We had seen pictures of Multnomah Falls and thought we would miss it since we had not traveled down the Columbia River Gorge. Joani found it was only about 30 miles from Portland, so it was an easy day trip and Sam was allowed on the trails.
The lodge was an impressive building containing a restaurant, an information center and a store right next to the parking. Everything was so close because there was so little room between the sheer cliffs and the river.
Such a whimsical little window behind the chimney!
This helped to put an old growth tree into perspective.
Just a very short walk up a wide sidewalk brought us to this first glimpse of the falls. Watching the waterfall was mesmerizing - like watching flames dancing in a fire.
We hiked more than halfway up the trail to the top of the falls before we were worn out! It was paved but very steep which made it pretty strenuous. There were a lot of trails around the falls and we decided we would return when we could spend the whole day.
The steep trail quickly put us in the treetops.
The footbridge was built by R. L. Ringer in 1914.
The footbridge was a work of art.
In the cool humid climate of the gorge, we saw moss laden trees similar to those in the Hoh rain forest. The trees were not as old and the moss was not as thickly draped, but it was still very nice.
It was rare to catch the bridge not loaded with people.
I-84 traveled along the Columbia River and, once in a while, there was a scenic view turn-out. Even an overcast day was pretty at this stop along the river.
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