Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part II)

Latourell Falls

As you enter the Columbia river gorge, Latourell falls is the first waterfall on the way. Barely visible from the parking area but a very short distance walk to the base of the waterfall.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part I) HERE

Latourell Falls view from the trail head
There is something different about these waterfalls, check the lower picture. Can you figure out anything unusual ?

See those rocks behind the water drop, those are columnar basalt formations. One can easily walk on the side and reach the rock cavity just behind the falls. 

These formations looked very similar to Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Mountain, which I visited sometime back.
Latourell Falls, notice the background

More about other falls in later posts.

Adieu
Divya

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part I)

Just a short drive from Portland, Columbia River Gorge a 40 mile stretch is home to some of the most exciting waterfalls. Starting this post with a rest stop at Lewis and Clark State Park enroute the famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

 A nice picnic spot amidst beautiful colors and Sandy river.

Lewis and Clark State Park
At height of 733ft, Crown point has the most amazing panoramic view of  Historic Columbia River Highway. Unfortunately the Vista house/The observatory was closed due to high winds, we could literally feel those gushing high speed winds.

Crown point Observatory
Even though it was a cloudy day with drizzles, the view from the observatory was breath taking. I can only imagine the view it has to provide on a clear day.
Cloudy view from the Crown point
View from the other end of the observatory
There is so much to say and write about the beautiful gorge specially about waterfalls, More about that in other post. For now Crown point is definitely a beautiful stop for some amazing panorama, but don't forget to pack that wind jackets and an umbrella.

Adieu.
Divya