With wonderful waterfalls and geological wonders, Historic Columbia River Gorge offers wonderful sightseeing for nature lovers.
From majestic waterfalls to astounding views of mountain, Gorge area erupts into amazing wildflower displays including most rare plants that are found only in that particular area.
Few landscapes near Columbia River can equal the variety and magnificence of Mount Hood Mountain tops covered continuously with snow and green forests with waterfalls and rushing streams.
River Gorge is considered as one of America’s greatest river treasures waiting to be discovered.
Here are few popular attractions of Columbia River Gorge.
1. Multnomah Falls
Plunging 620 feet in two tiers, Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots of Oregano and second highest year round waterfall in United States. It is located at 30 miles to the east of Portland and just off interstate 84 at exit 31. Surrounded by evergreen forest, Multnomah Falls drops from a sheer rock cliff.
2. Bonneville Dam
This is the first dam built to tap and tame the Columbia River. You can find a series of water filled terraces and fish ladders at the visitors centre. Salmon fishes, coming from Alaska, leap from pool to pool in their journey to upper reaches of the river, where they are actually spawned.
Another attraction of this dam is huge bottom dwelling ancient fish white sturgeon, weighing more than 1500 pounds. Unlike other fishes with scales, white sturgeons have bony plates that help in prowling the rivers.
3. Fruit loop
Fruit loop is one of the famous places near the Town of Hood River on the Oregano side of Gorge. Farmers have been growing fruits and flowers here for more than a century.
Fruit loop is just a 35 mile drive all the way through orchard country, where many farms lure the tourists to stop with fruit stands and gift shops. Annual blossom festival that is held in mid April is the best time to take tour to Fruit loop.
4. Mount Hood national forest
Encompassing with more than 1 million acres of land, Mt Hood is best known for its wilderness. With highest point at almost 11,235 feet in Oregano, the conical dome of the Mount Hood is a dormant volcano that hasn’t had any major eruption for possibly thousands of years or even more.
The upper slopes of the mountain are treeless and they are probably covered with glaciers that glitter in sunlight.
5. Crown Point State Park
A twisting drive on Historic Columbia River Highway climbs to Crown Point State Park with well maintained landscapes and preserves that sit on enormous volcanic rock. The park is located almost 700 feet above sea level and includes breathtaking beauty of Columbia River Gorge.
