Columbia River Gorge - Troutdale to Multonomah Falls

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Troutdale to Multonomah Falls

In 1986, some 295,000 acres along the Columbia River gorge were declared
a National Scenic Area. Except for a stretch between Bonneville Dam and
Hood River, you can drive the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30) above
I-84 and enjoy many parks, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

A popular route, which we took, is the Mt. Hood loop, which begins and ends
in Troutdale (just outside Portland) and uses the historic highway for the northern
segment and turns the loop on Highway 35 in Hood River. We took the loop clockwise, heading west on the historic highway to spend the night in Hood River
and then completed the loop the next day.

gorge00_tn.jpg (4223 bytes)


Chanticleer Point vista is a classic photo panorama	Vista House at Crown Point is 733 feet above the river	Latourell Falls

Bridal Veil Falls		Lower Wahkeena Falls

Multnomah Falls, the highest in Oregon, and the second highest year-round waterfall in
the U.S., is possibly the most photographed and recognized waterfall, thanks to a popular poster. Its 620 upper and lower falls are highlighted by the 1914 Benson foot bridge built
by Italian stone masons. A former lodge is now a gift shop and restaurant.


Upper Multnomah Falls	Lower Multnomah Falls from foot bridge trail	Columbia River and falls area from Benson foot bridge

Ponytail Falls with ledge	Susie in falls ledge	Columbia River from falls trail

Horsetail Falls - 176 feet