The Columbia River - In 3 Hours!

After leaving Portland airport in topless mode (the car that is), I headed straight for the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway & the Columbia River Gorge. This is the first scenic highway in the US to gain the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark.
It was a bit chilly at first with temperatures in the low 60s & highway speeds, but the Mustang had a really good heater. As soon as I got off I-84 it started to warm up partly due to the lower speeds & the rising temperatures thanks to the Sun making an appearance.

One of my first stops was the Multnomah Falls. This is the second highest year-round waterfall in the US. It comprises two-tiers of falls & drops a total of 620 feet. Apparently, in the winter it becomes a 620 foot icicle! There is a very steep paved trail that leads to a platform above the falls & there is also the Benson bridge at a lower level (which was constructed in 1914). At the bottom of the falls there is the Multnomah Falls Lodge which was built in 1925. This now houses a gift shop, restaurant, & a US Forestry Service Information Center.