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

Should you visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. It's also known for beaches and hiking. See Redwood 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 hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Redwood National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Redwood National Park is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. 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 Redwood 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 Redwood National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Columbia River Gorge is a region with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

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

Columbia River Gorge is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Columbia River Gorge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Redwood National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Redwood National Park has a beach worth visiting. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Redwood National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

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 Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Redwood 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 Redwood National Park as well. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

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 Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Both Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge are great family-friendly destinations.

Redwood National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

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 Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Columbia River Gorge is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

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

Redwood 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.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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

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

Columbia River Gorge is a region with a few options for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

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

Neither Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

Redwood National Park is not a walkable park. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable 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 Redwood National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Redwood National Park than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Redwood National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Redwood National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Columbia River Gorge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Redwood 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood National Park than Columbia River Gorge if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Redwood National Park.

One day in Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Redwood 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, you'll find food and shopping. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Redwood National Park is a fun place to experience. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region. It offers something for everyone.

Five days in Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Redwood National Park for five days. Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful park of Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

The monumental destination of Redwood National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 Redwood National Park.

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

When is the best time to visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Redwood National Park and Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Redwood National Park is cooler than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Redwood National Park in July average around 57°F (14°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Redwood National Park usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Redwood National Park gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Redwood National Park usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Redwood National Park as well as Columbia River Gorge. Most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Redwood National Park is generally around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Redwood National Park average around 55°F (13°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Redwood National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Columbia River Gorge in the winter. Redwood National Park is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Redwood National Park averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Redwood National Park usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Redwood National Park gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. In January, Redwood National Park usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 6 inches (152 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Redwood National Park or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Redwood National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Redwood National Park is around the same temperature as Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Redwood National Park in April average around 50°F (10°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Redwood National Park. In the spring, Redwood National Park often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Redwood National Park usually gets more rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Redwood National Park gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Redwood National Park