The Historic Columbia River Highway travels along the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll pass five waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. You’ll also pass the historic Vista House, the Bonneville fish hatchery, and a number of other fascinating sites.
The highway was considered a feat of engineering when it was built. It now trades off between being a historic highway and a state trail. Parts of the original highway are no longer driveable, but you can park and walk or bike these portions. Motor vehicles can use Oregon Scenic Byway 30 and I-84 to travel these sections and meet back up with the historic highway.
Stops Along Historic Columbia River Highway
There are many places to stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway. You may want to spend some time in Troutdale, at the beginning of the trek. You may want to explore the big city of Portland, Oregon as well, just 20 minutes from Troutdale. You’ll want to make time for the waterfalls, Vista House, Hood River, and The Dalles when you get to the end of your journey. But you have the choice of a lot of other stops as well. Let’s take a look at them.
Troutdale
You’ll start your journey along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale, and you’ll probably want to stay for a day or two before you begin. Check out the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint for beautiful views. Browse art galleries in the city. Spend some time at Glenn Otto Park or wander along the Sandy River.
RV Rentals Nearby
You can rent RVs near Troutdale, although you’ll get more options if you look closer to Portland.
Camping Nearby
There are a few campgrounds in and near Troutdale.
Sandy Riverfront RV Resort
1097 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
Troutdale, OR 97060
(503) 665-6722
This campground has full hookups and WiFi. It’s along the Sandy River and has bathrooms, showers, and a laundry room.
Ainsworth State Park
As you drive from Troutdale, be sure to stop for a tour of the Vista House, built in 1917 as a resting spot for travelers. You can also stop for the Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. The Bridal Veil Falls stop has two short hikes – one to the falls and one to an overlook of the Columbia River. Along the “waterfall corridor,” you’ll also want to stop at Multnomah Falls.
Finally, make your way to Ainsworth State Park where you can stop to camp on your leisurely drive.
RV Rentals Nearby
Ainsworth State Park is close enough to the start that you can look for RV rentals near Troutdale or Portland. Vehicles longer than 35 feet are not allowed on the Columbia River Highway between Vista House and Ainsworth State Park. If you want to drive the highway, but have a bigger rig, you’ll need to drive Interstate 84 to your destination. You can set up camp and go back and do the drive in your tow vehicle.
Camping Nearby
There is camping right at Ainsworth State Park. Some reviews say there is noise from trains, but that’s to be expected along the Columbia River Gorge.
Ainsworth State Park
Ainsworth State Park
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
(800) 551-6949
This state park campground has full hookups, flush toilets, and firewood available for sale. There are picnic tables and guests can access hiking trails right from the campground.
Bonneville Lock & Dam
Part of the Historic Columbia River Highway from Ainsworth State Park to Bonneville Lock and Dam is a Historic Highway State Trail. If you want to stay strictly on the trail, you’ll need to ride a bike between John B. Yeon State Park and the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead. This map shows you the sections of the state trail that is driveable, and which sections are for non-motorized vehicles.
RVs, cars, and other vehicles can take I-84 to NE Bonneville Way. Be sure to stop at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and the Bradford Island Visitor Center to learn more about the lock and dam.
RV Rentals Nearby
Your best bet for finding RV rentals near the Bonneville Lock & Dam will be to search in Portland and nearby areas.
Camping Nearby
There are a few campgrounds closer to Cascade Locks. Some have very few amenities, while others have lots of perks for campers!
Cascade Locks/Portland East KOA Holiday
841 NE Forest Lane
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
(541) 374-8668
This campground has full hookups, WiFi, and cable TV. There is a pool and hot tub, a dog park, bike rentals, and a game room. The camp also has games like horseshoes and corn hole, and crafts for kids.
Timberlake Campground & RV
112 Bylin Rd
Stevenson, WA 98648
(509) 427-2267
This campground has full hookups and can accommodate any size of RV. There are bathrooms and showers, a pet area, a camp store, and a horseshoe court.
Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods is a cantilever bridge that crosses the Columbia River. You can drive across by paying the toll – $3 for cars and $7 for RVs. Trailers are $1 per axle.
RV Rentals Nearby
You can look for RV rentals in Cascade Locks, Oregon but you’ll have a much bigger variety to choose from in Portland.
Camping Nearby
The campgrounds listed above are near Cascade Locks and make great options for this portion of your drive. You can also try the following RV parks and campgrounds.
Wyeth Campground
Wyeth Rd
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
(541) 308-1700
This shady campground has no hookups, but there is potable water onsite after July 1. There is some noise from trains and cars, like many areas along the Gorge.
Marine Park Campground
423 NW Portage Rd.
Cascade Locks, OR
(509) 637-6911
This campground has free WiFi and a dump station. There are bathrooms and showers, a boat launch, fishing, a playground, and a restaurant. A swimming and sailing beach is nearby.
Hood River
The town of Hood River makes a picturesque place to stop for a few days on your journey. You’ll find plenty of hiking, biking, and water activities on the river. You’ll also find breweries, wineries, restaurants, and shopping. Part of the Historic Columbia River Highway from the Wyeth Trailhead & Campground to just before the Mitchell Point Overlook is a Historic Highway State Trail, which only allows bikes. You’ll need to drive your RV on I-84 and then Route 30 to Hood River.
RV Rentals Nearby
There are some RVshare rentals available in Hood River, Oregon. However, you’ll have a much wider variety if you look in a big city like Portland.
Camping Nearby
Tucker Park Campground in Hood River is an option for smaller rigs. Larger rigs will probably want to camp in Cascade Locks or by the Bonneville Dam.
Tucker Park Campground
2440 Dee Highway
Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 387-6889
This campground has sites for campers under 30 feet, along with single tent sites. There are no hookups or dump stations. There is potable water and coin-operated showers are available.
Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead
This trailhead begins an interesting portion of the Historic Columbia River Highway, where it turns into a state trail. Only bikers and hikers are allowed on this portion of the trail. You can walk through the Mosier Twin Tunnels, which were built for the original highway and now have windows with amazing views. The trail ends at the Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead.
If you do need to drive an RV to the end, you’ll need to take I-84.
RV Rentals Nearby
You can find some RVshare rentals available in Hood River, Oregon. But you’ll have more choices if you look in a big city like Portland.
Camping Nearby
Memaloose State Park is close to the tunnels and makes a good place to camp.
Memaloose State Park Campground
Mosier, OR 97040
(541) 478-3008
This campground has 43 sites with full hookups. There are flush toilets and hot showers available, and there is an RV dump station.
The Dalles
The Dalles is where the Historic Columbia River Highway ends. On this last leg of the drive, you’ll pass the Tom McCall Preserve, Mayer State Park, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Wasco County Historical Museum. You’ll want to make time to explore each of these sites.
RV Rentals Nearby
You’ll find some options for RVshare rentals in The Dalles. However, you’ll likely find more options at the other end of the drive in Portland.
Camping Nearby
Columbia Hills State Park isn’t far from The Dalles, and there is a campground at the park. You can also visit the
Deschutes River State Recreation Area and spend time hiking, fishing, boating, or swimming in the area.
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
85 WA-14
Lyle, WA 98635
(509) 773-3145
There are four standard campsites and eight partial hookup sites at Columbia Hills Historical State Park.
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Wasco, OR 97065
(800) 551-6949
The recreation area has sites with water and electrical hookups, although the water is shut off in the winter. There are seasonal flush toilets and hot showers as well.
Historic Columbia River Highway FAQs
You may have some questions about driving the Historic Columbia River Highway – we’ll try to answer them here!
Is the Historic Columbia River Highway driveable?
Much of the Historic Columbia River Highway is driveable. There are sections of the original highway that are now a state trail, and only bicycles and hikers are allowed on those parts. Motor vehicles have alternate ways to navigate those sections – usually by taking I-84 for a while and then rejoining the historic route.
Where does Historic Columbia River Highway begin and end?
The Historic Columbia River Highway begins in Troutdale, Oregon about 20 minutes from Portland. The route ends in The Dalles, with beautiful views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood.
How many miles is the Historic Columbia River Highway?
The Historic Columbia River Highway is 74.1 miles long from its start in Troutdale to its end in The Dalles.
Can you visit the Historic Columbia River Highway in a day?
It is possible to visit the Historic Columbia River Highway in a day. You’ll want to allow three to five hours to explore the area, leaving time for stops. If you have the time, you may want to spend several days leisurely making the drive so you can stop at overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sites along the way.
What is the most famous stop along the Historic Columbia River Highway?
There are a few famous stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Multnomah Falls is probably the most famous waterfall and possibly the most famous stop along the drive. Vista House is also a well-known landmark that was built in 1916 and has amazing views of the gorge.
The Historic Columbia River Highway has a number of places to stop and learn more about the history and ecology of the area. There are also a number of places to stop and simply marvel at the beauty of the river and the gorge. This is definitely a road trip worth taking slowly, with plenty of time to pull over for the sights.
RVshare has more information on the Oregon state parks along this drive. You can also rent an RV for the journey if you don’t already have one.
This is sure to be a trip you’ll remember for a long time after!
