Mushroom, & Bigfoot Festival
Two days of festival celebrations will be held during the return of the salmon to Oregon streams and wild mushroom harvesting. Mushroom identification by the Oregon Mycological Society and mushrooms on sale. Native American Salmon Bake.
When: At the end of September or the beginning of October
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 In the historic village of Rhododendron, OR
Phone: 503-622-4798
Website: cascadegeographicsociety.com
Annual Hood River Harvest Fest
Harvest Season is a celebration along the Hood River waterfront. Local vendors offer produce and food products, arts and crafts, wine, cider, beer testing, and live music. There is also a kid's activity area, face painting, and bounce houses.
When: The second weekend of October
Where: Hood River Event Site just north of Exit 63 off Interstate 84.
Phone: 541-386-2000
Website: hoodriver.org
Starlight Parade & Community Tree Lighting Ceremony
Holiday music, cookies, popcorn, hot cocoa. Photos with Santa. Parade.
When: The forth Friday of November
Where: Throughout The Dalles
Phone: 541-296-2231
Website: thedalleschamber.com
Christmas Along Barlow Trail - Rhododendron
Special events associated with the history of the Oregon Trail. Storytelling, native American flute and pioneer flute music, Christmas goodies, and hot drinks. Santa Claus will be there.
When: The first Sunday of December
Where: 73341 East U.S. Highway 26 in the historic Village of Rhododendron, Oregon
Phone: 541-622-4798
Website: cascadegeographicsociety.com