Columbia River Gorge

After heading the 6 miles down the road from Timbeline Lodge and Mt. Hood, my plan was to drive east a few more miles on Hwy 26 and catch Hwy 35 north up to Hood River, OR. But as soon as I got to the junction of of Hwy 26 and 35, I saw that Hwy 35 was closed due to a slide. Now I had to improvise so I found a detour. It was a longer route, but I made it up north to the Columbia River and turned west toward the Columbia River Gorge. After passing though The Dalles and Hood River, the real scenery began. This place is amazing.























After driving past several dams and enjoying the 4,000 foot high walls of the Gorge, things got even better. Along the Historic Columbia River Highway there is a series of seven amazing waterfalls, most of which are easily accessed just off the road. The first of which was Horsetail Falls -- so close and so tall I couldn't event fit the whole falls into one picture!

Then came the crown jewels of the area, Multnomah Falls. This place was a spectacle, and the word was out. I could tell by the crowds.

I spent the rest of the day hiking up to the top of Multnomah Falls and exploring the area before heading back into Portland and enjoying the Manager's Reception at the Embassy Suites.