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Columbia River Gorge, United States
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area stretches 80 miles along the Columbia River from Troutdale, Oregon, east to The Dalles. The Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30), built 1913-1922 by Samuel Lancaster, was America's first planned scenic highway and hugs the Oregon side through a canyon of basalt cliffs and waterfalls. Multnomah Falls, at 620 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and second tallest year-round falls in the country. The Oneonta Gorge (a slot canyon you wade through) and Latourell Falls (a 249-foot single plunge) are along the same stretch. The Rowena Crest Viewpoint at milepost 44 offers views of horseshoe bends in the river. On the Washington side, the Evergreen Highway passes Beacon Rock — an 848-foot volcanic plug with a trail switchbacking to the summit.
explore by interest
Drive east (Portland to The Dalles) on the Historic Highway (US-30) for the waterfall corridor. I-84 runs parallel for faster travel. The waterfall stretch (exit 28 to exit 35) is only 7 miles but budget 2-3 hours for stops. Multnomah Falls requires a timed parking reservation from late May through early September. The Historic Highway has narrow lanes and no shoulders — drive slowly.
Spring (April-June) for peak waterfall volume and wildflowers at Rowena Crest. Summer for warm weather but thinner waterfalls. Fall for foliage reflected in the river. The gorge is famous for strong east winds — bring layers year-round.