Columbia River Gorge

The Portland area is just as magnificent in it's own way as the Oregon coast is magnificent in it's very special way. They are so different...and yet, so very lovely. Portland is surrounded by mountains and lush forrests as the Columbia River runs right through town. Outside of Portland is the Columbia River Gorge and the stunning Historic Columbia River Highway, which we drove yesterday afternoon...or at least we drove the first 22 miles that carried us past a couple of icons on the highway: Vista House and Multnomah Falls. We spent the afternoon just stopping along the way to soak in the views that prevail all along the way. Even though Mustnomah Falls is the most famous of the waterfalls that dot the highway, we also stopped at Latourell Falls and enjoyed the walk back through the woods in the cool mountain air and enjoyed the smells that only originate in deep woods. Loved it! Tomorow we are going to drive the length of the Columbia before heading over to Boise, ID (got to see the blue football field) and on to Yellowstone on Wednesday.