Oregons Scenic Columbia Gorge - Take a Road Trip

This year your travel destination is Oregon and you wonder what you can do and see in this state. Well Oregon has much to offer the traveler that will not only keep you busy but also let you see some of the most beautiful things our country has to offer. As a 50 year resident of Oregon I can give you some suggestions on the sights to see.

We have everything from theme parks and water parks to the scenic by-ways you can travel to see beauty at it is best. If you pass through Portland Oregon be sure to set aside a day to drive down our beautiful Columbia Gorge. Once headed down I-84 take the scenic by-way exit to the Historic Columbia River Highway, which was historically the main highway that connected Oregon to Idaho.

As you exit and start your climb, be sure to stop and tour the Vista House located at Crown Point. This is an interpretive center and one of the most photographed places in the Columbia Gorge. Take a walk through the halls and see historical pictures and their history along with exhibits of local flora in the area. There is a gift shop and coffee house on location. Climb up the stairwells to the balcony and take in the breath taking view of the gorge both up and down the freeway from high above. It is magnificent and travelers come from all across the nation to see this sight.

The first waterfall on your road trip will be Latourell Falls - this is 249 feet high and you can access this by car or hiking (to the upper falls). The upper falls plunges 75-100 feet and is accessible only by a hiking trail. It is possible for you to walk behind the falls if you take the hike to upper Latourell falls. This is fall is named after Joseph Latourell a prominent settler in the gorge.

Your second falls will be Sheppards Dell Falls this fall is approximately 110 feet high from upper to lower tier. You can view the falls from the bridge at Sheppards Dell State Park.

Next on your road trip will be Bridal Veil Falls approximately 160 feet from top to bottom this fall is a good one-mile walk on a steep pathway with to sections of stairs. If you are not in good health then I suggest you not visit this waterfall. There are 74 stairs at the falls to climb up and down.