Along the Columbia River Gorge

This was one of several trips we will be making along the Columbia River.  For those who may not know about the Columbia River, it forms about 3/4 of the border between Oregon and Washington. It starts in British Columbia and empties into the Pacific after 1,243 miles.  It is where Lewis and Clark ended their trek in November 1805.

Columbia River from a view point along a scenic portion of US 30.

Panorama of the river. You can see I-84 to the right.

Stopped at the View Point Inn for lunch.


Doesn't get any better !We sat in the sun because it was a little too cool in the shade (and this was in the middle of July).

We saw a side road that lead to Larch Mountain.  So, we gave it a try.  Turns out that at the top of the mountain (4,056')  is a gorgeous view of the surrounding area. That is Mt. Hood through the trees (the next 8 photos are along the trail and at the top of the mountain).
A typical Oregon forest.

There were still a few rhododendrons in bloom.

Do you see the Larch Mountain forest nomad ?

At the top of Larch Mtn. looking west with the Columbia River in the background.

Mt.Hood. The tallest peak in Oregon at 11,235' (and 22 miles away).

Looking north into Washington. From L to R: Mt. St. Helens (8,363', 46 miles away), Mt. Rainier (14,410', 97 miles away)and Mt. Adams (12,307', 54 miles away).

Mt.Hood

Looking south at Mt. Hood (22 miles away) and Mt. Jefferson (10,497', 62 miles away).

Latourell Falls. 249' drop.

Multnomah Falls. It consists of 2 falls: the upper at 542' and the lower at 69' or 611,' the tallest water fall in Oregon and (I think) third tallest in the country.

I couldn't get the entire falls in the photo, so  here is the bottom   portion. The bridge is 105' from the bottom.

The Columbia from I-84.