
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Nature
National scenic area spanning a major river gorge — covers geomorphology, Columbia River watershed ecology, and Pacific Northwest geography.
What families say
Families can choose their own adventure here—drive between waterfall viewpoints for a quick trip, or hike the connecting trail system for a full day out, with clear signage and maps making it hard to get lost. The big catch is parking: Multnomah Falls in particular is crowded and requires a paid pass, though quieter falls nearby often have easy parking, so visiting midweek or picking less-famous stops can save headaches. Reviewers agree the scenery is stunning and well worth it, though a couple note that if you want a less crowded hike, nearby Mount Hood or Gifford Pinchot National Forest might be a better bet.
Ages 5–18
NatureGeographySciencePE
Oregon
Directions →