Okay, here's a comprehensive destination guide for tourists visiting the Columbia River Gorge, tailored for a high-resolution format and assuming original content (OC). I'll break it down into sections with recommendations on how to visually present the information, keeping in mind a balance of practicality and aesthetics.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: A Destination Guide (3276 x 4096 Resolution - Ideal for Digital Display or High-Quality Prints)

I. Introduction (Visual Focus: Panoramic Gorge View)

• (Image: Full-width panoramic shot of the Columbia River Gorge, ideally captured during sunrise or sunset. Consider featuring a recognizable landmark like Vista House at Crown Point, or a waterfall in the distance. Ensure it's high resolution, vibrant, and enticing.)
• Headline: "Columbia River Gorge: Where Nature Roars and Beauty Beckons"
• Brief Overview (2-3 sentences): "Carved by millennia of glacial floods and the mighty Columbia River, the Gorge is a natural wonder straddling Oregon and Washington. Prepare for breathtaking waterfalls, world-class windsurfing, challenging hikes, and charming towns, all within easy reach of Portland."
• Brief Orientation/Map Snippet: A small, simplified map showing the Gorge's location relative to Portland and major towns (Hood River, Cascade Locks, Stevenson). Highlight I-84.

II. Getting There & Around (Visual Focus: Scenic Highway Shot)

• (Image: A winding section of the Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) with lush greenery and perhaps a classic car or bicycle. Focus on the road as a character in the journey.)
• Headline: "Your Gateway to Adventure: Getting to and Around the Gorge"
• Transportation Options:
  • By Car: I-84 runs along the Oregon side, offering the most direct access. The Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) is a slower, scenic alternative with numerous viewpoints.
  • Public Transportation: Limited bus service is available via Columbia Area Transit (CAT). Consider this for reaching major towns, but a car is highly recommended for exploring the Gorge fully.
  • Shuttle Services: Some private shuttle companies offer services to specific trailheads or attractions. Research these in advance.
  • Biking: The Gorge is a popular cycling destination. The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a paved path that parallels the old highway.
• Parking: Parking at popular trailheads and viewpoints can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider using shuttle services.
• Tips for Driving: Be prepared for winding roads, especially on the Historic Highway. Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.

III. Must-See Waterfalls (Visual Focus: Multnomah Falls)

• (Image: A stunning, vertically-oriented shot of Multnomah Falls. Consider capturing the Benson Bridge and the upper and lower falls.)
• Headline: "Chasing Waterfalls: The Gorge's Majestic Cascades"
• Featured Waterfalls (with brief descriptions and visitor tips):
  • Multnomah Falls: The most iconic waterfall in Oregon. Accessible and crowded. Early mornings are best. Requires timed permit.
  • Latourell Falls: A classic plunge waterfall with unique basalt columns.
  • Bridal Veil Falls: A short, easy walk to a beautiful waterfall.
  • Wahkeena Falls: A smaller, but scenic waterfall with a lovely trail network.
  • Horsetail Falls: Falls right next to the Historic Highway.
  • Oneonta Gorge: Hike up a creek within a mossy slot canyon to reach a waterfall. Requires water shoes.
• Waterfall Safety: Stay on designated trails. Rocks can be slippery. Be aware of falling debris.

IV. Hiking & Outdoor Activities (Visual Focus: Hikers on a trail with a Gorge vista)

• (Image: A group of hikers (diverse ages and abilities) on a well-maintained trail, with a sweeping view of the Columbia River and surrounding hills. Convey a sense of adventure and accessibility.)
• Headline: "Hike, Bike, and Explore: Adventure Awaits"
• Hiking Trails (categorized by difficulty):
  • Easy:
    • Multnomah Falls paved trail: short and sweet
    • Bridal Veil Falls Trail: Down to the Bridal Veil Falls viewing platform
    • Beacon Rock Trail: Short walk up to Beacon Rock to enjoy the views
  • Moderate:
    • Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail: Hike by several waterfalls
    • Angel's Rest: Classic hike to an iconic viewpoint.
    • Triple Falls Trail: Hike by three waterfalls
  • Difficult:
    • Dog Mountain: Steep climb with wildflowers in the spring.
    • Hamilton Mountain: Challenging hike with stunning views.
    • Eagle Creek Trail: Scenic trail (check closures due to fire damage).
• Windsurfing & Kiteboarding (Hood River): World-renowned destination. Lessons and rentals available.
• Mountain Biking: Numerous trails in the area.
• Fishing: Salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon. Check regulations.
• Rock Climbing: Several crags in the Gorge.
• Important Considerations: Check trail conditions before you go. Pack plenty of water. Wear appropriate footwear. Be aware of wildlife. Purchase a Northwest Forest Pass if required.

V. Scenic Viewpoints & Historic Sites (Visual Focus: Vista House at Crown Point)

• (Image: A striking photo of the Vista House at Crown Point, showcasing its architecture and the panoramic view it offers.)
• Headline: "A Journey Through Time: Historic Sites and Breathtaking Vistas"
• Key Viewpoints:
  • Vista House at Crown Point: Iconic viewpoint with historical significance.
  • Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint: Classic view of Vista House and the Gorge.
  • Rowena Crest/Tom McCall Preserve: Wildflower meadows and stunning views (seasonal).
  • Cape Horn: Viewpoint over the Columbia River on the Washington side of the Gorge.
• Historic Sites:
  • Bonneville Dam: Learn about the history of the dam and its impact on the river.
  • The Dalles: Historic town with a rich history.

VI. Towns & Culture (Visual Focus: Charming street scene in Hood River)

• (Image: A vibrant street scene in Hood River, showcasing its shops, restaurants, and perhaps a windsurfer walking by. Convey a sense of local charm and energy.)
• Headline: "Beyond the Scenery: Exploring the Gorge's Towns and Culture"
• Featured Towns:
  • Hood River: Known for windsurfing, breweries, and orchards.
  • Cascade Locks: Home of the Bridge of the Gods.
  • The Dalles: Historic town with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Stevenson (WA): Small town across the river from Cascade Locks.
• Local Cuisine: Farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, wineries, and cideries.
• Festivals & Events: Check local listings for events happening during your visit.

VII. Accommodation & Dining (Visual Focus: Cozy lodge interior or outdoor dining area)

• (Image: A visually appealing shot of a hotel interior (perhaps with a view) or an outdoor dining area with a view of the Gorge. Emphasize comfort and quality.)
• Headline: "Rest and Refuel: Where to Stay and Eat"
• Accommodation Options:
  • Hotels/Motels: Options available in major towns.
  • Bed & Breakfasts: Charming and intimate lodging.
  • Vacation Rentals: Houses and cabins for rent.
  • Camping: Several campgrounds in the area (reservations recommended).
• Dining Recommendations:
  • Suggest a few restaurants in each town, highlighting different cuisines and price ranges.

VIII. Practical Information (Visual Focus: Iconographic representation)

• (Image: A collage of icons representing weather, phone, map, etc. Keep it clean and visually simple.)
• Headline: "Plan Your Trip: Essential Information"
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season. Winter can be rainy and snowy.
• Weather: The Gorge can experience varied weather conditions. Be prepared for rain, wind, and sun.
• What to Pack: Layers of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat, and water bottle.
• Permits & Passes: Northwest Forest Pass may be required for certain trailheads.
• Emergency Services: Information on contacting emergency services.
• Leave No Trace: Remind visitors to pack out trash and respect the environment.

IX. Responsible Tourism (Visual Focus: Image of someone picking up trash or being respectful of nature)

• (Image: Could be an image of someone picking up trash, staying on the trail, or simply admiring nature respectfully.)
• Headline: "Preserving the Gorge: A Call to Responsible Tourism"
• Bullet points on:
  • Staying on marked trails.
  • Packing out all trash.
  • Being respectful of wildlife.
  • Supporting local businesses.
  • Following fire safety regulations.

X. Photo Credits & Acknowledgments (Small text at the bottom)

• Image Credits: List all photographers and sources for images.
• Acknowledgments: Thank any organizations or individuals who provided assistance.

Visual Design Considerations for High Resolution:

• Typography: Use clear, legible fonts with appropriate sizes for easy reading. Consider using a sans-serif font for headings and a serif font for body text.
• Color Palette: Choose a color palette that reflects the natural beauty of the Gorge. Consider using greens, blues, browns, and grays.
• Layout: Use a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space.
• Image Quality: All images must be high resolution and visually appealing.
• Maps: Use clear and accurate maps.
• Icons: Use consistent and easily recognizable icons.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent design style throughout the guide.

Overall Tone:

The guide should be informative, engaging, and inspiring. Focus on showcasing the beauty and adventure of the Columbia River Gorge while also promoting responsible tourism. Make it feel welcoming and accessible to a wide range of travelers.

By following these guidelines and tailoring the content to the specific needs of your audience, you can create a compelling and informative destination guide that will help visitors make the most of their trip to the Columbia River Gorge. Remember to update the information regularly to ensure accuracy. Good luck!