Oregon
Hiking the Spectacular Columbia River Gorge
Program No. 14936RJ
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Hiking the Spectacular Columbia River Gorge
Hiking the Spectacular Columbia River Gorge
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Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
SHOWING
This is a great hiking trip. I emphasize hiking because that is the main activity, not walking or strolling. The geology of the area is fascinating and I've never seen so many gorgeous waterfalls in one area. Spring brings an outstanding wildflower display. Two hikes each day, a museum tour, evening presentations, tour of Bonneville dam (surprisingly interesting,) pub and lodge dining, knowledgable leaders, scenic overlooks, natural wonders, history, comfortable accommodations. Perfect way to spend a week, in my opinion.
— Review left June 3, 2026
Great trip... gorgeous forests, waterfalls, wildflowers. Well run program with wonderful, knowledgeable guides.
— Review left May 28, 2026
Be aware this is not a normal "choose your pace". Even some of the shorter hikes were still pretty rugged. We don't recall any mention how rocky many of the trails were and at times difficult to navigate. I have taken 13 trail hikes with Road Scholar so I am able to make comparisons. The first day you hike up Beacon Rock which is the most difficult switch back hike we have ever taken. Plus there was no other "choose your pace" choice to do. It was suggested you could turn around half way but there was no guide to inform you when it was half way and you would be by yourself. Plus it would be hard to go back with other people on the trail. The guides also said the information about the hikes from Road Scholar were not current and were different from the guide's information. On three hikes there were no trail sweep guides even on the rugged Beacon Rock hike! My wife, a paying participant, volunteered to be sweep because if she had not volunteered there would not have been a hike!
— Review left May 24, 2026
This is a beautiful experience; the trees, flowers, views, guides and participants!
— Review left May 19, 2026
This is a perfect program to enjoy a beautiful area and to challenge your adventurer spirit and love for nature.
— Review left May 17, 2026
I loved this trip! The Columbia River Gorge is breathtakingly beautiful with a lot of diversity. In early May there was an explosion of wild flowers and plants, about which Derek was especially knowledgeable. The hikes were beautiful and challenging. Prospective participants should heed the activity level descriptions and be prepared.
— Review left May 16, 2026
A beautiful region and great hiking! Definitely recommend this trip!
— Review left May 12, 2026
Fabulous value for the quality of accommodations, food and expertly curated and led hikes. Hike leaders presented informative presentations pre, post and during hikes. They were so totally engaged with us hikers and the environment we were experiencing. Their love and knowledge of the area was contagious. Kudos to Stephanie, Carolyn and Derek and the Best Western staff (John stood out for many reasons). Their professional and knowledgeable attention to details was commendable. I may look into a spring repeat of this program, a whole different perspective!
— Review left October 16, 2025
5 stars! This is a wonderful exploration of the Columbia River Gorge region and its unique falls and history. The guides were wonderful..
— Review left October 5, 2025
Hiking the Spectacular Columbia River Gorge was a terrific experience. The scenery was beautiful. Leaders are great and accommodations are conveniently located close to all the trails.
— Review left May 26, 2025
This is an incredible hiking experience in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Our leaders were knowledgeable about the area and provided us with a fun and adventurous introduction to the region...I enjoyed our fellow adventurers as well. Great group!
— Review left May 24, 2025
The Columbia Gorge hiking trip is located in a beautiful part of the US. The hikes were fabulous! But beware, the company that runs this trip chooses NOT to use listening devices. As a result, the educational value of the trip is definitely reduced because of it.
— Review left May 18, 2025
This was a great program; the hikes were designed to showcase the best aspects of the Pacific Northwest. The leaders Ken and Nancy were so accommodating and prepared. Steve was a fantastic addition to the leadership team; very entertaining as well as informative. Highly recommend this trip even for novice hikers.
— Review left October 1, 2019
Go on this adventure if you want to be enthusiastically guided to the best Columbia Gorge has to offer which includes scenic views, unbelievable and unique waterfalls, pleasant trails and a wonderland of flowers.
— Review left June 11, 2019
The Columbia River Gorge is an absolutely beautiful place to hike. Waterfalls and flowers everywhere. The group leaders were very knowledgeable about the area and the participants were all very friendly. Every had a great time.
— Review left June 9, 2019
This trip was very well organized and led. They did an excellent job of offering varied lengths of hiking options and describing the options of each day well so it was easy to make the daily choice. It was a great value and there were no "surprises" in cost or what was offered.The educational presentations made the trip "come alive" in both history and in recognizing the animals and plants and appreciating their place in the ecosystems and in our lives (ie, what we use the plants for)The leaders went over and above to exceed my expectations and make it an amazing trip! I am now hooked on Road Scholar trips and will be doing many more in the future.
— Review left June 9, 2019
It is such a pleasure to be on a hiking trip in a new area for me, and end up feeling like we all knew each other and loved the same outdoor experiences as well as all the learning that took place. Thanks, Ken and Steve!
— Review left June 6, 2019
A beautiful, well run program. Very good value for money.
— Review left June 2, 2019