While staying in northern Oregon along the Columbia River Gorge we visited several waterfalls that were within just a few miles of the Ainsworth State Park RV Park where we were staying. All the waterfalls are along the Historic Columbia River Hwy 30 which made it real convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first we visited was Multnomah Falls. It\u2019s by far the most famous and most visited. We had to purchase a \u201ctimed entry pass\u201d beforehand (by a few days but only $2) just to be able to park in the parking lot to visit the falls. But it was worth it! It\u2019s really beautiful, with an easy access viewing platform just a few steps from the road and hiking trails partway up to a bridge and then a rougher hiking trail up to the top. Well, we didn\u2019t do any of the hikes because my hip and Jeff\u2019s knee have been bothering us. But just to see it from the bottom viewing platform was great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our next stop was to the Vista House at Crown Point. It\u2019s at the western edge of where the waterfalls are and the highest point. The Vista House was built in the 1920s as a rest area for visitors travelling along the historic highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next was the Latourelle Falls. It\u2019s a straight shot from the top to the bottom! Again, it was very convenient from the road and an easy walk to the viewing platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then we stopped at Wahkeena Falls. It\u2019s also a straight shot top to bottom, with easy parking and short walk to viewing platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then we drove past the Multnomah Falls that we had visited earlier in the day. The road was very congested and there was a crossing guard stopping the cars every few minutes so hordes of people could get from the parking lot to the viewing area. It made me glad that we had visited this waterfall earlier in the day. There\u2019s also a historic lodge right at the base of Multnomah Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our last stop of the day was the Horsetail Falls. This waterfall was different in that it wasn\u2019t a straight shot but instead made several little falls over rocks as it travelled from the top to the bottom. Due to the trees it was hard to get any shots that showed the whole fall. The pool at the bottom was larger than the others and shallower and there were families and little kids playing in the pool. As it was a hot day by this time I\u2019m sure they appreciated the time in the water and shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then it was less than a couple of miles back home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are pictures:<\/p>\n\n\n