Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Everyone keeps telling me how its so rainy and overcast in Oregon and Washington, but I had an awesome week with incredible weather!

Multnomah Falls is the 2nd highest year-round falls in the U.S., and its located about 30 min. east of Portland. Beautiful setting. You can take a short hike to the bridge, or you can hike all the way up to the top if you have the time. The lodge at the bottom has excellent food -- if you go, be sure to plan lunch there and have the smoked salmon & fruit platter! It was huge, and sooooo refreshing after the hike.

The Historic Columbia River Highway route that you take to get to Multnomah has five waterfalls along it so plan a whole day to just enjoy them. Also well-worth the time is the stop at the Crown Point, which has a magnificent view of the Columbia River Gorge (not to mention a cute little gift shop). Take the 14 mile drive up Larch Mountain, and hike the .25 mile path to Sherrard Point -- you will be in awe of the site, especially on a clear day -- you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens all from the view point! It is amazing!

June 23, 2006.