Itinerary: Columbia River Gorge and Walla Walla Getaway
While western Washington is beautiful, some of the most scenic spots lie in the Columbia River Gorge and Walla Walla. This itinerary will take you through these regions, showcasing the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as the picturesque vineyards and charming downtown of Walla Walla.
Columbia River Gorge
Day 1: Vancouver to Hood River
66 mi/106 km/1 hour
Start your day with breakfast in Vancouver at Relevant Coffee before driving to Troutdale, Oregon. Stop at the Depot Rail Museum to explore the significance of railroads in the area. For lunch, enjoy an Italian meal at Ristorante di Pompello.
In the early afternoon, drive the Historic Columbia River Highway (Route 30) east toward Hood River, stopping at several beautiful waterfalls along the way, such as Multnomah Falls or Wahkeena Falls. Continue east and visit the Bonneville Dam to explore the visitor center, see fish ladders, and learn about the dam’s history and impact on the region. In the evening, drive to Hood River for dinner at Solstice and enjoy wood-fired pizza. End your day with drinks at Hood River Brewing, sampling some local craft beers. Stay the night in Hood River at Columbia Gorge Hotel.
Day 2: Hood River
42 mi/68 km/40 minutes
Start your day with coffee and a light breakfast at Stoked Roasters + Coffeehouse in Hood River, enjoying their riverfront location. After breakfast, take a scenic ride on the Mount Hood Railroad.
For lunch it’s Golden Goods in Hood River, then drive to The Dalles and visit the Fort Dalles Museum to learn about the area’s pioneer history and see one of the oldest structures in the state. Next, explore the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center to delve deeper into the natural and cultural history of the region, and take a walk along the paths outside.
End your day with dinner at Casa El Mirador, where you’ll get a hearty Mexican meal before heading back to your Hood River hotel.
Day 3: Hood River to Walla Walla
180 mi/290 km/2 hours 45 minutes
Check out of your hotel in Hood River and head to breakfast at Cousin’s Restaurant & Saloon in The Dalles. Visit the Maryhill Stonehenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge with views of the Columbia River. Afterward, see unique art and historical artifacts at the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art.
Continue your journey north to Goldendale, where you’ll have lunch at Pete’s Pizza Pub. Then visit the Goldendale Observatory to learn about astronomy and see their giant telescope.
Drive to Walla Walla for the night and enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at Passatempo Taverna. Check in to the Eritage Resort, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
Walla Walla
Day 4
8 mi/13 km/15 minutes
Start your day at Carte Coffee, then head to the Fort Walla Walla Museum, which replicates a pioneer community from the 19th century. For lunch go to AK’s Mercado, a trendy spot with street tacos.
Spend the afternoon wine-tasting in downtown Walla Walla. Begin at Seven Hills Winery and watch wine being made and try their Petit Verdot during a tasting. Next, visit Forgeron Cellars, located in a historic blacksmith shop, to enjoy wines like cabernet Sauvignon and cabernet Franc. End your day with dinner at Hattaway’s on Alder, which offers a blend of Northwest and Southern cuisine.
Day 5
19 mi/31 km/35 minutes
Begin your day at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site to learn about the history between Native American tribes and European settlers. For lunch, head to Hop Thief Taphouse and Kitchen, a self-pour taphouse where you can sample a variety of beers, ciders, and wines, as well as pizza and burgers.
Spend the afternoon wine-tasting in the Walla Walla Airport District. Start at Dunham Cellars, housed in a restored WWII airplane hangar, and sample their acclaimed Bordeaux-style blend Trutina. Next, visit Tranche, known for its picturesque views and array of varietals, including Rhône and Bordeaux blends. Head downtown to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants.
With More Time
Yakima
Duration: 1 day
Driving time: 2 hours one-way
If you have an extra day, Yakima is worth exploring. Popular breweries like Valley Brewing Co. and Wandering Hop Brewery are part of a thriving local beer scene. For wine-tasting, visit Naches Heights Vineyard, Freehand Cellars, and Treveri Cellars. Farms and orchards like Washington Fruit Place and Johnson Orchards are great places to get fresh local produce.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Tieton Nature Trail and the Cowiche Canyon Uplands Trail. Dining options include Cowiche Canyon Kitchen for an upscale meal, Los Hernandez Tamales for award-winning tamales, and Miner’s Drive-In for classic burgers and shakes.
Palouse Falls
Duration: Half day trip
Driving time: 30 minutes one-way
Palouse Falls is an easy excursion from Walla Walla, as it’s only an hour north. The park features Washington’s official waterfall, which drops 198 ft (60 m) into the Palouse River. The surrounding area offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the falls and the rugged canyon landscape. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park’s designated areas, as there are no nearby restaurants.
Spokane
Duration: 2 days
Driving time: 2.5 hours one-way
Riverfront Park is the heart of Spokane, sprawling along the Spokane River, where you can admire Spokane Falls, ride the Numerica SkyRide gondola, or take a spin on the Looff Carrousel. Manito Park features themed gardens, Mirror Pond, and the Park Bench Café. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture houses a vast collection of artifacts and the historic Campbell House. Families will enjoy the Mobius Discovery Center, an interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits.
Spokane’s vibrant brewery scene includes Whistle Punk Brewing, which is known for its rotating tap list of local beer. Kendall Yards is great for shopping, with local restaurants and boutique stores. Dining options in Spokane include Clinkerdagger for seafood and prime rib, Baba Spokane for Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, and Vieux Carré NOLA Kitchen for authentic Cajun and Creole dishes.
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