One of my favorite runs is to Portland along I-84 through the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is a beautiful drive in every season. Truckers will be able to see some of the waterfalls in the region along the gorge as they drive through. The scenery of the Columbia River, the tumbling waterfalls, colorful wild flowers and bright autumn colors always entertain us as we drive through the gorge.
Interstate 84 travels east and west, following the Columbia River and roughly the path of the old Oregon Trail from Idaho to Portland. It is also known as the Columbia River Highway No. 2 and the Old Oregon Trail Highway No. 6. It follows along or near U.S. Route 30. The entire highway was called I-80N until 1980, when this was changed to Hwy I-84.
The mighty Columbia River is the fourth-largest river in the U.S. but the largest in the immense volume of water flow in North American that drains into the Pacific. The gorge was cut through the earth crust beginning with glacial waters centuries ago. Cascading over the basalt canyons created by the Columbia River are over 200 waterfalls including Multnomah Falls, the second largest in the United States and third largest falls in the World.
For Multmoma Falls exit at #31, Wahclelle Falls at exit #40, Bridal Veil Falls surrounded by a State Park at exit #28, and Gorton Creek Falls at exit #51 is near camping. Unfortunately, there is no parking for semi-trucks with trailers. We find a safe secure place to drop our trailer and then bob-tail to places to see the falls if we want to hike and take a closer look.
Multmoma Falls – Exit at #31
Multnomah Falls is dramatic even seen from the highway and is a great place to start any waterfalls sightseeing, but don’t forget the other falls easily accessible from Columbia Gorge Highway I-84 along Rt. 30 while traveling through Oregon. Many falls have easy and scenic trails, glorious at any time of year but especially photogenic in autumn while dressed in fall colors.
Wahclella Falls – Exit 40
The trail to the Wahclella Falls is an easy and scenic 1.8 mile loop along Tanner Creek through cedar and douglas fir woodlands. The highlight of this trail is the impressive Wahclella Falls, which tumbles into a basin-like pool below. From 1-84 take the Bonneville Dam Exit #40 where the Wahclella/Tanner Creek #431 trailhead and parking lot are situated on the south side of the highway.
Bridal Veil Falls State Park – Exit 28
Traveling the scenic Columbia River Highway, Bridal Veil Falls State Park is only ¾ miles away. This park offers a nice parking area, picnic tables and restrooms all within easy walking distance and no day-use fee is charged. The park features two different trails: an upper walking/interpretive trail and a lower hiking trail to the falls 120' tall.
Gorton Creek Falls – Exit 51
Gorton Creek Falls is one falls with campground access. Wyeth campground is small and rarely filled, just park at the end of the campground, and walk up the trail.
Viento State Park – Exit 54
Zooming down Interstate 84 eastbound, you will probably miss a tiny state park with eastbound vehicle access only at Exit 54. Westbound sightseers can park at the trailhead at Viento at Exit 56 and walk the two miles to the park. Starvation Creek is much more than it appears, with one of the few waterfalls in this part of the gorge.
For more information on the Oregon State Parks, or call 1-800-551-6949.
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