Columbia River Gorge
Heading east from Portland, one could take interstate I-84 or the scenic route #1, called the All American Road "Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway" (one of the seven scenic trails we covered while in Oregon). We of course opted for the scenic route, and were not disappointed.
First stop was Crown Point, home to the scenic overlook called "Vista House." This stained-glass monument commemorates Oregon pioneers, with beautiful views of the gorge and the Cascade range. Built in 1916-18, the upstairs observation balcony scans 30 miles of the gorge (on a clear day).
The twisting road drops 600 feet to parallel the river for several miles, passing multiple waterfalls (and tons of tourists).
My main reference for this trip (and website) was the very helpful travel guide, Moon Handbooks: Oregon, by Judy Jewell & W.C. McRae (Avalon Travel, 2012). Also very helpful were the detailed Oregon state tourism magazines, including "Oregon Scenic Byways & Tour Routes: A Driving Guide."
The next stop along the river is Multnomah Falls. Over 600 feet high, this falls is billed as the "second-highest continuously running waterfall in the country." It has two drops, with a small pool in between, connected by a gorgeous viewing bridge.
One of the facts we learned to appreciate on the overall trip is that the state of Oregon knows how to build beautiful bridges. And look at the moss on those trees and rocks! It was like that throughout the Cascade Range and River Gorge.
