Unearth The Voyage
Nestled along the Columbia River in Oregon’s stunning Cascade range, Mosier is a hidden gem that often gets overlooked by travelers rushing between Portland and the Gorge’s bigger towns. This tiny community of fewer than 500 residents punches way above its weight when it comes to natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and locally crafted wines. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, pedaling historic trails, or sipping wine with vineyard views, Mosier delivers an authentic Pacific Northwest experience without the crowds.
1. Hike the Mosier Creek Falls & Plateau Trail
Starting near an old bridge over Mosier Creek, this trail takes you past the Pioneer Cemetery where weathered 19th-century gravestones tell stories of early settlers. From there, oak groves shade your path as you climb toward the main attraction: a stunning two-tiered waterfall.
The lower cascade plunges about 70 feet while the upper tier adds another 10 feet of rushing water. After admiring the falls, switchbacks lead you higher to the Mosier Plateau, where panoramic views stretch across the Columbia River Gorge all the way to Washington’s Coyote Wall.
At roughly 1.4 miles roundtrip with moderate elevation gain, this hike rewards you with history, nature, and breathtaking vistas in one memorable package.
2. Bike or Walk the Historic Columbia River Highway — Twin Tunnels Segment
Imagine pedaling along a piece of Oregon history, where cars and motorcycles are banned and only bikes and walkers rule the road. The Twin Tunnels segment between Mosier and Hood River offers exactly that—a car-free, gentle route carved into the hillsides above the mighty Columbia.
Semi-arid landscapes dotted with wildflowers frame your journey, while river views unfold around every bend. Because the grade is easy and the pavement smooth, families and casual cyclists find this route ideal for a relaxed outing.
You’ll pass through old tunnels that once carried Model Ts, breathing in history with every pedal stroke and enjoying scenery that changes from lush greenery to golden grasslands.
3. Sip Local Wines — Mosier’s Wineries
Despite its small size, Mosier sits smack in the heart of Columbia Gorge wine country, where three distinct wineries cluster within easy driving distance. Analemma Wines started life as a cherry orchard and now crafts wines surrounded by pastoral vineyard scenery that feels like a European postcard.
Garnier Vineyards occupies the historic Mayerdale Estate, founded way back in 1910, and practices sustainable farming that honors the land’s heritage. Meanwhile, Idiot’s Grace Winery champions organic methods and farms plots on both sides of the Columbia River.
Because they’re so close together, you can visit all three in a single afternoon, sampling diverse styles and soaking in the gorge’s unique terroir.
4. Historic Sites: Jefferson Mosier House & Mosier Mounds
Built in 1904 by Jefferson N. Mosier—the man who platted the town—the Jefferson Mosier House stands as a beautiful example of Queen Anne architecture. Its ornate details and wraparound porch earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and today it operates as a charming bed and breakfast.
Just outside town, the Mosier Mounds Complex offers a glimpse into the region’s ancient past. Stone walls, pits, and earthen mounds dating to pre-European settlement make this the largest known site of its kind in the southern Columbia Plateau.
Together, these landmarks add fascinating cultural and historical depth to Mosier’s natural attractions.
5. Panoramic Viewpoints: Rowena Crest & Eighteenmile Island
Just east of Mosier, Rowena Crest Viewpoint delivers one of those jaw-dropping panoramas that makes you pull over and grab your camera. Sweeping vistas of the Columbia River Gorge unfold below, with dramatic canyon walls and the ribbon of river snaking through the landscape.
It’s consistently ranked among the top sights in the Mosier area, and for good reason—few spots capture the gorge’s grandeur quite like this. Down in the river itself, Eighteenmile Island (nicknamed “Chicken Charlie’s Island”) adds a quirky landmark to the scene.
At just under 10 acres, this tiny island is visible from Mosier and contributes to the visual charm of the river corridor that defines this region.
6. Enjoy Local Street Life on Main Street
Mosier’s Main Street may be compact, but it’s packed with character. A totem pole plaza anchors the town center, while cozy cafes and a community hub called Mosier Company (MoCo) invite you to linger over coffee and conversation with locals.
Art galleries and produce stands pop up along the sidewalks, showcasing the creativity and agricultural bounty of the gorge. Mosier also proudly sits on the East Gorge Food Trail, a network connecting farm-fresh businesses between here and The Dalles.
Strolling these few blocks feels like stepping back to a simpler time, where neighbors know each other and every shop tells a story worth hearing.
7. Water Recreation & Scenic Relaxation
Because Mosier hugs the banks of the Columbia River, water-based fun is never far away. Windsurfing enthusiasts take advantage of the gorge’s famous winds, while kayakers paddle calmer stretches and explore hidden coves along the shoreline.
If you prefer dry land, simply find a spot by the river’s edge to relax, watch the current flow, and soak in the mountain scenery. Nearby Memaloose State Park extends your options with additional riverside access and picnic areas perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a sunset watcher, the Columbia River offers countless ways to unwind and connect with nature’s rhythm.
