Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is billed as a ‘must see’ if you’re in the Portland area.
The Columbia and its ancestral glacier, have carved a wide crevice between Washington and Oregon states.
Used as a natural transportation route by native Americans,
then traders and settlers, www.columbiarivergorge.info
Latourell Falls
Early in the 1900s its value as a tourist destination was realised, bringing visitors to see the string of waterfalls cascading into the Gorge.
Now designated a ‘scenic byway’ we set off from the west end. We were good tourist and stopped at the first few points Google and Lonely Planet instructed.
Bottom of Latourell Falls
A couple of ‘view points’ looking east were still a little hazy to be ultra impressive as morning mist hung around the valley dusting out the ‘remarkable’ view.
Latourell Falls made and impressive splash. A few minutes stroll to see the lower fall we ventured up the steep track to the upper falls couple of km’s higher.
Effort duly rewarded.
Bridal Veil Falls
Despite advice, we had not made a very early start and after a picnic stop the traffic was increasing and the ‘parking lots’ becoming full. We squeezed into a spot near Bridal Veil Falls and traipsed along the few hundred metres or so to more water falling from a considerable height.
Angels’ Rest
Feeling we must try to see the iconic Multnomah Falls and its supposedly famous lodge. A full ‘parking lot’ defeated us. Driving on the wrong side of the road was enough to deal with and I was not able to summon up the enthusiasm to loiter with necessary intent just to grab a space. Too much car time on a now good weather day.
Columbia River Gorge
Having passed a ‘car park’ with spaces we turned around and found a ‘trailhead’ which didn’t have a waterfall. Instead we walked up a trail to Angels’ Rest. Initially a zigzag path through the forest and along the top of Coopey falls, it emerges after 4 miles and 1371ft to an impressive ridge and now clear, views of the gorge.
Another hike worth the walk.
Bridal Veil Falls
There’s only so many waterfalls can be appreciated in one day.
