From waterfalls to wildflowers to panoramic peaks, the Columbia River Gorge Area is a hiker’s dream.
1. Paradise Park Hike – Wildflowers, Canyon Views & Alpine Bliss (Mt. Hood)
This hike truly earns its name — Paradise Park is alpine magic at its finest. While it’s a popular summer route for its sweeping canyon views and explosive wildflower blooms, my favorite time to hike it is actually Fall, when the meadows take on warm golden hues and the crowds thin out. This IS a big hike with big rewards; make sure you have enough food and water, trekking poles are really helpful too! The trail is steep in parts, rugged in others, and long enough to demand planning and stamina. But once you step into those meadows and breathe in the scent of wildflowers with Mt. Hood rising above you, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere truly magical.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 13–14 miles round-trip (shorten as needed with an out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail Type: Loop (via Timberline) or Out-and-Back (via Paradise Park Trail)
- Best Season: Late July to mid-August for peak wildflowers
- Permit: Free self-issued wilderness permit (mid-May to mid-Oct)
- Parking: NW Forest Pass required
- Water: Bring a filter — seasonal alpine creeks
- Restrooms: Timberline Lodge if open
- Notes: Bring bug spray & the 10 essentials — it’s exposed and dry! Don’t know about the 10 essentials? Learn here: 10 Essentials
Why You’ll Love It
- Wildflower Wonderland: From beargrass to Indian paintbrush, this is one of Mt. Hood’s best alpine flower displays.
- Epic Views: See Mt. Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and of course, Hood rising dramatically above you.
- Canyon Crossings: The drop into Zigzag Canyon and climb out are a challenge — but worth it.
Pro Tip: Bring extra water and turn around early if needed — it’s a long, exposed trek. For backpackers, this is also a dreamy overnight spot.
2. Sleeping Beauty Peak – Big-View Mini-Adventure (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA)
Looking for a short hike with massive payoff? Sleeping Beauty Peak delivers big views in under three miles. Located in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the region. Sleeping Beauty Peak is short in distance but mighty in rewards. In under three miles, you’ll summit a basalt ridge with sweeping views of four iconic Cascade volcanoes — crowned by Mount Adams just miles away. For hikers in southern Washington, it’s a powerful half-day escape with mountain magic at almost every turn.
Trail Stats
- Distance: ~2.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate (steep cllimb, rocky/bouldering sections)
- Permit: None
- Season: Mid-May through October (road can be rough early/late season)
Why It’s a Favorite
- Summit Views: On clear days, see Mt. Adams up close, plus Rainier, St. Helens, and Hood on the horizon.
- Quick Workout: This trail climbs fast through old-growth forest into a narrow summit ridge.
- History & Charm: You’ll spot eye bolts from the old 1931 fire lookout at the summit.
Bonus Fun: Google “Tuter the Turtle” before your trip — trust me.
3. Wahclella Falls – My “Jurassic Park” Hideaway (Columbia River Gorge)
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (even though based on parking issues I think the cat’s been out of the bag); this hike is simply underrated. Don’t let the short distance fool you — Wahclella Falls is a dramatic, lush canyon hike covered with ferns- it’s hard to believe you’re less than a mile away from our main highway. With mossy cliffs, charming bridges, and a show-stopping two-tiered waterfall, it’s one of my go-tos for a quick Gorge adventure. Looking for more like this? 3 more “easy” Gorge hikes here
Trail Stats
- Distance: ~2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~500 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Permit: NW Forest Pass
- Toilets: At trailhead (BYO TP recommended)
Highlights
- Munra Falls: Along a little wooden bridge you get a close up of this 30-ft waterfall right along the trail.
- Slot Canyon Vibes: Towering moss-draped basalt walls feel otherworldly.
- Cave: Can you find it?
- Waterfall Finale: Wahclella’s main falls are a stunner, a two-tier 60-ft horsetail plunge into a mossy amphitheater.
- Wildlife: Watch for salmon in the creek and water ouzels diving into the falls!
Parking Note: Trailhead parking is often full; please do not park illegally along the narrow road; please be considerate of others and protect both yourself and your vehicle. Consider the nearby Toothrock lot as a backup (adds <1 mile roundtrip).
4. Tamanawas Falls – My Winter Wonder (Mt. Hood East Side)
Tamanawas Falls is the ultimate year-round destination — and in my opinion, it’s most magical in winter. The frozen falls, frosted pines, and packed snow trail make it feel like a scene from a fantasy movie. Situated on the eastern slopes of Mt. Hood in lush Cold Spring Creek canyon, this stunning 100‑foot waterfall cascades over basalt cliffs into a mossy amphitheater—perfect for a rejuvenating day trip or a quick half-day escape. There is a rocky boulder climb area just before the falls that many people find challenging.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 3.4–3.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~550–650 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some scrambling near the falls)
- Permit: NW Forest Pass or $5 fee
- Restrooms: Available at trailhead
- Winter Gear: Microspikes/crampons required!
Why It’s Worth It
- Frozen Wonderland: In winter, the 100-ft falls often freeze into crystalline columns.
- Summer Cool-Down: Great summer escape with a refreshing breeze from the misty plunge pool, and you can walk behind them!
- Wildlife: Cold Spring Creek is home to steelhead and songbirds.
Tip: For a longer route, try connecting via Trail #650B to Elk Meadows. Pay attention at the end of the trail; we frequently have hikers miss the exit back to the parking lot and find themselves lost! It’s signed but missable if you’re overly tired.
5. Cloud Cap & Cooper Spur – Hills Are Alive with Panoramic Views (Mt. Hood NE Side)
This hike gives me the hills are alive with amazing views vibes. Try not to spin around with your arms out! This hike packs the combo of high-elevation, history, wildflowers, and glacier views. Starting from the historic Cloud Cap Inn, this alpine trail leads you to incredible vistas with fewer crowds than other Mt. Hood classics.
Trail Stats
- Distance: 6–8 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~1,200–1,400 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (rocky, exposed, possible snow patches)
- Permit: NW Forest Pass required
- Toilets: At trailhead
Trail Highlights
- Historic Inn: Cloud Cap Inn, built in 1889, is the oldest alpine lodge in the U.S.
- Glacier Views: The Eliot Glacier looms just a ridge away.
- Wildflower Fields: Beargrass, penstemon, and lupine light up the trail mid-summer.
- 360° Vistas: Mt. Adams, Rainier, St. Helens, and the entire Cascades lay before you.
Options:
- Hike the Cooper Spur Trail loop (~3 mi) above treeline.
- Extend to the glacier overlook (~1.1 mi one-way) for an another epic view.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving the scent of alpine meadows, the spray of a waterfall, or a sweeping view of volcanoes stretching into the distance, the Columbia Gorge area has a trail for every mood.
These are 5 of my current faves, chosen for their variety, beauty, accessibility, and seasonal charm. Whether you’re a visiting adventurer or a local looking for something new, I hope you get to explore them all.
Have questions about timing, gear, or trail conditions? Feel free to message me, I love helping fellow hikers find their next adventure.
Happy trails!
About the Author:
Trish’s outdoor experience spans nearly a decade in roles as a Wilderness Guide, Appalachian Trail Thru-hiker, Wilderness First Responder, Search and Rescue volunteer, trail maintenance volunteer, and solo traveler.
