Columbia Gorge and Multnomah Falls

Jill's Journal: “This road, following the beautiful Columbia River, is one of the scenic roads of the world, a road that will stand for all time a monument to the enterprise of Oregon.” –George S. Clason, 1920

The journey to Multnomah Falls through Columbia Gorge is described as “ultra-scenic.” They weren’t kidding. It is breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and an absolute feast for the eyes and soul.

The historic Columbia River Highway was the first in our nation to be named a National Historical Landmark. This European-style byway, built from 1913 to 1922, features Florentine viaducts crafted by Italian stonecutters. The breathtaking views from the drive alone include Mount Hood and several of the 77 spectacular waterfalls (yes, that 77 is not a typo!) in the immediate area. The frequent turnouts and hikes available get you up close and personal with many more.

Passing through the darling town of Troutdale to get to the scenic road gives just a hint of what is to come.

A road like this awaits.

Here the girls are getting their first view of the magnificent Columbia River.

The Vista House, a rest stop built at Crown Point (considered the western gateway to the Gorge) in 1916-17. It features an exquisite marble interior and stained-glass windows…let’s just say rest stops aren’t what they used to be!

“It is to be simply a great rest-house for the sightseers traveling over the wonderful road and also a place from which can be had the most beautiful view on that great scenic highway.” –Addison Bennett, 1916

The view from atop the Vista House. Across the river is the state of Washington! The Columbia River serves as the border between most of Oregon and Washington.

All eight classified types of waterfalls found in the world – plunge, horsetail, fan, tier, cascade, block, segmented, and punchbowl – are found among the 77 waterfalls in the Gorge.

Here’s my loved ones making the short hike to Latourell Falls. Notice even from a distance that my camera lens has mist on it from the falls!

The base of the lovely Latourell Falls.

This one is Horsetail Falls.

Without a doubt, the crown jewel of the Columbia Gorge is Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall and America’s second highest year-round waterfall. By contrast, New York’s American Falls and Canada’s Horseshoe Falls (both part of Niagara Falls) may also flow year-round, but their drop is less than a third of Multnomah’s. Yosemite Falls in California is the highest year-round waterfall in the U.S. (and is more than double the height of Multnomah Falls).

The Upper Falls of Multnomah plummet 542 feet…

…and the Lower Falls plunge an additional 69 feet.

The base of Upper Falls.

One more of Lower Multnomah Falls. Multnomah, by the way, comes from the name of a tribe of Chinook Indians who lived in the area up until the early 1800s.

And the whole scene from a stream in the distance. Over two million people a year visit Multnomah Falls and the Columbia Gorge. We’re so happy to have been five of them.