You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend summer afternoons than by exploring the vast network of Columbia River Gorge hikes. There are endless miles of trails to explore on both the Washington and Oregon side of the river, and we’d be thrilled to share some of our long-time favorites with you this summer! Whether you wind your way through gorgeous old-growth forests chasing waterfalls or hike to the colorful alpine meadows on surrounding mountains, we have little doubt you’ll love these Columbia River Gorge hikes as much as we do.
The only thing that compares with the exhilarating beauty of these fantastic hikes is staying at our top-rated luxury cabins in Washington. We’re located just across the Bridge of the Gods and just a short drive away from downtown Hood River, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty only the Columbia River Gorge can offer. Soak your tired muscles in our jetted tubs, sip a glass of wine or a craft beer on our private cabin porches, and immerse yourself in the quiet, resplendent beauty of our private oasis in the gorge.
There’s truly nothing better than pairing grand hiking adventures with a bit of luxury, and that’s exactly what awaits this summer when you stay at our top-rated luxury cabins in Washington. Get ready to explore some of the most impressive Columbia River Gorge hikes with us this summer. Book your cabin today!
Don’t Miss These Columbia River Gorge Hikes
With the first glimpse of our fantastic summer weather behind us, it’s time to start planning your unforgettable adventure to the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. There are plenty of scenic drives, fantastic Hood River wineries for tastings, great restaurants in Stevenson & Hood River, and delicious farm-fresh fruit stands to enjoy on the Hood River Fruit Loop. However, one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Gorge is by taking any number of scenic Columbia River Gorge hikes.
Though several of the top Columbia River Gorge hikes can be enjoyed year-round, summer is, without a doubt, the best time to experience this lovely area. Wildflower blooms abound in high mountain meadows, and blue-sky days set the perfect backdrop for an endorphin-filled adventure in the Gorge. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular Columbia River Gorge hikes you simply must take, along with a few lesser-known gems that will treat you to a less crowded adventure in Mother Nature. We’d be more than happy to give you more recommendations, too!
- For quintessential views of the Columbia River Gorge, don’t miss the Dog Mountain Trail. It’s one of the most popular Columbia River Gorge hikes – for good reason! The first views of the Gorge come around 1.5 miles into the trail, and from there, the journey for the remaining 5 miles gets better and better. The earlier you head out on this hike, the more enjoyable (and less crowded) your trek will be.
- There’s no shortage of great waterfall hikes to take in the Columbia River Gorge – especially along the famed Waterfall Corridor – but you simply must take a trip to Lower Lewis Falls. From the moment you begin the trek to the falls, you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite Columbia River Gorge hikes in the summer! Navigate through the beautiful, shaded forest and along the river’s edge before emerging at the gorgeous waterfall. From there, you can return to your car or continue to more stunning waterfalls.
- Another great hike to consider this summer is the Hamilton Mountain Loop, which offers hikers a little bit of everything. You’ll start in beautiful forest cover and meander past waterfalls before eventually maneuvering along cliffs and enjoying rewarding views of the Gorge.
- When it comes to great waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge, don’t miss the Falls Creek Falls trail. It’s relatively easy as far as Columbia River Gorge hikes are concerned, it leads you to one of Washington’s tallest waterfalls, at an impressive 335 feet, and it’s not too far from our luxury cabins, either!
- For an easy yet delightful hike in the Columbia River Gorge, don’t miss Catherine Creek. There’s a beautiful natural arch to see on this trail, and it also connects up with the popular Coyote Wall Area for even more great Columbia River Gorge hikes.
- Rugged, challenging, and scenic – those words encapsulate what you’ll experience on the beautiful Cape Horn trail. This hike has a bonus waterfall, and you’ll also find views of Hamilton Mountain and Beacon Rock.
- On the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, don’t miss the Grassy Knoll Hike. This is a fantastic one for wildflower lovers and offers some exceptional views of Mount Adams!
- For more gorgeous river views and plenty of steep climbs, and even some waterfalls, don’t miss another of the most popular Columbia River Gorge hikes, the Angels Rest Trail.
- Panther Creek Falls is just 20 minutes from our luxury cabins in Washington and offers hikers an easy 1/4-mile trek to gorgeous waterfalls. There’s a viewing platform up above or a trail that leads you down to the bottom of the falls – a fantastic place to cool off on a hot summer’s day!
- Though you’ll find views of Beacon Rock on other gorge hikes, you can also head directly to Beacon Rock State Park and enjoy some up-close views and great hikes. The mile-long switchback trail that takes you to the top of the 848-foot Beacon Rock is challenging but worth it for the views of the Columbia River Gorge!
Natural Beauty at Our Luxury Cabins in Washington
Each of these stunning Columbia River Gorge hikes is equal parts exhilarating and exhausting. As exhausted as these hikes may make you by the end of the day, there’s still nothing we’d rather be doing this summer – except, of course, relaxing in paradise! You can’t beat our luxury cabins in Washington, the perfect pampered oasis in the Columbia River Gorge.
Our luxury cabins are anything but ordinary and offer the perfect place to rest your tired muscles at the end of the day. Whether it’s soaking your tired muscles with our Dead Sea Bath Salts, sipping on a glass of our special-label Friendship Wine made in partnership with our friends at Bear Creek Vineyards, or easing your stress with a customized on-site massage, the amenities we offer at our Columbia Gorge cabins are unmatched.
In each of our ten cabins, you’ll find a custom-made queen or king-size beds, comfortable seating, in-cabin welcome snack baskets, cozy cotton robes, and much more. Take the time to enjoy our grounds, too, where you’ll find beautiful gardens, two firepits, and plenty of quiet places to sit down and relax. You can even bring your four-legged best friend with you because we also offer dog-friendly cabins in Washington! What more could you ask for? Book your cabin today, and start planning which Columbia River Gorge hikes you’ll tackle this summer!
