2015 Summer Roadtrip: Day 19–Thurs.—7/2: Colombia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls and 2 other waterfalls, Crown Point Overlook/Vista House, Bonneville Dam Salmon Ladders and window

We really enjoyed the tremendous beauty around Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge today. We drove around Mt. Hood up to Hood River and then through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge to stop at many neat places. We enjoyed Horsetail falls but especially admired the beauty of 620-foot high Multnomah Falls (the second tallest waterfall in the U.S.). It’s gorgeous. We enjoyed hiking about ½ mile up the trail and across the bridge that separates the top and the bottom section of the falls. It really is spectacular. But our favorite waterfall was the Oneonta Gorge falls and the short hike to get to it. This is a narrow, moss-covered, green canyon (slot canyon) with a stream running through it. It’s like the Narrows in Zion, UT only narrower and greener, and much shorter. It was so fun climbing over logs and wading through chest high pools of water in a canyon only about 20 feet wide at times. Absolutely stunning. We saw many small trout in the stream along the way right next to us. Sarah found 2 fresh water sculpins too. Then we reached the 120 foot tall waterfall pounding into the 10 foot deep pool of water. The water was cold but Sam swam out to the waterfall anyway. He went under the falls where they were crashing into the pool. The water was very powerful and intimidating and pushed you down and away from where it plunges into the water. Then he came back and helped Sarah swim out there against the current. They also swam partially under the crashing falls. Ryan was cold and was having fun playing in the water along the canyon wall in the shallows. After Sam and Sarah swam back from the waterfall, then Andrea swam out there and let it land on her as well. This hike was really beautiful, exciting and adventurous. It was the highlight of the day. Unfortunately, we did not bring a camera to Oneonta Falls because the rangers said we’d probably get it wet. This is a must hike on a warm day. We then drove to the Crown Point Overlook to see an impressive 30 mile view straight up the Columbia River Gorge. You can really see the force of nature here. Then we loved seeing the Salmon and Steelhead swimming up the ladders at the Bonneville Dam. There was a window under the water where you could see lamprey (they look like 2-3 foot eels with scary sucker mouths and teeth), salmon and steelhead as they headed upstream to spawn. Then we went outside to see the fish swim upstream and jump up the ladders. It’s great to see this incredible journey these fish make. We had dinner at Hood River. Sam had some local microbrew beer. We then drove back through fruit farms and vineyards on the Eastern slope of Mt. Hood. All along the drive, the grand snowy peak of Mt. Hood towered over the dark green lush forest surrounding it. It is very beautiful here.