Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip Itinerary
The Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip is an ideal way to explore the stunning nature of the Pacific Northwest. Starting in Portland, the 400 km route takes you through Cascade Locks, Maryhill, and Hood River. Along the way, you will enjoy majestic views of the Columbia River, Mt Hood, and the surrounding landscapes. The best time to drive is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the roads are in excellent condition. However, be aware that some roads may be closed due to seasonal weather conditions. This road trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. With two days allotted for the journey, you will have plenty of time to take in all the sights and sounds of the Pacific Northwest.
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number of days
400 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Portland
Distance 400 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: fast
120.0 kWh
Airports
PDX
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Portland is a vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and the perfect starting point for the Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip. This trip will take you around the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and majestic Mount Hood, two must-see sights in the area.
When in Portland, first-time visitors should not miss the city's most iconic spots like the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the city's many craft breweries, and the Portland Farmers Market.
For those flying in, the closest international airport is the Portland International Airport (PDX). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and begin the road trip.
The Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip is an amazing opportunity to explore Portland and the surrounding area. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Portland has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, or just a great meal, Portland is sure to please.
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Portland
- Cascade Locks
Distance 78 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
23.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip from Portland to Cascade Locks? This scenic drive is only 48 miles and can be done in less than an hour. Along the way, you'll pass through some of Oregon's most beautiful landscapes, including the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. You'll also pass by historical sites, such as the Bonneville Dam, and enjoy some of the state's most stunning views. Make sure to keep an eye out for the stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and stunning mountain vistas. You'll also have the chance to explore some of the small towns and villages along the way. There are plenty of places to stop and explore, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly. Don't forget to check out our itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!
Cascade Locks - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Cascade Locks - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Cascade Locks
- Maryhill
Distance 99 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
29.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Cascade Locks, United States to Maryhill is a 62 mile journey that can easily be done in under two hours. Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. The highway is full of twists and turns, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife or interesting sights.
One of the most beautiful stops along the way is the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Here you can learn about the history of the area and the native people that have lived here for centuries. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Just a few miles down the road you can find the Maryhill Museum of Art. This museum is full of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from around the world. You can also take a stroll through the museum's outdoor sculpture garden and take in the breathtaking views of the Columbia River.
For those who are looking for a little adventure, you can also visit the Maryhill Loops Road - the only race track of its kind in the world. Here you can watch professional drivers race around the tight curves of the track.
No matter what you decide to do, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience on this road trip. Be sure to check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Maryhill - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Maryhill - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Maryhill
- Hood River
Distance 68 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
20.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Maryhill to Hood River! This 43mi journey will take you less than an hour, and the scenic road will make the time fly by. You'll be able to take in the gorgeous views of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and you'll pass through some of the most beautiful towns in the area.
In Maryhill, be sure to check out the Maryhill Museum of Art, an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings from around the world. You can also take a tour of the Maryhill Winery, which produces some of the area's finest wines.
As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the towns of White Salmon and Bingen, which offer plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails. The views of the Columbia River Gorge are breathtaking!
Finally, you'll reach Hood River, where you can explore the Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center and the Hood River County Historical Museum. Be sure to take a walk along the waterfront and admire the views of the Columbia River.
This is just one of many stops on your road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So get ready for an adventure and hit the road!
Hood River - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Hood River
- Portland
Distance 155 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
46.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Hood River to Portland? This journey of 96 miles will take you less than 3 hours. Along the way, you will be able to admire the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, the oldest National Scenic Area in the US. There are many interesting sites to visit in Hood River, such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, and the Hood River County Fruit Loop. In Portland, you can explore the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally. Keep your eyes open for other interesting attractions, such as historical sites and scenic roads. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Portland - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Portland
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Portland, Oregon is a great place to end your Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip. Located at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, eclectic culture, and thriving food scene.
The city is home to a wealth of museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is the largest science museum in the state. From the Portland Japanese Gardens to the Pittock Mansion, Portland is full of cultural attractions.
Portland is also known for its outdoor recreation. Hike in Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the US, or take a stroll along the Willamette River waterfront. The city is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific Northwest.
When it comes to food, Portland has something for everyone. From gourmet restaurants to food carts, the city has a variety of delicious options. Beer lovers will appreciate the city’s craft beer scene. Sample a wide variety of local brews at one of the city’s many taprooms and breweries.
For those traveling by air, Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest international airport. Located just minutes away from downtown Portland, PDX is an easy gateway to the city.
End your Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip with a visit to Portland. With its unique culture, great food, and outdoor recreation, Portland is the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip.
Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Portland
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End:
Portland
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Distance:
400 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Portland International Airport (PDX)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
We hope that our road trip idea gave you numerous inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original beauty spots.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to keep in mind to make your adventure smooth and safe.
These tips will surely become useful for tourists who opt for renting a vehicle or renting a camper in Oregon.
Travelling around Oregon requires you to pay attention to the local road regulations.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost if Oregon is your travel destination.
Holidaymakers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is not very high and is only 0.5‰.
The maximum speed when travelling around the urban areas is 40km/h.
In rural areas, travellers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h.
Avoid exceeding the allowed speed of 129km/h when travelling on highways.
In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour.
Well, depending on the budget option that interests you, the money that you have to spend on your travel expenses may vary.
A wide range of budget options is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 400km while travelling around Oregon will cost around 50 EUR.
Economy accommodation options will cost you approximately 154 EUR.
Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend more or less 144 EUR on food and restaurants.
The cheapest car rental option will also cost about 90 EUR.
Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 348 EUR to approximately 438 EUR.
Holidaymakers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay more or less 75 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the itinerary.
Cost amounting to 242 EUR can be expected by all holidayers who are searching for standard hotels.
Travellers can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost more or less 216 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of about 108 EUR.
Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 641 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try vehicle rental and 533 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 964 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 784 EUR.
Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire car should expect a cost of roughly 180 EUR.
When it comes to the premium version of the adventure, you have to spend the maximum of 100 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the itinerary.
Tourists who opt for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay approximately 396 EUR for accommodation and about 288 EUR for food and restaurants.
Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip will also become interesting for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs.
If you choose this travel means, the costs will be up to roughly 450 EUR.
You will spend roughly 113 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the tour.
Holidaymakers who are considering camper rental should expect to pay approximately 110 EUR for overnight stays and about 144 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above-mentioned details in an easy to follow way.
The period between April and October is perfect to explore the part of Oregon showed in our Columbia River & Mt Hood Road Trip.
There are multiple interesting scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options.
Even the most demanding of holidaymakers will surely be pleased with the great diversity of our ideas.