How to see Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge, two world-class destinations

Peak Northwest

Oregonians are no doubt familiar with Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, two of the state’s most popular places to hike, swim, ski and explore, but the two spots are now getting more attention as one world-class destination.

Global travel guide Lonely Planet recently named Mount Hood and the Columbia Gorge as one of the best regions to visit for 2025, ranked alongside spots in Switzerland and Nepal. While interconnected and easy to navigate, the two areas feature an overwhelming number of things to do, places to see, and spots to eat and drink.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we highlight some of the best of the best attractions on the mountain and by the river, creating a rough itinerary for anyone visiting the area or planning a trip for out-of-towners.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• What’s the best way to navigate the mountain and gorge?
• The two best places to stay the night.
• How to choose among all the Columbia Gorge waterfalls.
• What you do on Mount Hood depends on the season you go.

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