A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Death Valley National Park vs. Columbia River Gorge for Backpackers, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a vast, dramatic, and striking national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. It's also known for hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Death Valley National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is well known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Death Valley National Park different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Death Valley National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge.

Death Valley National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Columbia River Gorge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is a moderate national park for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Is the Shopping Better in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge to go shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge.

Death Valley National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Columbia River Gorge is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Both Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Death Valley National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

Many backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbia River Gorge is a moderate region for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable national park. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable national park. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Death Valley National Park?

How long in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Death Valley National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Couples should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Death Valley National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Columbia River Gorge that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Death Valley National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Death Valley National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Death Valley National Park for five days. You'll find around the beautiful national park of Death Valley National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This region offers something for everyone.

A week in Death Valley National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

The dramatic destination of Death Valley National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Death Valley National Park and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Death Valley National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Death Valley National Park Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.