Ken had never been to the sightseeing areas of the Columbia Gorge, so it was even more fun showing him a favorite spot of mine that I have enjoyed since I was a young kid. I remember spending Easter brunch at Multnomah Falls when I was 13, and Megan has said the falls are her favorite spot in Oregon as well, even more than the beach (if that is possible!). I looked at the hiking trails map and said enthusiastically, "One mile to the top of the falls? We can do that!" Kenny reminded me of my chipper decision to hike to the top of the falls several times along the trail as I huffed and puffed, panted for water, and asked to take a wee break, but we made it all the way to the top of Multnomah Falls and back down without any mishaps and with no one trying to push their spouse off the falls or off the trail in a fit of "Why did you make me do this???"
Enjoy the scenery below!
Cool-looking husband thinking, "Great, I can see the falls. Can we go now?"
Okay, so maybe I should have packed a sweatshirt....
I'm so excited that I get to hike with this guy!
All toasty and ready to hike!
Multnomah Falls from the base:
Kenny admires the falls from the bridge.
The bottom of the falls:
The upper creek:
Looking down at the falls from the bridge:
Looking down at the overlook toward WA (with Multnomah Falls behind me):
On our way toward the top!
And again, toward WA, with lamps lighting the misty base:
I think fall is starting to appear:
And you can see autumn really sneaking around the corner at Multnomah Falls!
Just hiding out!
Check out this awesome tree!
It's quite cool.
When sneaking around the back to peek out the front, there is even a little handle to grab so you can climb right up into the roots! (See right).
Other cool trees and the yellows of fall:
Kenny hiking through fall colors as I lag behind to play with my camera:
Catching up! It's so foggy the vista towards the Columbia River and Washington is still misty.
Just at the base of the branches is a little ground chipmunk - Ken saw him first, and he wasn't very shy of people!
Ahhh, finally here! Kenny is on the left.
Peeking over the edge of Multnomah Falls:
Together up at the top of the world!
Multnomah Falls Lodge
The chimney and stone facade - I love it! It makes me think of something European.
We had brunch here as a family on Easter 1996.
Again, this reminds me of Europe!
A beautiful fall day!
And you can lean over the edge of Multnomah Falls, too!
4 comments:
Hmmm. I think you did not go far enough up the trail, which runs west... or maybe that snake had enough sense to crawl off and die. Whatever. I am trying to remember which of you about crawled up on my shoulders when you spotted it. For some strange reason, you both have inherited a fear of the little shysters.
I think it was in 2004 that NWCM had their Christmas dinner at the lodge; a very nice dinner; all of us dressed up in our best finery, and afterwards I came out to find that I was going to fix a flat tire before I left.
In a light, misty rain.
In wool slacks.
But it was a nice dinner in spite of it.
Car issues only happen in inclement weather. Or at least they appear only to happen to us! The only time I had issues with my beloved White Knight truck where in snowstorms or in rain. Grrr. Or should I say, Brrr!
That snake obviously thought enough of himself to keep OUT OF MY WAY, because I detected nary a slither on my way up or down the mountain, thank heavens!
Oh, I miss Oregon! But tonight the mountains are covered in red and yellow splashes of color, the sunset was a warm pink and apricot, and I'm listening to "Showtunes Saturday Night" while Karl plays with the girls at Boondocks (payment for a boys' night out on Thursday). So I'll tuck my homesickness away and be grateful!
And don't be fooled--hiking in good weather means sweltering all the way to the top. I'd MUCH rather hike when it's cool out! I really don't like to sweat.
jealous! for the last two summers I have begged my family to go there, and no one ever wants to go! Next time call me, I'll come with you and huff and puff that mile! (some may say it's being out of shape, but I will claim that I am just going slow and taking in the scenery). :)
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