What should I see?
Gorge Games
Check out this 2008 video teaser of the annual Gorge Games that are held in our area. People from all around the world travel here to participate and watch these outdoor events. There are competitions in the areas of kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, skateboarding, and many more.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERcff9bThEI
Columbia Gorge Wildflowers
The Columbia River Gorge is carpeted with wildflowers in the spring. On both the Washington side and the Oregon side of the river, beginning in March, you can see a wide array of beautiful flowers. The landscape of the Columbia River dividing the two states is a series of high plateaus and sweeping meadows with a steep gorge along the river. It is because of this that spring gives rise to hundreds of different species of wildflowers including Chocolate Lilies, Wild Irises, Blue-eyed Grass, Grass Widow, Camas, Glacier Lilies, Shooting Stars, Desert Parsley, Bitter Root, Balsam Root, Lupines and Paintbrushes.
Where to view the flowers:
The Catherine Creek trail and/or the Tom McCall Nature Preserve are the best sites offering easy hikes for exploring and viewing wildflowers. Both lie in the transition zone between the damp western end of the Gorge and the drier eastern side. Their location contributes to a diversity of wildflowers that runs to more than 200 different species, some unique to the Columbia River Gorge.
Other helpful links:
Multnomah Falls
According to Native American legend, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. Although you can see the top portion of the falls from the highway, to view both tiers you have to walk to the viewing area located in a carved-out opening in the rock face. Tilting your head up in the narrow rocky confines of the steep cliffs, you get a mind-boggling perspective on the sheer magnitude of the falls.
Plummeting 620 feet from its origins on Larch Mountain, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. Here, all your senses will come alive as you experience the sights and sounds of these magnificent falls.
At the base of the falls lays historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Built in 1925 the lodge provides fine northwest cuisine with a panoramic view from your table.
The water of Multnomah Falls is located about twenty minutes east of Troutdale. The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area extends from the Sandy River, all the way to the Deschutes River, nearly 80 miles east. The winding road of the scenic highway will deliver you to Multnomah Falls while simultaneously captivating you along the way with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Seasons
Unlike many of the West’s famous falls, Multnomah Falls does not dry up in the late summer. Rainwater, an underground spring and snow melt feed the falls through all four seasons and ensure a spectacular sight any day of the year.
Tips:
- Pets are allowed at Multnomah Falls, but must be controlled and on a leash at all times.
- Multnomah Falls does NOT require a Northwest Forest Pass.
- Spray and mist cause a cooler micro-climate within the falls viewing area so be sure to bring a sweater in summer or coat in winter for added warmth.
Other helpful links:
