Portland, Waterfalls, and a Stay at The Hotel Zags

Portland makes it easy to have two kinds of day. One starts downtown, with coffee and a little wandering. The other starts when you head east and the Columbia River Gorge opens up around you.

The Hotel Zags hosted my stay in the city. It made a fun base for thinking about the next adventure: a place to return to after a day outside, with a Gear Shed full of reasons to get back out again.

A hotel that gets the urge to explore

The Gear Shed was the first thing that caught my eye. Bikes, boards, and other equipment are available for guests to borrow, subject to availability. The photo below gives you a look inside. Ask the hotel what is available and how borrowing works before making a plan around a particular item.

That spirit suited this trip. I could spend time in Portland, then use the city as a starting point for a waterfall day in the Gorge. The hotel stay was sponsored by The Hotel Zags; the trail choices and thoughts here are my own.

Pick a waterfall day that fits you

You do not need to race between every viewpoint to enjoy the Gorge. Choose one or two stops, check the current conditions, and leave time to actually take in the water.

Latourell Falls is a lovely place to begin. The lower falls drop beside striking columnar basalt. You can keep the visit short or look into the longer loop if you want more trail time.

Bridal Veil Falls offers a short but steep walk down to the waterfall. Remember that the uphill return is part of the outing, even when the walk down feels easy.

Wahkeena Falls has a picnic area and trails that invite a longer walk. If you want a bigger hike, look up the current route and trail notices before connecting it with other Gorge trails.

And then there is Multnomah Falls. You can see the falls from below, or plan more walking if the trails are open and conditions are right. Check the Forest Service page before you go for access updates, parking details, and any seasonal reservation requirements. Do not assume the rules from an older trip still apply.

Take the slower way through the day

Waterfall trails can be slick, especially near spray or after rain. Wear shoes you trust on wet ground, stay behind barriers, and give people space on narrow paths. Pack water and an extra layer, even if the city felt warm when you left.

The Forest Service's Gorge safety guidance is worth a look while you plan. Check for trail closures and parking restrictions too. If a lot is full, move on instead of stopping along the road where parking is not allowed.

For me, the appeal is the contrast. A playful home base in Portland, then a day shaped by moss, basalt, and falling water. Pick the walk that fits the weather and your energy. Leave the next waterfall for another day.

Thanks to The Hotel Zags for hosting my stay.