The road less traveled.

Last Saturday when my friend and I took the drive through Troutdale, we also went up scenic Columbia River Highway through some of the most beautifully wooded areas, ever. This old highway runs parrallel to highway 84, but it's the older, scenic route, and it is so worth taking an afternoon to explore.

The Pacific Northwest is simply spectacular, and I am beginning to think that I may never run out of incredible places, and sights, and events to see here, even if I live to be 104, which is pretty much my plan.

Back to our drive...Our first stop along the Columbia River Highway was the Vista House. This cool building was actually built way back in the very early 1900's, and, sits way up high (Over 700 feet) above Highway 84 down below.
It has absolutely amazing views of the Columbia River, and the beautiful hillsides on either side of the river. 

There happened to be a "Scooter Club" taking in the sights at the Vista House when we were there, and I couldn't help but take a picture of all the scooters. There are a few actual motorcycles on the right hand end of the group, but it was mainly a long row of these little motor bikes...a couple of Vespas I think, but mostly some kind of little Honda things that I had never seen before. The Vista House itself was a pretty cool sight, perched up on the rocky area overlooking the Columbia River. The inside of the Vista Building was as cool as the outside. Here was a shot of the ceiling from inside, as we were about to head up the stairs to enjoy the views...kind of pumpkin pie colored, with a fixture in the center that reminded me of a giant button.... From there, we got back on the road and headed to Multnomah Falls, (Along with a few other smaller waterfalls along the way...) which is another sample of Mother Nature's best work, along with some of the prettiest man made stone and cement work walls, and railings, all shaded in moss and ivy.
I love that these walls and railings actually enhance the landscape instead of taking away from it...

I love looking at how different they all are...adding a little charm to the roadways, and it reminded me of this post where I somehow ended up sharing a collection of pictures of detailed and delightful fences.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, getting to Multnomah Falls. Beautiful. Really, beautiful. 
I had been to Multnomah Falls a ouple of times before, but never walked up past the bridge and all that, and it was a perfect day, weather wise, so that made the falls even nicer.
That, coupled with the fact that I was with my favorite Portlander and I had an ice cream cone I was enjoying as we were meandering up the path to the falls made the moment as close to perfection as a girl can get.

Comments

[Christine]

Thanks so much for sharing these pics. Beautiful country. Must go there someday!

[debbie]

How lovely! Would love to visit your part of the country someday.

[JudyLou]

does your "favorite Portlander" have a name?

[Kathryn]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like a wonderful way to spend time with a special person.

[Sandy]

I have been there many times. It is very beautiful! Did you go into the gift shop at Multnomah Falls? They had beautiful Christmas ornaments in there made from the ash of Mt. St. Helen's. My friend from nursing school lives just beyond Multnomah fall on the Washington side in the little town of Stevenson. We have been friends for 35 years or more. You, are right, there are so many wonderful things to see there. It has it's beauty in every season, too.
Thanks for sharing and reviving some great memories for me.

Sandy

[Tracey Buxton]

We actually went to Stevenson! From there, we went to the Bridge of the Gods and then to Scamania Lodge for a late lunch....yes, it is so pretty here...and so much to see!
Tracey

[susan]

When I try to imagine heaven, there's always waterfalls! What beautiful country! So happy for you to be living your dreams!
Blessings!

[Patricia]

We've been on that drive and walked up the Falls before, too. It truly is a breathtaking part of the country. My husband's cousin lives in Hood River. Aren't you lucky to be so close and able to go enjoy it often?!! :-) Sounds like a day pretty close to perfection.

[seanymph]

I totally agree, its beautiful. I just flew back from NJ this week and flew right over this area. I saw the road that runs along the river and thought to myself......one day I have to drive there and see it on ground level. If its that pretty from the air, just imagine it at eye level! Glad you got to see it that way, my turn next :)

[MIss Char]

Beautiful pictures Tracey, thanks so much for sharing your "back yard" with us. I too love the Pacific Northwest, wish I could get out there more often.

[Lorri Cavins]

Tracy:
I have been to where your photos are. All majestic scenes...thanks for reminding me how beautiful it is in Oregon. I always think of lewis and Clark when I see the Columbia River. I can't imagine his thoughts when the small group finally arrrived to their destination.

Fondly,
Lorri Cavins

[FairfieldHouse]

Tracey,

Thank you for sharing your journeys -- the one you've been on for the past year and the one to Multnomah Falls. Your images and thoughts are beautiful. Isn't it amazing what we find when we step (or get pushed) out of our box?

Deborah

[janet]

Tracey, take the same trip after the leaves change, it is a whole new scene. FYI it is Skamania, about as hard to learn as Multnomah. lol

[Brooke]

My husband and I started our marriage in Gresham Oregon. We lived there for 5 years before moving back to our families. Your pictures make me long for the days of past. Love that place ... can't wait to go HOME someday. Thanks for sharing your pictures!