Washington/Oregon 2021 - The Columbia River Gorge

 A faceless interstate highway lead us to a historic, 2 lane country road which runs high above the Columbia River. The lush green we had become accustomed to lined the sides of the road. Overhanging trees created verdant tunnels. 

Our first stop was Vista House, a lookout point graced by a beautiful Art Nouveau observatory dating from 1915, unfortunately closed due to covid restrictions. The lookout gives you an expansive view of the river and gorge. Even with the observatory closed 2 levels of platforms outside still allows you to experience the beauty of the surrounding area. 

As we drove further occasionally some of the former roadhouses, dating from the 1920's, could be seen set among the thick foliage. We headed for the first of the several waterfalls in the area. They plummet over the tall rock walls of the gorge, cut by the river over the ages, adding their water to it's wide expanse. Some of the falls are thin ribbons, others raging torrents that seem almost boastful of their incredible beauty and immense power. Some fall from the walls directly into rocky stream beds becoming rapids, others cascade, collecting in pools or streams before rolling over another rock ledge taking a more indirect route to the river below. 

As we reached Multnomah Falls, the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S., the number of people increased. From a historic lodge, with the gift shop ubiquitous in almost all U.S, scenic spots, a trail leads up to a bridge which spans the falls providing visitors with an up close view of the roaring waters. The water catches on rock and ledges during it's descent adding dimension and texture to the spectacle. 

Instead of taking the highway from the falls we decided to take the small road back in the opposite direction from which we had come. The sunlight filtered thorough the canopy of trees as the sun broke out giving us relief from the rainy gloom. As the clouds dissipated we were treated with a clearer view of the river below. We stopped at Vista House for a final look, now cloud free, of the Columbia Gorge before heading back to Portland.