All- Inclusive | Small Group Tour
Tour departs with a minimum of 1 and maximum of 10 escapists!
Mon, Wed*, Sat | 1:00pm – 7:00pm | Year Round | $135 per person
Today we set out to explore two of the greatest attractions of the Pacific Northwest – the Columbia Gorge and Oregon wines! Learn the ins and outs of the gorge while spotting for wildlife and hearing tales of historic grandeur, before visiting boutique wineries for sipping and learning about the art of viticulture.
Escape vehicle at the Vinyards
Visiting Wy'East Vinyards and tasting room
Touring the barrel room!
Multnomah Falls
Gorgeous view of Vista House from Chanticlear Point
Learning the history of the Gorge - "the path of least resistance"
Waterfalls all along the drive!
Bridge at Multnomah Falls
Alloro Vineyard owner David Nemarnik - by Laura Guimond
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hiking
- Wine tasting
- Nature walks
- Waterfall viewing
- Wildlife viewing
- Birding
- Ecological & geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation
ITINERARY
We begin mid-day on our journey, heading east from Portland toward the spectacular Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. As we travel along the mighty Columbia River we will be on the lookout for Bald Eagles and Osprey, while admiring the towering basalt cliffs and other fascinating rock formations formed when the now tame River cut it’s way violently through the Cascade Mountain Range. On a clear day, white-cloaked volcanic peaks loom over us like sentinels guarding the majestic landscape.
We will drive along the Historic Columbia 
River Highway, where you are greeted at nearly every bend of the road with another breath-taking view. Here we can take in a few of the 70 waterfalls found in the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, including the second tallest perennial waterfall in the US, Multnomah Falls. Opportunities for hiking, splashing, and photography abound, as trails to, under, and around these natural beauties provide ample access for every kind of adventurer. As we continue heading east, the wet forests of the coastal Pacific Northwest give way to Garry Oak, Ponderosa Pines, and other more arid vegetation, creating prime growing conditions for grapes. Nearing the town of Hood River we will embark on a tour of a few local wineries, each one unique and charming in its own way, and of course sample some of the boutique wines found only here in Oregon. The weather, views, and wines make for an unparalleled vineyard experience.
While we are between wineries your guide will tell the story of the land, both natural and cultural history, so that with each sip of wine you can begin to understand and experience a little more how the forces that shaped this incredible landscape have also shaped the wine in your glass, creating a terroir that can only be found in this secluded paradise. Some of the wineries we may visit include Marchesi, Hood River Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge, Wy’East Vineyards and Pheasant Valley. After our fill of excellent wines, it is back to Portland in time to enjoy the sites and sounds of the city!
Half-day Columbia Gorge Wine and Waterfalls
- Activities | Hiking, wine tasting, nature walks, waterfall viewing, wildlife viewing, birding, ecological & geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation
- Interests | Geology, wine, waterfalls, glaciology, volcanoes, Columbia River, botany, natural & local history (wildflowers in summer)
- Group Size | Maximum of 10
- Inclusions
- Pick-up and Drop-off at your Downtown Portland Hotel or Cruise Terminal
- Highly qualified naturalist Escape Artist guide
- Travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Crossover
- Seasonal snacks and refreshments throughout the tour
- All wine tasting fees
- Comprehensive naturalist commentary.
- Season | Wednesday available only May 15 – Oct 31
- Duration | 6 hours
- All-Inclusive Rate | $135 per person
- Age | 6+
Ask about customizing this as a private escape!
EverGreen Escapes is Cascadia’s premier local and sustainable adventure, nature and epicurean tour company. Specializing in private and small group, naturalist led escapes in bio-fueled Mercedes Vans and Crossovers. We’re a small business with a Big Mission: to create positive change in the world by connecting people with places and nature. Our guides aren’t just naturalists, they’re Escape Artists.
- We recommend wearing layers that you can add if there is wind or rain, and remove when there is sunshine. Comfortable walking shoes will allow you to explore further at some of our stops. It’s always a good idea to bring sunglasses and a camera! We provide reusable water bottles, along with other snacks and refreshments. See more on how to Pack and Prepare.
2. How strenuous is this? How much experience do I need to have?
- All of our scheduled departures are meant for beginners (easy to moderate). We try to cater our tours to all ability and interest levels – and this really depends on the group that day. Your Escape artist will choose the difficulty of the physical activity based on the group’s interest and ability level. If you are interested in a different level, we can certainly put together a private itinerary specifically for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding specific questions!
3. Can I have vegetarian/ special diet food?
- Yes. Please advise us if you have any food restrictions or requests, we can accommodate vegetarian diets, lactose intolerant diets, and often times can also accommodate gluten free diets when given enough notice.
4. What is your Cancellation Policy?
| 15 days or more before the tour date. | Any change, including a rescheduling of the tour date, will incur a $25 per booking change fee. Any cancellation will incur a $50 per booking cancellation fee. |
| 8-14 days before the tour date. | Any change, including a rescheduling of the tour date, will incur a $25 per booking change fee. Any cancellation will incur a fee equal to 50% of the total booking amount. |
| Within 7 days of the tour date | Any change, including a rescheduling of the tour date, will incur a $50 per booking change fee. No refunds given for cancellation. |
| *Please note: Change and cancellation fees do not include penalties incurred by third parties. Other cancellation fees or refunds for customer cancellation are at the discretion of the hotels, tour operators, caterers, rental car agencies and other Service Providers with which EGE has reserved on the customer’s behalf for travel and tour related services. Insurance purchases are always non-refundable. |
5. Should I get Travel Insurance?
- We recommend that you do. Travel insurance can be purchased to cover penalty costs in the event you need to cancel or change your travel plans (subject to approval of claim by the insurer). It also can provide medical and emergency assistance protection as well as some loss and delay coverage. Travel insurance can be purchased directly from EverGreen Escapes.
This tour can be customized as a private tour or corporate retreat, call or email for a quote.
Please inquire about turning your one day adventure into a small group overnight, multi-day escape or a private custom journey across Cascadia!
Thank you for exploring the Pacific Northwest with EverGreen Escapes!
