Fed by underground streams that originate miles above at Larch Mountain, this ancient 620 foot (189m) waterfall is divided into two sections; the upper fall plummets an impressive 542 feet into a pool and again drops 69 feet to form a creek that runs into the Columbia River. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States and the highest waterfall in Oregon.

We will eat lunch in downtown Hood River which offers a variety of restaurant and craft brewery options to choose from plus the opportunity to explore local boutique shops and wine tasting rooms. After lunch, we will journey into the Hood River Valley, known for its natural beauty, thousands of acres of fruit orchards, and multiple generations of farming knowledge.

Observe the rapid change in climate and landscape as we drive east towards this iconic viewpoint at the top of a massive basalt feature, previously known as Memaloose Castle, but now referred to as Rowena Crest. The Historic Columbia River Highway winds its way up in a series of horseshoe curves and switchbacks designed back in 1915 to allow cars with limited horsepower to climb the 700 feet to the top.

Experience locally owned and grown food along Hood River County’s most scenic drive, known as the “Fruit Loop.” The “Fruit Loop” passes through the valley’s orchards, vineyards and family farms. Along this route, 28 seasonally opened fruit stands reside offering an assortment of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh fruit pies, jams, syrups, local honey, ciders and hand-crafted artisan gifts.

At 11,249 feet, glacier-clad Mt. Hood is nationally known for several alpine ski areas, especially Timberline, which receives so much snow it has the longest ski season in North America. Timberline Lodge is the most impressive structure on Mt. Hood, and its artful architecture has astonished visitors for over 80 years.