Multnomah Falls
Just 30 minutes east of Portland is the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation: Multnomah Falls. The water of the falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. Spectacular views of the falls come from either the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge or the easy hike to either the first lookout at the base of the falls, or the famous Benson Footbridge that takes you over the lower cascade. From here, you are close enough to feel the spray and feel the thunder of this magnificent waterfall. If you are feeling like a good uphill hike, you can follow the 1.2 mile trail that climbs approximately 600 feet to the top of Multnomah Falls. This trail provides great views of the falls and the Columbia River Gorge. Once at the top, there is a small deck where you can look over the rushing water as it falls. (If you have an aversion to heights, you may want to skip this part!) Hikers can than continue onward for six miles to the top of Larch Mountain or take the six mile Wahkeena Loop trail. Getting to the falls is the icing on the cake. The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area extends from the Sandy River, all the way to the Deschutes River, nearly 80 miles east. The gorge holds some of the region's most scenic vistas and leads to hundreds of wilderness areas and recreation destinations, such as Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks. There are two ways to get to the falls from Portland: Interstate 84 east and the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway. The Historic Columbia River Highway is an approximately 75-mile scenic highway in the U.S. state of Oregon between Troutdale and The Dalles, Oregon, built through the Columbia River Gorge between 1913 and 1922. As the first planned scenic roadway in the United States, it has been recognized in numerous ways, including a listing on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark. The winding road of the scenic highway will deliver you to Multnomah Falls while simultaneously captivating you along the way with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. Be sure to stop at the Vista House at Crown Point, as well as the many other rest stops and viewpoints. The Vista House was built as a rest stop observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a fitting memorial honoring Oregon’s pioneers—particularly those who made their way down the Columbia River. Described by its architect, Edgar M. Lazarus, as “a temple to the natural beauty of the Gorge,” Vista House has long been recognized for its historic significance and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Between the Vista House and Multnomah Falls are many smaller, yet equally as beautiful falls to see as well. Make a day of it. Take your time. And don’t forget your camera! Multnomah Falls is equally impressive to see on a rainy day or a sunny day; however, if you coordinate this tour with a visit to Crown Point Inn and the Vista House, then I suggest you wait for a sunny day. The spectacular views of the George are worth being picky about the weather. Because it is so convenient from Portland, the crowds at Multnomah Falls can be overwhelming during the summer. I would plan on my stop at the falls at or before 10:00 am. You will generally beat the tour buses that have departed Portland earlier in the morning. Another less publicized attraction is at Bonneville Dam. Salmon migrating up the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean make their way up the fish ladder past a unique viewing window. Here, if the timing is right, you may be lucky enough to view a 40 lb. Chinook salmon as it passes the window on its upriver journey. Check beforehand to verify when it is open to the public. |
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