Oregon · United States
Historic Columbia River Highway
US 30 HistoricCrown Point (Vista House) to Ainsworth State Park
Samuel Lancaster’s 1913 cliff-hung byway threading the waterfall corridor of the Columbia Gorge, past Vista House and Multnomah Falls.
This is the surviving drivable spine of America’s first scenic highway, built into the basalt walls of the Columbia River Gorge with hand-laid masonry, arched viaducts and gentle figure-eight loops. From Crown Point and the domed Vista House the road dips down through dripping rainforest, skirting the base of Latourell, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and the 620 ft Multnomah Falls in quick succession before easing out at Ainsworth. Speeds are low and the corners constant rather than fast, so it rewards a relaxed pace over commitment. It is one of the most photographed stretches of road in the Pacific Northwest and stays busy on summer weekends. Mind heavy waterfall-season tourist traffic, narrow blind masonry curves, and frequent low-light damp patches under the tree canopy.
On the road
The road runs from Vista House at Crown Point to Ainsworth State Park. Samuel Lancaster designed the highway, which was built between 1913 and 1922. He held the grade to 5 percent or less, so no climb feels steep. Just below Vista House, the Figure Eight Loops fold back on themselves as the road drops about 180 metres towards Latourell Falls. Vista House opened in 1918, stands 223 metres above the river and is run by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Latourell Falls drops 76 metres from a basalt overhang, a short walk from the road. Further east, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and has a historic lodge with a restaurant and visitor information. Spring brings the fullest falls, and midweek is the quietest time to go.
Driving the old highway needs no permit. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, parking at the large Multnomah Falls lot off I-84 needs a timed permit from Recreation.gov. It applies from 9am to 6pm, and the smaller lot on the historic highway is exempt. The viaduct just east of Multnomah Falls is closed to vehicles over 35 feet (10.7 m). Repairs have shut short sections in recent years, so check ODOT’s TripCheck before setting off.
Historic Columbia River Highway on the map12.1 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 1Elevation
under 4%4 to 8%over 8%13 to 230 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Crown PointViewpointat the start
- Shepperd’s Dell FallsLandmark3.6 mi in
- Bridal Veil FallsLandmark4.6 mi in
Hazards
- Heavy tourist traffic in waterfall season
- Narrow blind masonry curves
- Damp shaded surface under tree canopy
Sources
“The drive is very scenic and offers stunning views of the Oregon side of the Columbia River.”
Route traced from OpenStreetMap, with its stats measured from that line. How the roads are mapped
Routes for iPhone carries Historic Columbia River Highway offline, with live weather and a 7 day forecast.
Nearby roads
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