Britannica AI Icon

Columbia River Gorge

gorge, Washington, United States

Quick Summary

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon that cuts through the Cascade Range, forming the boundary between Oregon and Washington in the United States. This area is renowned for its dramatic scenery, including numerous waterfalls, the most famous being Multnomah Falls, which has a combined drop of 850 feet.12

The Columbia River itself is the largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean from North America and is a significant source of hydroelectric power. The Gorge is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and offers abundant recreational opportunities, such as hiking and mountain climbing. The region's natural beauty is preserved within national forests and protected areas, making it a vital natural and recreational resource.13

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.