Columbia River Gorge

Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon. (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on the Washington-Oregon border east of Portland is a paradise for water-sport enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers alike.  This magical corridor, which provided Lewis and Clark safe passage through the Cascades during their journey to the Pacific,  today plays host to world-class windsurfing, fine wine making, and includes some of the most beautiful waterfalls in North America.

Latourell Falls pictured here is an icon of the area and one of numerous waterfalls that dot the historic Columbia River Highway. As America’s first scenic roadway, this national historic landmark is an engineering marvel from the last century and as much a destination as the lush grottos, cascades and temperate forests that surround it.