Run the Gorge: Columbia River Trails

Your adventure begins the moment you touch down at PDX. We’ll handle the logistics from start to finish, greeting you at the airport for a scenic journey into the Gorge, where you'll see the landscape transform into dramatic river vistas and mountain backdrops. After settling into your room you’ll have the option to stretch your legs with a casual shakeout run. Later, we will gather for a welcome dinner at a local microbrewery, where we’ll toast the week ahead with a sunset view of the Columbia River.

Trail: Optional 3-4 mile shakeout on the Indian Creek Trail.

We start with local coffee and breakfast at a local eatery. Then we’ll head straight to a local, iconic Waterfall Loop for our first major run, an immersion into the mist, moss, and majestic falls that define this region. After a relaxed afternoon at the lodge to recharge, we’ll take a liesurely stroll into downtown Hood River to soak up the local culture and explore the independent boutiques. We’ll cap the day with an early dinner at local hotspot, ensuring you're well-rested for the miles ahead.

Trail: Iconic waterfalls along a 7-8 mile route along the Gorge, including Multnomah Falls.

Today is for the true trail enthusiast, starting with a challenging morning run in a diverse mix of lush, mossy old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls, alpine wildflower meadows surrounding Mount Hood. This is the centerpiece of our trip, designed to get you into the heart of the landscape that makes this region world-famous.

After earning your post-run reward, we’ll tour the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic drive through the valley filled with family-owned orchards, flower farms, and cideries. We will refuel with a fresh lunch, spend a few hours exploring the farms and seasonal offerings, then head to Hood River Mountain for a shorter run/hike offering panoramic views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Columbia River Gorge. Back at our Hood River basecamp, you’ll have a few hours to kick back and recover before we head out for dinner. We’ll grab a table at a local establishment in town to enjoy some good company and the local Hood River food scene.

Trail: 7-8 mile morning run in the shadow of Mt. Hood; shorter 3.7 mile afternoon loop on Hood River Mountain.

After breakfast at a well-loved local cafe, we will cross into Washington to tackle the legendary Hamilton Mountain at Beacon Rock State Park. This run is challenging, the views are expansive, and the reward is a gourmet picnic lunch sourced from a local farm stand. We’ll follow up with a refreshing hike up the face of Beacon Rock to take in the panorama. Later that evening, we trade our running shoes for robes at a nearby spa, followed by a low-key night at our private Hood River basecamp with artisan pizza, games, and community.

Trail: 10-miles at Hamilton Mountain followed by a hike up Beacon Rock. (Shorter option available.)

Following a final breakfast, we will depart for PDX with just enough time for one last breathtaking stop at the historic Vista House to look back at the landscape you’ve explored over the last five days before we return you to the airport, refreshed and renewed.

Trail: Optional morning run before departure.