I don’t think there is another state in the country as geographically diverse as Oregon. I’ve taken you on little trips to the Oregon Coast, to high desert country in Central Oregon, through the very fertile Willamette Valley and to the mountains and now I would like to show you one of the most beautiful places in our state, the Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Falls. The Columbia River is the natural boundary between Oregon and Washington.
The Columbia Gorge is a spectacular river canyon 85 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. Carved by volcanic eruptions and Ice Age floods over millions of years, the Gorge is the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountains. The cataclysmic floods also transformed flowing river tributaries into hanging waterfalls creating the largest concentration of waterfalls in North America.
Multnomah Falls is as magnificent and memorable as any in the country and is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls. Multnomah Falls is the most visited tourist site in the state.
According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. Although you can see the top portion of the falls from the highway, to view both tiers you have to walk to the viewing area located in a carved-out opening in the rock face. Tilting your head up in the narrow rocky confines of the steep cliffs, you get a mind-boggling perspective on the sheer magnitude of the falls.
For an even closer view, walk another several hundred feet up the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge, which spans the falls at the first tier’s misty base. Standing on the bridge you have a perfect view of the top tier’s full 542-foot height and a knee-wobbling vantage point over the second tier’s 69-foot drop! The bridge is named for Simon Benson, a prominent Portland businessman who owned the falls in the early part of the 1900s. Before his death, Benson gave Multnomah Falls to the City of Portland, which later transferred ownership to the USDA Forest Service.
To make the outing complete, visit the Multnomah Falls Lodge which was built in 1925 to serve throngs of tourists who came to view the spectacular sights of the Columbia Gorge. Today, the historic structure (made of every type of rock found in the gorge) houses a gift shop with plenty of postcards, a restaurant with Northwest Cuisine and unbeatable views of the falls, and a US Forest Service Information Center where you can find trail maps. During the summer months vendors offer ice cream, coffee, sodas and other quick snacks from booths and carts in front of the lodge.
If you have never visited the Pacific Northwest I hope you will have the opportunity to do so very soon. You will be amazed at the beauty and geographic diversity you will find here. In just a matter of a few hours you can leave Portland and visit our coastal beaches, ski resorts in the mountains, first class golf courses in Central Oregon, and tour the best wine region in the country. Hope to see you soon.
This post is linked to OH, THE PLACES I HAVE BEEN at The Tablescaper.
Great photos of these beautiful falls. I have never been to the Pacific Northwest but would love to visit one day. xo
Barbara F. recently posted..The Talking Teacup
Oregon is gorgeous Cathy. I had no idea you had some many beautiful waterfalls. They make ours in the mountains of North Carolina seem small and they are far from it. I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest. It is on my to-do list now – farmer’s markets, scenic vistas, and waterfalls. What more could one want. (And no hurricanes!)
Sam
My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..A Visit to the Biltmore Estate, Gardens, & Kitchens in Asheville, NC
STUNNING and one state that I have always wanted to visit Cathy ~ and your photos have got my wanderlust going again! Beautiful photos too…………
I can’t wait to send your link to my AZ baby sis, who is coming to your state next month on vacation!! Wish we could join them…it looks absolutely fabulous!
Great photos & those falls…oh, my.
It’s been too many years since we have been in Oregon, and we have been talking about possibly coming out next summer!!!! See you at the farmer’s market!!!
Susan recently posted..Anyone care for a lollipop?
So beautiful! I’ve never been there…hope one day I will have a chance to visit it.
Angie@Angiesrecipes recently posted..Peanut Butter, Sesame Paste and Raisin Cookies
I would love to visit Oregon some day. These photos are just goregous and that water fall is spectacular.
With one word:SPECTACULAR.Thank you for sharing:)
Just one word…fabulous!
Mona Thompson recently posted..Sunday Supper…Roasted Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp
We love going to the Gorge, next Sunday we are going out to ride the Stern wheeler Paddle Boat. This will be the first time my husband or I have been on it, should make for a great day.
My son visited friends in Portland last year and saw the Multnomah Falls – I remember him raving about how great the area was! Such gorgeous scenery.
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What gorgeous landscapes! I have never been the Pacific Northwest, but it is definitely up there on my list. I think it would make such a fun trip when the kids are a little older and we can do all the outdoorsy things. Those falls are beautiful and the lodge looks so cozy. One day…
Jamie @ the unseasoned wok recently posted..Foodbuzz 24×24: Wok and Roll Your Own Sushi Party
I simply love your state – and I haven’t seen much of it past the coast. We’ll have to focus on other parts, but the coast is a big attraction!
OMG, I didn’t know there’s such beautiful place in Oregon. The view looks amazing and the waterfall is stunning. Thanks for sharing it.
have a great week ahead.
Kristy
kristy recently posted..Ham Sui Kok @ Deep Fried Savory Dumpling
Beautiful place and beautiful photos! I love it there:)
Blessings,
Aimee
Fabulous photos!!!!
Monique recently posted..Soul Food #104
Truely some spectacular scenery and I hope we make it out that way.
Larry recently posted..It’s Just Like Riding A Bike
Gorgeous! We just moved to the Portland area this summer, and we were just at Multnomah Falls this weekend. Stopped at Bridal Veil falls first, then on to the main event. It was great! Views of the gorge from the Vista House was amazing too. Love your website!
Amazing place. You got some great shots.
Ramona recently posted..Hay Time, play time
Each time I drive through the gorge I am again struck by the beauty and so close to our door. Yesterday driving to and from Hood River along the Columbia I was again reminded of my first time driving along the river in a UHaul truck and just being breathless with the beauty.
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Cathy, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos. I must leave the east coast and our Portland and go to the west coast and see you Portland and all the beautiful country your state has to offer.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..The Safety of Home
We journey down the old scenic highway every spring to hike around the various waterfalls. It’s so beautiful here in Oregon – we are so lucky!!!
Pam recently posted..Balsamic and Onion Pot Roast
Though I’ve lived in Oregon for 21 years now, I never stop being amazed at the beauty that surrounds us. Thanks so much for sharing your spectacular photos!
Gorgeous photos!
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s on the side? Baked Asparagus Fries
Hi about 20 years ago I visited Oregon and was staying in Oregon City. There was a forest fire at the Falls and we could smell it even though I think we were 50 miles away. I’m glad to see it is as beautiful as it was then and there has been no lasting damage.
Love, a reader in England UK
I have a friend who lives in Salem. I visited her a few years back and we went to Multnomah Falls and ate at the restaurant in the Lodge. We went to Tillamook and of course to the cheese factory. Beautiful country! I’d love to do more exploring in OR.
Karen recently posted..Mexican Style Hot Pickled Carrots
Beautiful. Such a scenic area. Hubby and I finally visited Multnomah Falls a couple years ago…very impressive!
ellen b recently posted..My Party Ride…
I’ve been to the Falls . This is some the prettiest country in the nation. The drive from Portland to Hood River is gorgeous.
SizzleandZoom recently posted..Summer Stars In My Garden
This area is so beautiful with all these amazing waterfalls I’ve always wanted to visit the wineries in this area
I’m inviting you to come join us also For Travel Photo MOndays, it runs all week starting Mondays, come link up with us 🙂
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I think Utah is diverse only you have an ocean and we have a desert.
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Crazy, but I’ve never been to Oregon though I’ve visited all around it. I recently told the hubby I’d like to go and your photos allow me to see why a trip there would be a most enjoyable one. In addition to the natural beauty, I want to taste the Pinot Noir!
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