Exploring Oregon: Columbia River Gorge

If you're planning a trip to Oregon, then you don't want to miss out on the INCREDIBLE scenic experience of the Columbia River Gorge. And one of the best parts is that it's all free.

Sometimes, I think we can take for granted what's right in our backyard. I was born and raised in Oregon ...I'm pretty sure this summer was my first trip out there.

Like whaaaaaat!?

This trip, I went with just myself, and I #exploregon There's something about adventuring alone that just soothes my soul. It really helps me to find myself and connect with nature.

Multnomah Falls

I went on this trip with the goal to see Multnomah Falls ...which people come from all over to view because it's the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet.

I didn't end up taking trail up to the top of the falls, but there's always next time.

When you park, there's a pathway that will take you underneath of the highway and on to the waterfall. I tell you this because I was very confused at first haha.

But just follow the herd of people that are always visiting and I'm sure you'll find it.

As I walked up closer, I took in the full and true beauty that is Multnomah Falls.

The towering falls has a walking bridge right in the middle of the tiers. When you walk across that bridge, it'll bring you to some pretty incredible views.

Then it leads you right to the pathway that you can take up to the top of the falls.

I've heard it zig-zags and it's pretty steep. I can confirm that while looking from the bottom of the path

...but I wasn't feeling the trek that day.

Vista House

Now, on the way back, I took the old Columbia Highway, which I did, one of the first places that caught my attention was the Vista House so I stopped to visit ...definitely a must-see of the Gorge.

This was a perfect day and the view was absolutely breathtaking, as you can see.

Now, going into the Vista House, there's tons of historical information with a really cool museum-like feel to it.

And if you're planning to go adventuring around to different hikes, I would recommend stopping here first.

There's a nice little info station inside the Vista House where I met a really cool older gentleman who was soooo knowledgeable about the trails and willing to answer any questions.

Lastly, but certainly not least wander around the back of Vista House ...and prepare to be WOW'd!!