Words fail many travelers who drive the exquisite Historic Columbia River Highway (pictures). Every twist and turn brings a new treasure, from majestic waterfalls, to astounding views from the tops of cliffs over 900 feet above the river. During the spring, the Gorge area erupts into magnificent wildflower displays, including many plants that only exist in this area. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. Unusually cold weather can turn this plummeting falls into a frozen icesicle, with a few drops falling to the bottom. The frozen falls is a sight to behold. Our tour includes the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, with stops at Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Latourelle Falls, Shepherd's Dell Waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls and/or overlook hike* & the historic Bridal Veil Lodge, the Crown Point Vista House with its panoramic view of the mighty Columbia River and Gorge, and the Bonneville Dam/ Fish Hatchery (on request). Your tour guide will discuss all of these sights, plus some general information about the Gorge to let you know "Where did this place come from?", with ice age Glacial Lake Missoula & the Missoula Floods and its affect on the Gorge's formation. Lewis & Clark's Corp of Discovery passed by all these places. Extended stops (30 - 45 minutes each) at 2 of these locations is possible. Bring sturdy shoes so you can walk the trails, if desired. This is a
classic Oregon Scenic Tour. You may choose to customize this tour. THE COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY BEGAN AS THE DREAM of visionary Samuel Hill and engineer Samuel Lancaster. It became known as a poem in stone, the first scenic highway in America, the first major paved road in the Northwest: 73 miles of highway, three tunnels, 18 bridges, seven viaducts and two footbridges. Teddy Roosevelt called it the most remarkable feat of engineering of its time. When the highway opened in 1916, the Illustrated London News called it "the best of all great highways in the world, glorified! It is the king of roads". By 1922, the Columbia River Highway went along a route purposely designed to twist and turn, showing of what Roosevelt called its "unequaled scenic grandeur."
Highway engineer Samuel Lancaster thought the land atop the 733-foot cliff at Crown Point was an ideal vantage point for travelers to see both up and down the Columbia River "in silent communion with the infinite." Portland architect Edgar Lazarus, who designed the Vista House observatory, said "the pavilion with its outline against the sky will recall the ancient and mystic Thor's Crown for which the point (then called Thor's Crown) was originally named." During construction of the highway, the name was changed to Crown Point. More about the Columbia River Highway.\ A Trailhead Release Agreement form is required from each member of the group. If you choose to take any hike, whether short or long, this form will be required from all group members. The chauffeur/tour guide will not be allowed to accompany your group on any hike. Be prepared for inclement weather (rain, snow, cold, etc.).
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In the early 1900s, drivers stopped their Model
T's in the middle of the road to admire the scenery including Horsetail
Falls (left). Now visitors park across the highway and dodge passing cars to
enjoy the view. In 1913 highway engineer Samuel Lancaster wrote: "Our
first order of business was to find the beauty spots, of those points where
the most beautiful things along the line might be seen in the best
advantage, and if possible to locate the road in such a way as to reach
them."
