Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finished in 1915, the Historic Columbia River Hwy winds its scenic way between Trout-
dale and The Dalles. Also known as US 30, this thoroughfare was the first paved road in
the Northwest and America's first scenic highway; it was also the last leg of Lewis and
Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition and the hellish finale for Oregon Trail pioneers.
The Columbia River Hwy offers access to gushing waterfalls in spring, wildflower dis-
plays in summer and awe-inspiring views all year round. Hikers have plenty of trailheads
to choose from, and cyclists can cruise two stretches of the old highway renovated for
nonvehicular use. It's slow going on busy weekends, however, and windy enough that
trailers are not recommended.
For great views, head to
Portland Women's Forum Park
- it's just a parking lot but
one of the best viewpoints into the gorge. Another great must-anoramic spot is nearby
Crown Point
, which marks the western edge of the gorge. Here, the 1916
Vista House
(
10am-4pm)
, an art nouveau-style rotunda, houses an
information center
(
503-695-2230;
www.vistahouse.com
;
9am-6pm)
, gift shop and snack stand. And everyone
stops at
Multnomah Falls
, Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620ft, with a 1-mile hike to the
top. There's a
US Forest Service visitors center
( 503-695-2372; 9am-5pm)
and re-
freshment stand at the base of the falls. Finally, hikers will love the very popular
Eagle
Creek Trail
(
Click here
), the gorge's premier walk; just be prepared for high trails with
steep drop-offs.
tent/RV sites $17/20; Mar 15-Oct 31)
though it caters more to RVs with crowded camp-
sites and highway noise. For a special atmosphere, stay at the unforgettable
McMenam-
ins Edgefield
( 503-669-8610;
www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home
; 2126 SW Halsey
St, Troutdale; dm $30, d with shared bath $70-115, with private bath $120-155; )
in Troutdale,
worth a visit for its bars and restaurants alone. The
Multnomah Falls Lodge
(
503-695-2376;
www.multnomahfallslodge.com
;
8am-9pm)
offers a fine Northwest-style
dining option right at Multnomah Falls.
To reach the historic highway, take exit 17 or 35 off I-84.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cascade Locks
An early transportation center, Cascade Locks (at exit 44 off I-84) gets its name from the
navigational locks, completed in 1896, that cut through the treacherous rapids here (now
submerged). The town flourished throughout the 1930s, when the area was home to thou-
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