When Lewis and Clark first came up this way in 1805, they were on to something special. Of course they were not so concerned about the scenery as they were finding a passage to the Pacific Ocean.
The scenic travels thing did not come along until the early 1900s with the decision to build America's first highway for tourism became a goal with the building of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Also now know as U.S. Route 30, traffic began along the route in 1914.
Interestingly enough, a major proponent and advocate for the scenic highway was Samuel Hill - owner of 60,000 acres across the Columbia River on the Washington side and builder of the Stonehedge WWI memorial.
My mother grew up in Kennewick, Washington. I heard her say many times, "What in the Sam Hill….?". I wonder if the saying came about as a reference to the same man?
Back to the scenic road -
We got on it near the Cascade Locks. It parallels I-84.
Along the way, we stopped for different things. Like this tunnel that was once used, but is now open only to foot traffic.
And then the majestic Multnomah Falls. I have heard about this place and it was on our list of things to see.
One of the highest falls in all the U.S. (second highest in fact) at a drop of 620 feet, it one of 77 falls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River.
It is really two falls, with a bridge directly over the lower one.
We took a look from the bridge which was a short 10 minute walk.
From the bridge -
After Multnomah Falls, we continued on the road-
More next time on the Roadrunner Chronicles! Until next time...
We've had to pass by the falls several times because we were limited in time and not able to stop. Hope to have the time to stop next time we're out that way.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, nice views from angles I've never seen before in other's pictures.
Loved the pictures Randy. Not sure if we'll get back up that direction on this swing thru the northwest, but something to see on another trip perhaps.
ReplyDeleteThe one and only time we saw Multnomah Falls was when we were moving from Tacoma, WA to Salt Lake City, UT after Mui finished his basic training and was assigned to Hill AFB ... hoping to see it again someday.
ReplyDeleteWe have heard so much about this area from several fulltimers. Hope you can linger for awhile and check it out. Great photos and interesting perspectives of the falls.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! We want to get out there next summer!
ReplyDeleteOn our way there now and is on our list to visit and now have put a few extra stars on it so we do not miss it while we are in the area. Thanks for the sharing all your great photos!
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