Troutdale, Oregon

Go on a scenic drive on the Columbia River Highway

The oldest scenic highway in the United States, the Columbia River Highway was designated as one of the country’s National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks in 1984 and later as a National Historic Landmark in 2000 for being "an outstanding example of modern highway development.” The Columbia River is also one of the grandest rivers in North America and is at its best at the Columbia River Gorge, cloaked in ferns and firs, framed by sheer basalt walls, and accented by crashing waterfalls. Established as the second of the country’s National Scenic Areas, the Columbia River Gorge is part of Oregon’s “7 Wonders.”

See beautiful views from the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

The Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint offers a breathtaking vista of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and is one of the area’s best spots for taking in the view of one of the world’s most beautiful places. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photographs with the gorge and Vista House and is also one of the best places to start a day full of fun, discovery, and adventure just outside of the charming town of Troutdale, Oregon and explore the natural beauty of the region.

Hike to Multnomah Falls

The Multnomah Falls is located just to the east outside of Troutdale, between the towns of Dodson and Corbett, Oregon. The waterfall can be found in the scenic Columbia River Gorge along the Multnomah Creek, and can be reached by Interstate 84 or the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Multnomah Falls spans across two tiers over basalt cliffs and is the state’s tallest waterfall, measuring more than six hundred feet in height. In 1925, a lodge, viewing bridge, and pathway were built by Simon Benson on the land surrounding the waterfall and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County, OR

View the sculptures at the Caswell Sculpture Gallery

The Caswell Sculpture Gallery in the small town of Troutdale, Oregon is owned and operated by Alison and Rip Caswell, a husband-wife art team who combine their talents to create beautiful artwork. In addition to their art gallery, their sculptures can also be seen in many private collections, commercial developments, and public spaces throughout the country and beyond. The Caswells have become authorities when it comes to sculpting animals, as well as the human form, with their artwork reflecting the wildlife of the planet and tells the stories of the people who have shaped history, capturing spirit and emotion.

Address: 903 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, Phone: 503-502-7756

See the gorgeous Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area

The Shepperd's Dell State Natural Area is home to the small canyon known as Shepperd’s Dell, located within Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. Back in 1915, George Shepperd, a dairy farm in the area, gave all of his land to Portland, Oregon as a memorial for his wife. Thousands of people today travel the Historic Columbia River Highway to see this gorgeous spot and the roaring, cascading waterfall that flows down the cliffs to Youngs Creek below and on to the Columbia River. The historic highway runs across a bridge over Sehpperd’s Dell, but visitors can take a short trail nearby to the waterfall.

Take the kids to the playground in Glenn Otto Community Park

The most popular of the Troutdale park system’s parks, the Glenn Otto Community Park measures more than six acres and can be reached off of the East Columbia River Highway. It’s bordered by a handful of residential properties, the Beaver Creek along the western side and the Sandy River along the eastern side. Facilities and amenities at the Glenn Otto Community Park include an area for open play, a playground for children, a picnic area, restrooms, riverfront access, a swimming beach, a meeting hall, and the caretaker’s home. Lifeguards are present at the beach area from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Address: 1102 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, Phone: 503-665-5175

Learn about history at The Depot Rail Museum

The Depot Rail Museum of Troutdale, Oregon was constructed back in the year 1907, replacing the original depot that burned down. Railroad service at the depot started in 1882 after a rail line was constructed in what today is the town of Troutdale and further east through the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can now learn more about the railroad and Troutdale’s early history at the Depot Rail Museum, which is also home to a Union Pacific CA-10 Caboose from 1975, located just outside of the railroad museum.

Address: 473 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, Phone: 503-661-2164

See an exhibit at Barn Exhibit Hall

The Barn Exhibit Hall offers an opportunity for tourists to enhance their “Historic Highway travels” in the Troutdale area of Oregon. The main exhibit, “King of Roads – Byway of the People,” tells the tale of the Historic Columbia River Highway’s construction, preservation, and restoration, highlighting the highway as one of the twentieth century’s great marvels of engineering. The Barn Exhibit Hall was created by John Nasmyth and the Troutdale Historical Society as a place for displaying and storing farm equipment, as well as numerous other artifacts that were donated as part of the history of the town of Troutdale.

Address: 732 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, Phone: 503-661-2164

Visit the historic Harlow House Museum

The Harlow House Museum is housed within a house built back in the year 1900. The home, located on what was then called Harlow Farm, belonged to Fred Harlow, the son of the founder of Troutdale, Captain John Harlow. The Harlow House, and its ground, were purchased by the City in 1979 and the home has remained relatively unchanged since the day it was constructed. The house was sold to be used as a history museum, while the grounds were established as a community public park. The Harlow House has also been noted on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 726 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, Phone: 503-661-2164

Spend a few hours at the McMenamin’s Edgefield Winery Tasting Room

Historic McMenamin’s Hotel started life in 1911, when it was built to house the poor. Over the last century, many changes have taken place and today the complex houses a popular hotel, distillery, winery, spa and so much more. The McMenamin’s Winery was established in 1990 and now produces a fine range of wines and ciders, which are available for tasting at the Tasting Room, which is nestled inside the historic Manor House. The range of wines on offer includes a bright Blanc de Noir bubbly, several Chardonnays and a selection of blended reds, Merlots, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. These are accompanied by a large range of delicious ciders.

Address: 2126 SW Halsey Street, Troutdale, OR 97060, 503 665 2992

Go hiking in Sandy River Delta Park

Forming a 1,500 acre natural gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Sandy River Delta Park offers visitors a serene and scenic outdoor recreational area. The entire area has been carefully restored over several decades to improve the ecology of the area and to provide an improved habitat for resident fish species in the Sandy River. Visitors come to the park to enjoy activities like hiking, horse-back riding, cycling, wading and fishing. There are more than 8 miles of hiking trails and a special Wildlife Habitat Zone provides a home for many species of birds. Visitors can buy day-use passes on the website.

Address: Thousand Acres Rd, Troutdale OR 97060, 503 695 2372