COLUMBIA GORGE WINE & WATERFALLS
HALF DAY TOUR

Activities: Hiking, wine tasting, nature walks, waterfall viewing, wildlife viewing, birding, ecological & geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation
Interests: Geology, wine, waterfalls, glaciology, volcanoes, Columbia River, botany, natural & local history (wildflowers in summer)

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified naturalist guide, travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Jeep, scrumptious afternoon tea with pastries, refreshments, all wine tasting fees and comprehensive naturalist commentary.

Escape Plan:
Today we set out to explore two of the greatest attractions of the Pacific Northwest - the Columbia Gorge and Oregon wines! We begin mid-day on our journey, heading east from Portland toward the spectacular Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. As we travel along the mighty Columbia River we will be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and Osprey, while admiring the towering basalt cliffs and other fascinating rock formations formed when the now tame River cut it’s way violently through the Cascade Mountain Range. On a clear day, white-cloaked volcanic peaks loom over us like sentinels guarding the majestic landscape.

We will drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you are greeted at nearly every bend of the road with another breath-taking view. Here we can take in a few of the 70 waterfalls found in the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, including the second tallest perennial waterfall in the US, Multnomah Falls. Opportunities for hiking, splashing, and photography abound, as trails to, under, and around these natural beauties provide ample access for every kind of adventurer. As we continue heading east, the wet forests of the coastal Pacific Northwest give way to Garry Oak, Ponderosa Pines, and other more arid vegetation, creating prime growing conditions for grapes. Nearing the town of Hood River we will embark on a tour of a few local wineries, each one unique and charming in its own way, and of course sample some of the boutique wines found only here in Oregon. The weather, views, and wines make for an unparalleled vineyard experience.

While we are between wineries your guide will tell the story of the land, both natural and cultural history, so that with each sip of wine you can begin to understand and experience a little more how the forces that shaped this incredible landscape have also shaped the wine in your glass, creating a terroir that can only be found in this secluded paradise. Some of the wineries we may visit include Marchesi, Hood River Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge, Wy’East Vineyards and Pheasant Valley. After our fill of excellent wines, it is back to Portland in time to enjoy the sites and sounds of the city!

Tour Length: 6.5 Hours
Tour Code: EV83
Pick up: Downtown Portland Hotels & Cruise Terminals
Departing: 1:00pm
Returns: 7:00pm
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year Round
Offset your Carbon Footprint: Contact for a quote
Tour Cost: $125.00 per escapist
Departs: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

This tour can be customized as a private tour or corporate retreat, call or email for a quote.

Check out Calendar of Escape Routes for Scheduled Departures!

Inquire about making this a multi-day escape encompassing Mt. St. Helens, Bend, The Willamette Wine Country or Oregon Coast into an incredible Northwest Adventure!

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Northwest with EverGreen Escapes!