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Columbia River Gorge

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Hiker overlooking the Columbia River from the Dog Mountain Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

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Overview

Cleanly dividing Oregon and Washington is the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, which was carved some 15,000 years ago by cataclysmic glaciers and floods. Driving east from Portland on I-84 (or on the scenic Historic Columbia River Hwy) has you passing high waterfalls and nearly vertical mountain walls, that parallel the mighty Columbia.

Must-see attractions

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Book popular activities in Columbia River Gorge