Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway 4×4
Original 1913 highway above the Columbia River
The original Columbia River Highway, built in 1913, included several sections now bypassed and forgotten — rough basalt ledges that cling to cliff faces 800 feet above the Columbia River. These abandoned roadways connect through Forest Service roads above Crown Point and wind past the ruins of the Vista House’s predecessor, threading between massive Douglas firs and offering glimpses down to Multnomah Falls from angles no tourist ever sees.
Easy to moderate difficulty with some loose rock sections and narrow shelf roads. Stock high-clearance vehicles can handle most sections, though 4WD helps on steep basalt climbs. Open year-round but best spring through fall when visibility is clear. No camping allowed due to proximity to developed areas, but this makes an excellent day trip from Portland. You’ll drive the same route that Model T Fords struggled up a century ago, with modern views of one of America’s most dramatic river gorges.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2400 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Portland, Oregon |
| Land manager | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail?
Yes, easily. High clearance is recommended but the gravel surface is well-maintained and the trail is rated easy. A stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar high-clearance vehicle is more than enough — you don't need lockers or a lift.
Is this trail accessible year-round or does snow/ice close it in winter?
It's listed as year-round, but the Gorge does get ice and occasional snow in winter, especially at the higher elevations near 2,400 ft. Check road conditions before heading out between November and March — ODOT's TripCheck site is your friend.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive this trail?
No permit required to drive the trail itself, but if you're stopping at trailheads inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area — including Multnomah Falls — you'll need a timed recreation permit during peak season (spring through fall). Check Recreation.gov ahead of time.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no genuinely hard section — this is a scenic gravel drive on a historic roadbed, not a rock crawl. The steepest grades and narrowest stretches come through the basalt cliff sections, but nothing that'll test your rig. The main challenge is traffic and pedestrians near popular viewpoints.
How's cell service along the route, and is there dispersed camping nearby?
Cell service is generally good along the Gorge corridor, which makes sense given proximity to Portland. Dispersed camping directly on this route isn't really a thing — this is a day-use scenic drive, so plan on camping at established campgrounds in the area like Ainsworth State Park or further east toward Hood River.
Trail track
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