Historic Columbia River Gorge
Scenic Area with Waterfalls, Trails and Views near Portland Oregon
Jun 17, 2008
Just 20 miles east of Portland, Oregon, the River and nearby lands have been preserved by the U.S. National Park Service and designated a National Scenic Area.
This area includes numerous waterfalls, viewpoints and hiking trails, easily accessible off of Interstate Route 84 and U.S. Route 30. The Interstate zips by the major sights. In order to fully appreciate all the wonder, take the high road, the slower route 30.
Dazzling Gorge Views
Moving East from Portland, exit Interstate 84 at exits 17 or 22 and go right and up to the historic highway. The first area is the Women’s Forum Overlook, which offers an impressive view from Chanticleer Point.
A few miles up the road are another area, Crown Point. Set on a wide open bluff, the Vista House is located here, with great views of the river in both directions. Both of these areas are several hundred feet above the gorge and provide expansive views.
Stunning Waterfalls
Driving down the steep hill from Vista Point, there is a parking lot for Latourell Falls. The towering falls can be seen from the parking lot, but a short walk brings you to the base of the falls. An alternate walkway provides unobstructed views from the side, and leads to a dirt path that takes you above the falls, to the rapid and forest beyond.
Proceeding east, and just after crossing a bridge, is Sheppard’s Dell. There is only a small area to pull off the road, and some may be tempted to pass this area, but don’t. The roaring falls hidden just off the road are close and powerful.
Another mile down the road is Bridal View Falls. To reach the falls requires 2/3 of a mile round trip walk on easy terrain. A great view is had from the bridge, but a short walk on a dirt path leads to a platform with an incredible view of a wide two-tier falls.
Adding to the allure of this area is a separate half mile loop trail that leads to the gorge overlook, with views of the river, island and the steep cliffs on the other side.
Next stop is Wahkeena Falls. A short walk up a steep hill brings you nearly into the path of the giant falls, through the heavy mist. A trail leads into a very picturesque forested area above the falls.
The most crowded area and well known are is Multnomah Falls. The second highest all year falls is dominates the area, and can be seen from Interstate 84. The falls is in two sections, with a mighty drop leading to a pool, which flows over a wide cliff for an astonishing finish 620 feet from the top.
Of the areas above, only Multnomah has amenities, and they include a visitor center, gift shop, restaurant, snack bar and restrooms.
Continuing east from Multnomah Falls, two other majestic falls are nearby, Oneonta Falls and Horsetail Falls.
Each natural wonder on the Scenic Highway provides a unique beauty to be savored. All these views are on the Oregon side of the river. Even more excitement is located on the Washington State side. With so much to see, try to set aside some time for each area, and return often to fully take in all the glory of the Columbia River Gorge.
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