If you’ve read Northwest TripFinder for any length of time at all, you know that my family takes our vacations in small, weekend-sized chunks close to our home base of Seattle. With our energy-filled preschooler in tow, we combine outdoor activities like day hiking with exploring small towns or visiting local wineries. Local travel saves us money, we get to know our beautiful region inside and outside, and we still get our much-needed time off together.
But come the longs months of winter, localists like me get a bit stir-crazy. It rains here in winter, sometimes every single day. My friends are off vacationing in Hawaii posting photos of volcanic hikes and Mai Tais on Facebook. I begin to feel an intense urge to get out of town and do something adventuresome!
If the mere mention of taking a “staycation” this winter sends you straight to your laptop in search of the cheapest flight anywhere out of town, hang on. I’ve come up with a bunch of great winter getaways in the Northwest, and I promise to share all of them with you.
First up – the Columbia River Gorge and its stunning waterfalls that can be enjoyed year-round. The mighty Columbia River Gorge is the only sea-level passage through the Cascades and a bona fide four-season destination for hearty hikers.
View Waterfall Weekend in the Columbia River Gorge in a larger map
HIKE: Winter Waterfalls
When the mighty Columbia River cut a deep canyon through the Cascades, it just wanted to get to the ocean. But hikers have been reaping the benefits for years, as the river’s urgency gave us dramatic scenery with a plethora of cascading waterfalls enveloped by mossy canyons. These waterfall hikes below are all accessible off of the Historic Columbia River Highway or its east-west parallel route, Interstate 84. Trails for all abilities lead to dramatic waterfalls that are always beautiful and occasionally frozen. In between your waterfall pursuits, rest your head on a soft bed in one of the gorge’s small-town hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.You can stay overnight on either end of this waterfall route.
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Latourell Falls Loop
2.3 miles round trip, 540 feet gain. Oregon State Parks.
Two falls, an upper and a lower, compete for star attraction status on this easy state park hike close to Portland. The first of the falls, tumbling off a basalt cliff, is just 300 feet up the paved trail. No day-use fee.
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Bridal Veil Falls
1.2 miles round trip, 175 feet gain. Oregon State Parks.
Off I-84 at Exit 28. Take this quick and easy paved to-gravel path to a two-tiered cascade that is viewed from a platform. No day-use fee.
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Multnomah – Wahkeena Falls
5.4 miles round trip (or less), 1,550 feet gain. More information.
The 620-foot Multnomah Falls is the highest of the 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Gorge. In just a quarter mile, you’ll be standing on the breathtaking and historic Benson Bridge, which crosses Multnomah Creek between the two tiers of the falls. To get the full view, keep hiking up to the top of the falls, a 600-foot climb from the parking lot. You can turn around here as most tourists do, or keep hiking for the Wahkeena Loop Trail and several more cascades along the way, some big and some small.
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Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls
12 miles round trip (or less), 1,100 feet gain. More information.
The Eagle Creek Trail (I-84 east to exit 41) has so many waterfalls along the way that most any turnaround point will satisfy. The popular Punchbowl Falls are 2 miles in, and this makes for a satisfying shorter hike. It’s a stunning and dramatic hike with so many falls along the way that most any turnaround point will satisfy. This breathtaking route is blasted into the side of a rockface in parts and takes hikers behind the scrim of a plunging waterfall. There are some steep drop-offs on this trail. Hike with sure footing, bring hiking poles and utilize the handrails.
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WHERE TO STAY
Hood River Hotel
Stay in an historic inn right downtown with charming rooms, ensuite baths, some with kitchens. Amenities include a sauna and free wifi. Rooms start at $99. hoodriverhotel.com
Hood River Bed and Breakfast
Want a soft bed a few blocks from the shops and brewpubs of downtown Hood River? Enjoy a hot breakfast on the house, a hammock on the deck, and plenty of room to stow your gear. The friendly owner is happy to share her knowledge of local attractions and recreation. Rooms start at $85. hoodriverbnb.com
McMenamins Edgefield
Set on a lush 38-acre parcel of farmland on the Columbia River in Troutdale, the Edgefield has its own onsite brewery, winery, distillery and spa. Live music and the onsite glassblower and potter will keep you entertained. Warning! An overnight stay here is a lively experience; bring earplugs if you head to bed early. Hostel beds available. Private rooms start at $50. mcmenamins.com
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WHERE TO EAT
Doppio Coffee and Lounge
Very popular with families with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Doppio has a menu that will please everyone, from granola and chai to panini and a microbrew. 310 Oak Street. doppiohoodriver.com
Hood River Bagel Company
Kettle-boiled bagels are the star attraction here, whether served with cream cheese or in the form of a delicious bagel sandwich. 13 Oak Street. hoodriverbagel.com
Double Mountain Brewery
If you have your heart set on a Hood River craft beer (and of course you do!) you’ll have a few options. Double Mountain Brewery won’t disappoint if it’s your choice. Enjoy their delicious brick-lined oven-baked pizza alongside a fabulous pint of IPA. My mouth, it waters. doublemountainbrewery.com
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What’s your favorite waterfall hike in the Columbia Gorge?
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I used to hike in the Gorge occasionally when I lived down in Oregon. Now you have me itching to go back! It sure is a unique and beautiful destination of all seasons.