Chasing Waterfalls at Columbia River Gorge’s Waterfall Alley

Ever since I was a child, I have been mesmerized by waterfalls. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find me chasing waterfalls from the free Three Bears Falls flowing along Hana Highway in Maui, Hawai`i to both Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls within paid Yosemite National Park in California. 

Admittedly, waterfalls were not the first thing I thought of when I was planning a trip to Portland, Oregon.  After some research, I discovered the Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls, what many dub Waterfall Alley for the sheer number of falls, just about 30 minutes outside of the city.  Many are visible from the roadside,

with most just a short walk from the main road, making a visit doable in just a morning. 

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls, the most popular, receiving over 2 million visitors annually, was my first stop, arriving before 10AM, to get a parking space and to avoid the crowds that is sure to descend on this majestic beauty. 

Parking is available on both sides of the road depending on your travel direction.  Since we were coming from Portland, parking was on the other side with a pedestrian underpass connecting you to the side of the falls.  For westbound travelers, your exit off Interstate 84 is on the side of the falls. 

Since it is the main attraction, there is a gift shop with a crushed penny machine, visitor center, and restrooms available upon our arrival and even a restaurant that may have limited or seasonal hours. 

With my main focus to see the falls vs. hiking, I headed to the vantage point at the bottom of the lower falls for some great photo ops.  

Even within half an hour, the view can change as the fog rolls in or lifts around this 542-foot fall plummeting into a misty grotto. 

If you have the day to explore, you can hike up to the Benson Bridge, do a 2.2 miles moderate hike to the upper falls with a 700 feet elevation gain, or even a difficult 5.4 miles loop over to Wahkeena Falls and back.  Due to limited time and other falls to visit, we chose to just drive between the two, but not before one unplanned stop.   

 

Horsetail Falls

Originally, the plan was to go as far at Multnomah Falls and make our way back towards the different falls on the way to Portland.  However, since we ended up parked at the lot on the opposite side, we drove towards Horsetail Falls as the turnaround point.  Although their parking lot is small and can easily get full, we had it to ourselves around 10:30 while most people were still at Multnomah. 

I love when you get rewarded with an unplanned detour like this easily accessible fall, right next to Historic Columbia River Highway.  Maybe it is because I have an affinity for horses, with the falls resembling a horsetail, because we had it almost to ourselves, or the mist I felt on my face from the falls that just felt magical, but Horsetail Falls may have narrowly edged out Multnomah for being my favorite.  

When full, the fall is supposed to fan out even more towards the bottom but it was already impressive as is from the different angles. 

Wahkeena Falls

As mentioned before, there is a loop between Wahkeena and Multnomah Falls so this lot was actually full upon arrival, as some people chose to park here and do the loop to Multnomah and back.  For non-hikers like myself, just a short 0.2 miles from the parking lot, you reach a stone bridge for a good view of the falls.  If the conditions are not too icy, you can also take the trail to the more dramatic Fairy Falls but since the lot was full, I just got dropped off for some quick pics. 

 

Bridal Veil Falls

Just like Yosemite, there is a Bridal Veil Falls here too and is the one not easily visible from the lot or road so we saved our time for this one.  We started with the ½ mile paved Overlook Trail Loop, offering beautiful views of the Columbia River that made me wish I packed a lunch to enjoy with this view. 

We followed it up with the Lower Trail to get to the base of Bridal Veil Falls.  Although the distance is a short 0.6 miles round trip, it can be considered moderate taking about 30 minutes as the descent is steep, so careful with your footing.  Once you make it to the base, you are treated to a magnificent two-tiered fall cascading along angling rockfaces.  Just like Horsetail Falls, Bridal Veil Falls lives up to its name, rounding out my top 3. 

After Multnomah, this one has the most facilities including picnic tables and restrooms. 

Latourell Falls

Honestly, if this was our first stop like for most coming out of Portland vs. last going back towards Portland, I probably would have appreciated it more.  Because we have experienced so many impressive falls already, this one was my least favorite of all.  You can view it a short distance from the parking lot or you can hike a 2.4 miles moderate loop to reach the upper part of the falls.  Again, since I have already seen more impressive falls at this point, I skipped the hike. 

 

Crown Point Vista House

Our last stop is not a waterfall, but what was originally a large rest stop for travelers along the Columbia River Highway.  Unfortunately, the Vista House itself was still close due to renovations during our visit but has since reopen for limited hours, Fridays-Monday from 9-5 contingent on available staffing and wind conditions.

The panoramic views from the outside are still spectacular especially of the Columbia River Gorge and worth the stop on the way to or back from the Falls. 

So, although I may not immediately think of waterfalls when I think of Portland, it is well known to many, with time permits required starting Memorial Day and lasting through at least Labor Day.  Check the websites for the current requirements and plan accordingly to reserve up to 2 weeks in advance when applicable.  You definitely do not want to miss these gems, even if it’s no longer hidden and Waterfall Alley truly is a nature lover’s paradise for both hikers and non-hikers that allows you to enjoy these beauties with awe as if through the eyes of a child. 

 

Multnomah Falls

50000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy

Bridal Veil, OR 97010

503-695-2372

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Multnomah Falls (usda.gov)

 

Horsetail Falls

59700 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy

Cascade Locks, OR 97014

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Horsetail Falls & Trail (#438) (usda.gov)

 

Wahkeena Falls

Off of I-84 by Troutdale

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Wahkeena Falls (usda.gov)

 

Bridal Veil Falls

46650 Historic Columbia River Hwy

Bridal Veil, OR 97010

Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint - Oregon State Parks

 

Latourell Falls

Along Historic Columbia River Hwy

Portland, OR 97255

Guy W. Talbot State Park (Latourell Falls Trailhead) - Oregon State Parks

 

Crown Point Vista Point

40700 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy

Corbett, OR 97014

Home - Vista House

Let Livermore Valley Wine Club Be Part of Your Journey

Most of you have heard some form of the phrase “it’s about the journey, not the destination”.  It often applies to goals and life but can appropriately apply to travel, road trips, or even day trips as well.  When I received my package from the Livermore Valley Wine Club last week, the possibilities seemed endless. 

The Planning and Preparation

Although we do want to reach our destination as planned, we should not be so focused on it with tunnel vision that we miss out on the journey that leads up to it.  Any of you get excited planning or just in anticipation of something fun, flipping through magazines, reading Yelp reviews, or even getting a taste by trying out the cuisine of where you are going? 

If you always wanted to go wine tasting or plan on going soon, have your own wine tasting at home and you can even call it research.  With monthly 3-month or bi-monthly 6-month subscriptions that start with 4 bottles a shipment, with an option of 8 and up to 12 for the bi-monthly and FREE shipping in California straight to your home or place of business, you will be on your way in no time. 

The Experience

If you live in California especially in the Bay Area like I do, there is a high chance that going wine tasting can be easily arranged.  But even outside of California, with their current expansion to Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, for an additional $25 per subscription order (do contact them directly to confirm you live within their service area), you can experience wines from up to 18 Livermore Valley boutique wineries from the likes of McGrail Vineyards, Rubino Estates, Ruby Hill Wines, Wood Family Vineyards among others. 

Having tried out different wines through your wine club shipments a.k.a. research, you would have a better idea which wineries you would like to visit for tastings.  With a choice to include a tasting pass option to use during your subscription for select wineries, (perfect for those in the Bay Area or ones planning a trip out here during their subscription time) or not, there is so much flexibility to choose what is best for you.  A new tasting room is currently in the works to possibly make it a one stop tasting for many of the different wineries offered in the club so make sure to check back with them periodically for any updates.   

 

The Reminiscing

Just like your journey does not begin at your destination, it does not have to end when you return either. 

It has been a tradition to take my dad wine tasting around his birthday in the spring every year.  With him not comfortable the past couple of years, bringing the wine to him has been the next best thing.  Over some of his favorite foods like rack of lamb and Chilean sea bass 

that I still am on Cloud 9 when he said it was even better than a restaurant, we reminisce about our past annual wine tasting day trips to Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and yes, Livermore Valley.  With the windows open on a warm spring evening, savoring a couple bottles of wine during and after dinner, it took us right back to the wineries.  

Being able to choose between all reds, all whites, and assorted with this wine club, the all reds would be right up his alley, while I still prefer the assorted. 

Speaking of special occasions, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so if you are still looking for a gift that can be enjoyed without creating permanent clutter, this is a great idea.  

Only thing sweeter is 15% off your first subscription order.  Just click on the link below and “Proceed As Guest”

Livermore Valley Wine Group LLC - Clubs - Influencer Club (livermorevalleywineclub.com)

Whether it is for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Meatless Mondays, Travel Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, or Foodie Friday, let Livermore Wine Club be part of your journey. 

Disclaimer:  This is not a paid promotion but I did receive 2 complimentary bottles of wine, glasses, corkscrew, wine tote and fully compostable pens to try it out. 

  

Avenue of the Giants, Lesson in Resilience

 

Almost two years into the pandemic, most of us have learned flexibility with this ever-changing environment.  Restaurants not open, you learned to cook for yourself or cook restaurant quality dishes right at home.  Supply chain issues, many have started to grow their own vegetables and strive for zero food and ingredient waste.  Covid exposure derails your road trip plans like ours last March, you go 9 1/2 months later.  What you do not do is give up as they always said better late than never. 

The only time I have ever been up to the Avenue of the Giants was literally 20 years ago for a quick day trip on Valentine’s Day.  Needless to say, with limited time, we did not get very far back in 2002.  Returning for the MLK holiday weekend with our base out of Fort Bragg, we were able to get an early start along Highway 1 (Note:  Highway 1 is narrower and windier than the more popular Hwy 101), where with the exception of a family of deer, we had the road all to ourselves until our first stop. 

 

Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

Our first stop was the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree in Leggett.  With fees for both drive-thru trees, we opted for this one arriving early in the morning.  With hardly anyone around yet, we got to drive thru it 5 times, first to get a video of the car driving through it from the other side, another actually in the car to see the inside of the tree trunk as you are going through, a third to take pictures of the car in the tree, and a couple more turns for good measure.  

Another picture worthy spot was inside the trunk of a fallen tree that is wider than I am tall.  This is a pretty simple stop with a gift shop, clean bathroom facilities, and a couple of benches to unwind with the $10 admission fee. 

 

One Log House

I remember this from 20 years ago and wanted to stop by again as it was so unique.  “Crafted in 1946 from a 2100-year-old redwood, this section of the tree weighed 42 tons and took 8 months of labor to hollow out a room 7 feet high and 32 feet long.”  The width of this is about as wide as your arm span where you can almost touch from one wall to the other with your fingertips.  I think of it as the original tiny home as it is divided and furnished with a bedroom, living, and dining area. 

The code to enter can be obtained from the gift shop which appears to be associated with a cannabis dispensary these days.  Times are a changing. 

 

Living Chimney Tree

This was not one we had scheduled to stop at but was intrigued by the sign as we drove by.  The inside of this 78-foot-tall redwood was destroyed by a fire over a hundred years ago but the outer part had survived due to its higher moisture content so it is still standing today.  Entering at the base and looking up, you do feel as if you are looking up a chimney as you catch glimpses of the sky. 

 

Avenue Cafe

In the middle of the redwoods, food is still on my mind.  Maybe it is just being in nature and slowing down to really appreciate what is around you but even a simple sandwich tasted so much better here.  Whatever they did to warm up the bread for the turkey pesto sandwich kept it from getting soggy and still had that impressive crunch to the last bite.  

The chicken parmesan sandwich was deliciously warm perfect for dining outdoors in 45-degree weather and those addictive onion rings were one of the best I have ever had.  Great service from Kaitlyn and I could not have asked for a better lunch break. 

 

Founders Grove and Founders Tree and Dyersville Giant 

After lunch, I really wanted to see these majestic giants in its own element and the Founders Grove is the perfect place to do just that.  Dedicated to the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, formed to preserve and protect the 170,000 acres of redwood land in the state.  In 1921, the first grove was purchased by the league, what is now the Humboldt Redwoods State Park where this grove is found.  The Founders Tree is right by the entrance of the Founders Grove where up close you can see the great details, a reminder to put your phone down and look up more often.  Although curiosity got the better of me and I did have to look up why the bark was diagonal vs. straight.  Apparently growing in a spiral gives it greater flexibility and therefore more wind resistance than its straight grained neighbors. 

 

Redwoods are among the oldest living trees, with the oldest recorded redwood believed to be over 2200 years old.  Fire is one of the main threats to trees with many scarred by fires over the years, but the resilience of the redwoods is evident like that Chimney Tree we saw before lunch. 

However, they are not invincible as demonstrated by the fall of the Dyerville Giant 31 years ago.  After standing for 1600 years, the domino effect of nearby trees falling just the week before, due to the overly saturated soil ultimately took down this “champion” weighing an estimate of over 1,000,000 pounds and standing at 362-370 feet tall.  

Immortal Tree

The Immortal Tree may have you thinking otherwise though.  Over its almost 1000 years, it has survived fire, flood, lightning and even axes, this tree is the epitome of endurance and its scars tell its story.  Multiple lightning strikes reduced its height from 298 feet to 258 feet, a logger’s axe left its scar 10 feet off the ground and forest fire both in 1908 and a flood in 1964 where the fish affixed to the tree shows how high the floodwaters rose, really tested the fortitude of this tree. 

 

Eternal Tree House

Our last planned stop before heading back is the Eternal Tree House that like the Chimney Tree was hollowed out by a fire.  Not move in ready like that One Log House, the single light shining in this 20-foot cave like structure allows you to read about its history and a guest book left for you to sign. 

 

World Famous Tree House

The last of the four “redwood tree turned into usable space or rooms” is the World-Famous Tree House.  Looks to be permanently closed though and used for storage as evident through its “window” and chiseled redwood bear guard.  Although unable to experience the treehouse itself, the woodwork artistry around it was still a sight to see.

 

Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center

Since it is a 2-hour drive back to Fort Bragg and restrooms have not been available since lunch, we stopped at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center to stretch our legs before our long drive back.  Close to the Burlington Campground and the Gould Grove Nature Trail, it is definitely more than just a restroom stop.  However, if you are hoping to catch that sunset back at Fort Bragg like I did, it was just a quick stop and to check out this tree that fell near Bear Creek in 2006.  With fun date tags of how large the tree was when certain historic events occurred such as when Ghengis Khan conquered Persia, the Ming Dynasty began, and when the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, among others.  Here you thought you lived through a lot.

 

Aside from a great opportunity to opt outside and be one with nature on a peaceful January holiday weekend, what this day with these majestic giants have taught me is resilience.  Life is far from perfect and can be full of challenges, but it is how you react to those challenges that will determine if you are triumphant.  You may find that like these redwood trees, you are stronger than you think. 

Chandelier Drive Thru Tree

67402 Drive Thru Tree Road

Leggett, CA 95585

California Redwoods-Northern California's Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree park provides hiking, picnicing and shopping in one spot. (drivethrutree.com)

 

One Log House

705 US-101

Garberville, CA 95542

One Log House

 

Living Chimney Tree

1111 California 254 (Avenue of the Giants)

Phillipsville, CA 95559

 

Avenue Cafe

6743 Avenue of the Giants

Miranda, CA 95553

Welcome to the Avenue Cafe in Miranda California

 

Dyersville Giant and Founders Grove

Dyerville Road

Redcrest, CA 95569

Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association |

 

Immortal Tree

28101 Avenue of the Giants

Redcrest, CA 95569

 

Eternal Tree House

26510 Avenue of the Giants

Redcrest, CA 95569

 

World Famous Tree House (may be closed permanently)

Piercy, CA 95569

 

Humboldt Redwood State Park Visitors Center

Avenue of the Giants (approximately 17119 which is the Burlington Campgrounds)

Weott, CA 95571