We were so excited to be in the Portland area, after spending months in California, that we began exploring immediately. Our first destination was to Multnomah Falls Oregon.

On our way to our campground in Tualatin OR, just outside of Portland

Ladybug, all set up for our month in Oregon

As soon as we arrived in Tualatin we fully set up our campsite for our month long stay in the area. We had heard so much about the fabulous Multnomah Falls and couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves. Waterfalls are always exciting and beautiful to witness. We have seen lots of them in unexpected places. Usually we are driving along, notice them, but can’t go back for photos. So it was wonderful to make waterfall viewing a destination!

First glimpse of Mt. Hood

Our first glimpse of Mt. Hood

On our way to Multnomah Falls we caught our first glimpse of Mt. Hood. But we were saving that trip for another day. After all, we had an entire month to see the sights.

Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

We exited the highway and found ourselves on the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Byway. Scenic is the key word here. Looking in each direction the scenery takes your breath away. This route is most know for all of the gorgeous waterfalls along what’s known as the Waterfall Corridor.

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The first waterfall that we came upon was actually Wahkeena Falls. Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot waterfall that, unlike Multnomah Falls, does not have water plunging directly to the ground. Instead the water has a more subtle cascading flow.

There’s a hiking trail  situated at the base of these beautiful falls, just west of Multnomah Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway. This trail connects with a network of trails that allow you to reach Multnomah Falls.

Wahkeena Falls

The tiered waterfall is named after the Yakama word for most beautiful. Wahkeena Falls may not be as tall as Multnomah Falls, but it’s certainly no less lovely.

Multnomah Falls Oregon

Multnomah Falls in Oregon

From there we continued along the Waterfall Corridor to the incredible Multnomah Falls. What makes this waterfall famous is that it’s the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon! And according to the United States Forest Service it is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. This striking cascade is 611-feet of roaring, awe inspiring icy water where you get to experience the power and beauty of nature up close and personal.

The Traveling Locavores enjoying the splendor of Multnomah Falls

You can see the top portion of the falls from the highway. And we did just that, many times while exploring Oregon. Bur to view both tiers you have to take about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot to the viewing area which is located in a carved out opening in the rock face. If you tilt your head to look up in the narrow rocky confines of the steep cliffs, you get a mind blowling perspective on the sheer magnitude of the falls.

Benson Bridge

The Benson Bridge offers spectacular views of both the upper and lower tiers of Multnomah Falls Oregon

For a closer view, Steve walked another several hundred feet up the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge. This bridge spans the falls at the first tier’s misty base. Standing on the bridge he had a perfect view of the top tier’s full 542-foot height and, looking down, a knee-wobbling vantage point over the second tier’s 69-foot drop!

The bridge is named for Simon Benson, who was a prominent Portland businessman who owned the falls in the early part of the 1900s. Before he died, Benson gave Multnomah Falls to the City of Portland, and the city later transferred ownership to the USDA Forest Service.

Four seasons waterfall

One of the things that makes Multnomah Falls different from many of the West’s famous waterfalls, is that it doesn’t dry up in the late summer. The falls is fed through the seasons by rainwater, an underground spring and snow melt, guaranteeing a spectacular sight every day of the year.

Here you can really see the force of Multnomah Falls as it plunges 611-feet into the creek below

Before we drove on to see more of the Columbia River Gorge we paid a visit to the Multnomah Falls Lodge’s gift shop to buy a magnet commemorating our visit. And then we continued on our merry way.

This friendly jack rabbit was not camera shy!

Fabulous view of Columbia River Gorge