From Angela Brown,
Your Guide to Northwest US Travel.
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The Columbia River Gorge offers a wealth of scenic wonders - river views, waterfalls and wildflowers, basalt cliffs, snowcapped mountain peaks, and verdant forests and farmland. A scenic drive is a great way to enjoy all this beauty. Head out from Hood River along Interstate 84 on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, or State Highway 14 on the Washington side; you'll be surrounded by scenery on all sides.

Fruit Loop Tour
The farms, vineyards, and orchards of this fertile region offers beautiful views and amusing stops throughout the growing season. The spring bloom on the orchard trees entices many visitors to the area; fresh produce stands and markets keep them coming until harvest's end.

Historic Columbia River Highway
This narrow road winds from Troutdale to The Dalles. Popular stops include Vista House, Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls, and the Tom McCall Preserve.

Scenic Stops
Museums, dams, viewpoints, waterfalls, and historic buildings provide plenty of places to stop along your Gorge driving tour. Here are a few highlights:

Vista House
Built as a monument to Oregon's pioneers, the historic Vista House is one of the Gorge's most photographed destinations. It lies on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River, near the town of Corbett.

Waterfalls
The many spectacular waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Multnomah Falls.