You are either already subscribed or there was an error
Your entry has been submitted
Sorry, your entry could not be submitted
Day 15: Columbia River Scenic Byway
2009.07.14
We were all well rested and lazy to get out to start our day. We lazed about in the hotel room and only when got hungry did we get out.
Click here to add text
We were all well rested and lazy to get out to start our day. We lazed about in the hotel room and only when got hungry did we get out.
1
We just gave a nearby Japanese restaurant a try, and were lucky to get a good value meal there. That much tempura lunch for only $6.50. Beat that!
Click here to add text
We just gave a nearby Japanese restaurant a try, and were lucky to get a good value meal there. That much tempura lunch for only $6.50. Beat that!
2
Salmon teriyaki and tempura for only $7.90. We have not found these sort of prices in the U.S. before. And they were all yummy, even the roasted Japanese tea.
Click here to add text
Salmon teriyaki and tempura for only $7.90. We have not found these sort of prices in the U.S. before. And they were all yummy, even the roasted Japanese tea.
3
We somehow did not have an agenda for the first full day in Portland. But our hotel was located near the scenic Columbia River Gorge, so decided to check it out.
Click here to add text
We somehow did not have an agenda for the first full day in Portland. But our hotel was located near the scenic Columbia River Gorge, so decided to check it out.
4
Entering the Scenic Byway somewhere near Troutdale.
Click here to add text
Entering the Scenic Byway somewhere near Troutdale.
5
At the first layby at the Women's Forum, we definitely agree that the river gorge is indeed scenic.
Click here to add text
At the first layby at the Women's Forum, we definitely agree that the river gorge is indeed scenic.
6
This is further evidenced by the colony of artists that was busy painting the scenery. One whom I asked was there before sunrise to paint one setting, and he just completed another one under the morning sun.
Click here to add text
This is further evidenced by the colony of artists that was busy painting the scenery. One whom I asked was there before sunrise to paint one setting, and he just completed another one under the morning sun.
7
The gorge from Sarah's vantage point.
Click here to add text
The gorge from Sarah's vantage point.
8
It was a hot day nonetheless.
Click here to add text
It was a hot day nonetheless.
9
From the Women's Forum, we could see this building on the ledge of a nearby cliff.
Click here to add text
From the Women's Forum, we could see this building on the ledge of a nearby cliff.
10
As we drove further down, we found out that the building is called Vista House.
Click here to add text
As we drove further down, we found out that the building is called Vista House.
11
We stopped to take a few more pictures from the Vista House.
Click here to add text
We stopped to take a few more pictures from the Vista House.
12
This place is also historic in the sense that Lewis and Clark passed by this place on their journey to the Pacific coast.
Click here to add text
This place is also historic in the sense that Lewis and Clark passed by this place on their journey to the Pacific coast.
13
Washington state is across the Columbia river!
Click here to add text
Washington state is across the Columbia river!
14
Further down the route, we passed by Wakeena Falls, which is actually located up this small waterfall.
Click here to add text
Further down the route, we passed by Wakeena Falls, which is actually located up this small waterfall.
15
We had to hike 0.2 miles up to reach the falls.
Click here to add text
We had to hike 0.2 miles up to reach the falls.
16
The water was cooling and seemed inviting.
Click here to add text
The water was cooling and seemed inviting.
17
But it was not the main attraction of the Columbia River Gorge.
Click here to add text
But it was not the main attraction of the Columbia River Gorge.
18
This is it--the main attraction--Multnomah Falls, located near the end of the scenic byway.
Click here to add text
This is it--the main attraction--Multnomah Falls, located near the end of the scenic byway.
19
The locals claim that this is the second tallest year-round flowing waterfall in the U.S., although this may not be precise.
Click here to add text
The locals claim that this is the second tallest year-round flowing waterfall in the U.S., although this may not be precise.
20
The unique thing about this waterfall is that it splits into two, with a walkway crossing the middle..
Click here to add text
The unique thing about this waterfall is that it splits into two, with a walkway crossing the middle..
21
We enjoyed rootbeer-coated snowcones while viewing the falls.
Click here to add text
We enjoyed rootbeer-coated snowcones while viewing the falls.
22
We wondered how we can get a good picture of us on the bridge. So Farhan and I hiked up, while D and Sarah waited.
Click here to add text
We wondered how we can get a good picture of us on the bridge. So Farhan and I hiked up, while D and Sarah waited.
23
There we are!
Click here to add text
There we are!
24
We were really tiny up there actually.
Click here to add text
We were really tiny up there actually.
25
D later joined me, replacing Farhan.
Click here to add text
D later joined me, replacing Farhan.
26
Farhan directed us to make hand signs so that Sarah can "find" us among the crowd in the camera's viewfinder.
Click here to add text
Farhan directed us to make hand signs so that Sarah can "find" us among the crowd in the camera's viewfinder.
27
Finally Sarah went up with the camera with the view from the bridge.
Click here to add text
Finally Sarah went up with the camera with the view from the bridge.
28
In 1995, a big boulder fell from the cliff due to erosion into the pool below creating a huge splash on the visitors on the bridge. A few were injured.
Click here to add text
In 1995, a big boulder fell from the cliff due to erosion into the pool below creating a huge splash on the visitors on the bridge. A few were injured.
29
The last stop of the day was Cascade Locks, where the Columbia River is dammed to generate power while letting big ships upriver. The bridge in the background is The Bridge of the Gods, one of the earliest crossings.
Click here to add text
The last stop of the day was Cascade Locks, where the Columbia River is dammed to generate power while letting big ships upriver. The bridge in the background is The Bridge of the Gods, one of the earliest crossings.
