Drive Up The Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is one of my all time favorite places to take a drive. From the mouth of the Columbia, where it pours into the Pacific Ocean to the tri-city area in Washington, the Columbia River is beautiful. The river continues to its point of origin in Canada, waiting for me to see its wonders.

The Columbia River drive that I most often take from Portland is on old Columbia River Highway. This highway orginally opened in 1915 and follows the Columbia River from Portland to Eastern Oregon. Within 30 miles, along this highway, you can find many waterfalls, beautiful forests, picnic areas and lots and lots of trails. According to some of my friends the trails are all level, no uphills!!

As you drive east on the Columbia River Highway the first park you come to is the Women's Forum. This park has a spectacular view of the Columbia River and of Crown Point. Crown Point is a combination gift shop, museum and rest rooms. It is currently being refurbished and when completed it will be a must see. After going by Crown Point you start to see the falls. Latourelle Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls and Oneonta Falls. Watch for pictures of all of these falls on "flickr".

Horsetail Falls is a descriptive name for the falls. It is 216 feet tall and it is impressive. This water fall is close to the road and is easy to see.

This drive is especially nice because you can take a leisurely drive east, up the gorge, and come home quickly on Interstate 84. What more could you ask for.