Pacific Northwest Road Trip— Day 9
May 2023
We got up early (again) and had a hearty breakfast at Columbia Gorge Hotel before heading out to explore all the waterfalls.
1st Stop: Multnomah Falls
We drove the Historic Columbia River Highway to access the falls. There is a parking lot near the short trail up to the falls. Also, I wish we’d known that there was an Expresso stand with breakfast food. This is probably the most famous falls along the Columbia River in Oregon.
Once you see the Multnomah Falls, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most photographed waterfalls. We got there early to beat the crowds. We walked a short but steep trail to the bridge overlooking the falls. The falls are beautiful. Just arrive early to avoid crowds.
Tips:
- You will have to get a Timed Use Permit from May 26 through September 4, 2023. Unless you get there before 9 AM.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
- Make this your first waterfall of the day since it gets so crowded.
2nd Stop: Wahkeena Falls
It was about a 15-minute drive to Wahkeena Falls…maybe.
We took the Wahkeena Trail, a 2.8 mile out and back hike located just west of the Falls viewing platform. We climbed to a stone bridge and then descended via switchbacks. You will enjoy the hike which has great views.
This is a unique waterfall in that it has a significant alluvial fan.
Tips:
- If you’re not up to hiking, you can see the waterfall from the road.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
3rd Stop: Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil falls is located near mile marker 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway.
We hiked the lower trail. Heads up, it’s steep but only .3 miles to get to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. After the falls, we walked the Overlook Trail, only ½ mile and is paved. It won’t take more than 15 minutes to walk even if you stop and take pictures. This is an easy scenic walk.
3rd Stop: Latourell Falls
Just a short drive via Historic Columbia River Hwy.
The trailhead loop is 2.4 miles with an elevation gain of 625 feet. This is a moderate hike. It’s worth seeing the 224 feet waterfall. The hike will take you up Latourell Creek where you’ll see the Upper Latourell Falls and then you’ll descend.
4th Stop: Vista House at Crown Point
We continued along the Historic Columbia River Hwy till we found the Vista House.
This was an unexpected stop. We met somebody on one of the trails who told us to visit. I wasn’t expecting to see a huge octagonal building perched on the point. Not sure what I thought it’d look like, but the building was different. The Vista House built in 1917 serves as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and a comfort station for travelers.
There are restrooms and a gift shop.
Our clear skies from earlier became overcast so we didn’t have the beautiful views from the platform.
We were tired and I’d seen enough waterfalls this vacation. Can’t believe I’d ever say that. We went back to the Columbia Gorge Hotel and took a nap. Then planned how to end our day.
5th Stop: Marchesi Vineyards
We went in search of wineries, some required reservations and some didn’t. We picked a couple that didn’t and were strictly first-come, first-served. Marchesi Vineyards was quaint, and we were seated outside under an tin roofed patio overlooking the vineyards. With no wind and pleasant temperatures, it’s not a bad place to sit out and enjoy a glass of wine.
Unfortunately, we didn’t care for any of the wine in the tasting and decided to politely decline any purchases and move on to the next tasting. Sorry, no pictures.
http://www.marchesivineyards.com/
6th Stop: Phelps Creek Tasting Room
https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com/
It would have been great to sit outside, but it was quite windy. We had a wonderful hostess. For $20 we had five wine tastings. Our hostess was very knowledgeable about the different wines. We stayed here longer than we had expected and decided to call it a day, but it was an enjoyable stopover. We ended up buying 2 bottles to take with us. One bottle never made it home.
