Scoured and steepened 12,000 years ago by the colossal flood waters from Glacial Lake Missoula, the Columbia River Gorge contains the world's greatest concentration of high waterfalls, including the spectacular Multnomah Falls.
Scoured and steepened 12,000 years ago by the colossal flood waters from Glacial Lake Missoula, the Columbia River Gorge contains the world's greatest concentration of high waterfalls, including the spectacular Multnomah Falls. Comprised of twenty-one different parks, the awe-inspiring Gorge is equal parts waterfall wonderland, hiker's playground, and camper's delight.
The Ainsworth State Park area provides miles of hiking trails and a stunning view of St. Peter's Dome, a basalt monolith that rises two thousand feet above the Columbia River, while Bridal Veil Falls State Park offers grassy expanses perfect for picnicking and easy walks that take visitors to the precipice of the cliffs for a majestic view of the Gorge, or to the base of the waterfalls. Hikers and bicyclists will enjoy sightseeing along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail which leads through two climate zones and affords views of spectacular geologic formations. Most areas have camping and picnicking facilities.
