Columbia Gorge

Tuesday I was the chauffeur for my daughter Jane, her visiting friend from New Orleans and a local friend of hers here in Portland. They wanted to see Multnomah Falls, the largest waterfall in the western U.S., and the famed Bonnerville Dam where all the salmon and other fish that spawn here must navigate steps and fit though a tiny hole/gate in the dam in order to enter the Columbia River. This regulates the number of salmon that will enter waterways in the U.S to keep the population of them stable. It is about an hour drive, so it is close enough to make it enjoyable. Too, it is a ride through the amazingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge that divides the states or Oregon and Washington. The Columbia River, huge old growth trees, and a spectacular landscape are along the way.

At the sight of the dam viewing windows are located in an observatory where people can watch the salmon struggle to swim against current and to fit through the tiny opening that will allow them to cross into the west. Watching the fish swim until exhaustion is amazing and a lesson in determination for the humans who see it. Every salmon in the American west must fit through a tiny series of steps in order to make it into the Columbia. We also saw that huge waterfall and walked up about halfway to a viewing bridge where the cool water from the fall splashes the faces of viewers. This is located in the Columbia River Gorge forest (just 25 minutes from the Bonnerville Dam) which itself is said to be a paradise for hikers. There are quite a few hiking trails of varying degree of difficulty within that mountain forest. Yesterday, two experienced hikers were near the waterfall, got lost, and wound up stuck in the cold night forest of darkness. They managed to build a shelter for warmth that night and slept there until next morning when they were able to find the main road from which they had entered the forest for their hike.

There are so many natural wonders in Portland area within a few hours drive. I still have seen only a few of them and vow to take the whale boat tour in the Pacific Ocean (about 3 hours from here) in which one can actually boat within a few meters of huge whales that spawn along the coat. It is said the smell of the whale is powerful when they approach the tourist whale observation boats. Whales are incredibly interesting creatures.

Ok..below are some photos of me, the kids and the water fall.