Top Portland Outdoor Activities

Sailors will enjoy a private two hour sail aboard a beautiful yacht in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Each person can interact with the captain, learn to sail, steer the boat, winch in the jib sheets, or just relax on the deck as we navigate up and down the mighty Columbia in the wake of Lewis and Clark.

The 80 miles of the Columbia River Gorge’s steep rocky sides offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world: pounding waterfalls, eagles, century-old trees, ferns, flowers, ancient rocks. This half-day of exploring and meditating on wonders with very short hikes and visits to overlooks and vistas will have you gasping in awe. We'll visit waterfalls and overlooks, selected by our guides to include both the most iconic, like the unmissable Latourell Falls, a stunning plunge-style falls that is one of the most iconic in Oregon, and the special. Depending on weather conditions, this could include a few small hidden waterfalls and another spectacular plunge-style falls with columnar basalt. We'll also tell you stories, not just of the geology and botany and the oft-repeated tales of pioneers and road-builders, but also the old stories we've learned, of gods and animal spirits and the Beaver princess tragically turned into a waterfall.

Our tour provides the best of its category -- best bicycles, best guides, best vehicles, best snacks! We transport our guests and bikes in Mercedes Sprinters, and our guides ride with our very small groups. You'll get personal attention and the safest experience we can provide. Like no other active tour of the gorge, we tell the stories that are just beginning to awaken from this place. Beyond the 180 years of pioneers and loggers, before the century-old highway, this was the land of people with a rich mythology. We tell the stories that have been told to us by the indigenous people as best we can. But what's most important, we remember the long long history this place holds. Our tour also provides the most active hiking and visits waterfalls you will not see on other tours.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day on this guided tour to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls. Travel along the historic Columbia River Highway National Scenic Byway and stop at the magnificent falls of Multnomah, Latourell, and Bridal Veil.

When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 4.5- to 5-mile (8-9 km) hike in Forest Park. No matter what the season, hiking in the park is entering another world right on the borders (and through the fabric) of the city. We offer two daily departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft elevation gain. The morning hike is focused around a classic Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden, the Forest Park Experience (9 a.m. to noon). The afternoon hike starts at Goose Hollow, weaves through the neighborhoods and up into the park, the Goose Hollow to the Forest (1 to 5 p.m.). Both pass the iconic spots; Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle; but take a different approach to the forest. Being in Forest Park is to be immersed a fluid place that exists both in and out of time. In the forest—within minutes leaving the street—you can forget, or wonder at the fact that you are still in a city.

Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Come experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed Natural Scenic Reserves. We will drive along the oldest scenic highway in the US, stopping at sweeping viewpoints, flowing falls, a historic lodge, and the famed Bonneville Dam Sturgeon viewing center.

Take a spin around the City of Roses with this bike tour of essential Portland. Pedal through the city's historic Old Town, along the river on the Waterfront Esplanade, through the Park Blocks with their many green spaces and the hip Pearl District. Learn about the spirit of Portland from knowledgeable guides as you see the city as many of the locals do—by bike.

Discover lava tube caves, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and more on a guided tour of Mt. St. Helens. The park’s vastness and variety of attractions can be overwhelming on your own, but by visiting with a guide you don’t miss any of the highlights. Plus, you can learn about the area’s geology, ecology, and history—much of which you might miss if visiting the park on your own.

Visit the lush trails of Portland's gargantuan Forest Park, the only urban wilderness park in the U.S. Your guide will take you along forested trails, telling you about the plants, animals, and history of the park—and the region—as you walk. And if you feel like turning back, there's no pressure. The hike is a moderate 3–5 miles (5–8 kilometers) long, but can be shortened or adjusted to meet your needs.

Multnomah Falls is Oregon's most popular tourist destination with about 2 million visitors each year. A staggering number considering how many parking slots are available. But it's a beautiful place and it's hard not to see why it's so famous. However, with fame also comes long traffic queues, enormous amounts of people, and on a hot day, that's not exactly fun. But, do you know what is? An airplane ride to see the famous waterfall with beautiful aerial views. Come experience the waterfall on an air tour of Multnomah Falls.

Snowshoe against the backdrop of Mount Hood, under the light of the full moon, no less, with this enchanting experience. You'll make your way out into the woods just after sunset and go snowshoeing on a moderately graded trailhead, snowshoeing for about an hour. After stopping for cocoa and snacks, you’ll make your way back.

Soar over the Columbia River Gorge on a sightseeing flight that takes you from Portland to the scenic gorge. Ideal for visitors who are short on time but don’t want to miss any of the highlights, these 20 minutes of flying time show you more than you could see on a full-day ground excursion. Plus, the aerial view provides great photo opportunities.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of central Portland as a local would—by bike. On this bike tour, ride through Portland’s historic west side, exploring art galleries, food carts, iconic breweries and 19th-century architecture. Then head to Waterfront Park for great river views and bridge spotting.

Escape the city for an afternoon exploring some of greater Portland's most scenic falls. Set out to see Multnomah Falls as well as other falls along the Columbia River Gorge, home to the largest concentration of waterfalls in the country. Take plenty of pics of the cascading waters or simply bask in their beauty. You'll enjoy incredible panoramic views from the Crown Point Vista House while an expert guide fills you and your group in on local flora, fauna and history.

If you’ve never flown on a private plane before, this 20-minute ride over the Columbia River Gorge will be an unforgettable experience and a thrilling overview of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Your knowledgeable pilot will take you east through the Gorge toward the Vista House viewpoint, past the waterfalls and cliffs of the Gorge.

The 85-mile (137-km) long Columbia Gorge NSA would be a national park if it weren't a critical transportation corridor. It features waterfalls, mountains, monoliths, terraces, resort towns, vineyards, orchards, and The River, harboring a plethora of fish and birds, and unique plants and invertebrates. In the early 1900s, Portlanders would drive their Model T cars along the Columbia River Highway to gaze at waterfalls. It was the first scenic highway built in America. There is said to be over 4000 waterfalls; many are hidden away, but many are just a short hike off the Historic Highway. On this tour you'll explore the western, rainforested, southern side of the Gorge, dubbed "waterfall alley" where we'll have you getting wet under a waterfall, peering over cliffs, and learning stories of the area only the locals know.

People love to look at the Downtown Portland skyline from the International Rose Garden, from the Eastbank Esplanade, or while driving past on I-5 through the city. There’s something special about this skyline, especially at night, that we all seem to love. In spite of the horrendous traffic, Portland is a beautiful city to look at, and even better when flying above and around it…especially at night! This Portland air tour is a perfect and affordable way to check it out.

Experience Oregon from the sky with this aerial tour above some of the state’s most dramatic scenery. This flight for up to three people will take you above the Columbia Gorge, over the Mt. Hood National Forest and back. Note that prices are for the entire plane ride, so bring a couple friends and make a day of it.

Explore Oregon’s rocky northern coastline on this scenic full-day trip from Portland. Travel the picturesque US Hwy 101 through quaint beach towns, stopping in Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Oswald West State Park. Spend a luxurious day enjoying panoramic coastal views, geological wonders, and wind-swept beaches.

See Oregon’s infamous waterfalls from above on a private airplane tour through the Columbia River Gorge. Get 360-degree views as you soar over the Vista House, Booneville Dam, the Bridge of the Gods near Cascade Locks, and more. This private experience allows you to customize your itinerary to fit your preferences. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Columbia River Gorge on this full-day trip from Portland to Mount Hood! With your small group, take a guided tour of such iconic Oregon destinations as Multnomah Falls and the famous Timberline Lodge, and enjoy lunch in the charming city of Hood River.

Go on an adventure from Portland to Crater Lake National Park during this 3-day tour that includes two night of accommodations and all transport. Stop by the 1,946-foot (594-meter) deep Crater Lake, Smith Rock, and Lava Butte. Go to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and walk the Trail of Molten Land and Trail of the Whispering Pines. Plus choose between a visit to Woodburn Outlet Store, Roseburg, or Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Enjoy lunch along the Willamette River on a 2-hour cruise in Portland. Great for newcomers and locals alike, the leisurely cruise presents an expansive vista of Portland from the water. In addition to exceptional views and food, the afternoon tour also includes commentary from your captain and live entertainment. Prepared with local ingredients, your meal can be upgraded to include an appetizer and dessert.

Experience the unrivaled beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Mountain Range and Mount Hood on this full-day trip from Portland. In the comfort of a luxury vehicle, enjoy a guided tour of the Gorge’s top destinations, including dramatic waterfalls, the Bridge of the Gods, Hood’s Timberline Lodge, and the charming city of Hood River.