Driving Along The Oregon Trail - The Columbia River

Hello Fellow Wayward Travelers!!!

Today I decided to drive along the Oregon Trail from Oregon City, Oregon to The Dalles, Oregon. The Old Oregon Trail splits into two trails at The Dalles with one route floating down the Columbia River and one route going overland South of the Columbia River. Part of the Columbia River route was an area called "the Cascades of the Columbia" which I thought were river rapids, but they turned out to be waterfalls from streams running off the bluffs onto the Columbia River. I ended up spending most of the day hiking these waterfalls, around these waterfalls, and just plain enjoying nature. So, here are the pictures of the falls --

First, the Wahkeena Falls:

Second, the Multnomah Falls - at over 600 feet high:

The lower part at 69 feet high:

The upper part at 542 feet high:

And from the top of the falls (yes, I hiked up there - 1.2 miles of switchbacks):

Third, The Horsetail Falls:

These were all beautiful sites and I ended up hiking about five miles to get some of the photos even though all the falls could be seen from the road!! It was a fun and tiring day --- but very pretty!!!

By the time I drove into The Dalles and stopped at the museum I wanted to see (the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center), it was due to close in half an hour. So I talked to the lady at the museum and found out that there were two other museums in the area (an old military fort from the 1800s and an air and auto museum). So, I told her that I would be back on Thursday to stay a few days and explore the three museums. So that is my plan for Thursday, Friday, and maybe Saturday. Then it's East again following the Oregon Trail.
 

Well, I need to get organized for tomorrow, so I will go for now, but I will see you all again tomorrow and to quote the great comedian, Red Skelton, “Good Night and May God Bless!”

Happy Trails --- Jon