I found myself driving more slowly on the narrow, winding road, just to marvel at the seemingly endless shades of green. The moss-covered trees, shrubs, and undergrowth; hundreds of species that ranged from dark to light, subtle to vibrant. Unique stone rails guarded drop offs, small waterfalls sprouted from the mountainside, and patterns of sunlight glimmered through the lush foliage.
Having recently relocated to Oregon, my children and I found ourselves driving down the Historic Columbia River Highway in search of waterfalls. Some spend years exploring the Columbia Gorge. Books, photographs and paintings attempt to capture its magnificence. If you don’t have years to explore it, however; are on a trip to Portland or have young children or grandparents in tow, you can get a taste of the Gorge with a trip down the old highway.
Pulling into a small parking area on the side of the road, we reached Latourelle Falls. Many visitors, natives and tourists alike, some with children and dogs, greeted us and moved to the side to make room on the path.
Everyone was happy to be out in the sunshine enjoying nature. Suddenly the trail turned, and the waterfall could be seen. It dramatically drops 249 feet, causing a breeze and a nice mist on warm summer days. There is a picturesque bridge directly in front of the waterfall that you can stand on to take some amazing pictures.
A short drive later, there was a sign for Bridal Veil falls. We pulled into the parking lot and had a little picnic before embarking on the path to the viewing platform.
Only about a half mile hike down, it is a little steep and has some switchbacks, so benches are provided for those who need a rest on the way back up. Of course, the kids were running and jumping, excited to see another waterfall. It didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was more spectacular than I expected, with two drops that spread out to look like a veil.
Back on the road, Wahkeena falls can be seen right from the parking area. That was lucky because the kids were starting to get tired. There is also a viewpoint .2 miles up, and a longer, optional hiking trail but their enthusiasm was flagging.
Finally, back in the car, Multnomah Falls appeared on the right. If you go during busy times on the weekend, you will be forewarned by the slow, heavy traffic as you approach the parking area but we went on a weekday and it were surprised when it appeared.
Often a destination on its own, Multnomah Falls is famous for its beauty and is featured in many photographs; but to see it in person is awe inspiring. The kids got a second wind when they saw it from the parking lot and were suddenly full of energy again. There was a celebratory feeling in the air as visitors milled around chatting and taking pictures. We walked up a short path to the stone bridge, and in later years hiked to the very top.
There is an upscale restaurant, a well-stocked giftshop, and a kiosk selling hot drinks and pastries at the entrance, so after we looked at the waterfall, we explored the gift shop and bought some hot chocolate before heading home.
After 14 years living in Oregon, I still marvel at the beauty that surrounds me. I wonder at the myriad shades of green. There are endless hiking trails throughout the state, showcasing vibrant colors and often a majestic waterfall or three along the way; but if you are looking for a quintessential day trip, the Historic Columbia River Highway is a great place to start.
Wow that bridge is so cool !.. LOL but I’m afraid of heights so I don’t know if I get up there .. but I’d love to be able to drive around and see waterfalls or nature like that where I live.. LOL here we got an old train bridge that went over the river that’s apparently a piece of history lol … I don’t know what it’s called…. But you have a talent for writing and photography keeping up! 🙂 Amazing blog so glad I found it.