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Drives 12-17
12. Cascade LocksBack on the interstate the drive heads west past farmlands, commercial centers, and miles of forest before entering Cascade Locks. Over the years the town's name has become a bit of a misnomer, for its cascade was submerged after the completion of the Bonneville Dam and, since its locks were built to circumvent the cascade, they too are no longer a distinguishing feature. Nevertheless, a park overlooks the unused passageway, and a museum depicts the area's colorful history.
To get an entirely different perspective on the region, you can board the Columbia Gorge, a grand old stern-wheeler that makes daily excursions in the summer. Travelers can also view the river from the Bridge of the Gods, which crosses over to Washington.
13. Bonneville Dam
The Bonneville Dam was the first of many dams built to tame and tap the Columbia River torrents. A series of fish ladders, or water-filled terraces, are on view at the visitor center. Salmon leap from pool to pool on a remarkable journey to the upper reaches of the river, where they spawn. The fish come from as far away as Alaska, returning to the very waters in which they first hatched.
Another viewing area looks out on the underwater world of the huge bottom-dwelling white sturgeon. Sometimes weighing more than 1,500 pounds, the ancient fish, with bony plates instead of scales, have been prowling the rivers and seas since the time of the dinosaurs.
14. Ainsworth State Park
At exit 35 leave the interstate for the 22-mile western sector of the Historic Columbia River Highway, which skirts a lush forest on its way to Ainsworth State Park. Perched atop steeply rising bluffs, the park sits back from the smooth-coursing Columbia River. Of the area's many hiking trails, one standout leads to nearby Horsetail Waterfall, where the hiking path actually passes behind the falling water.
15. Oneonta Gorge
Traveling two miles farther west through the dense forest, you'll come to Oneonta Gorge, a botanical area maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. A fairly difficult hike (especially in the wetter winter months) climbs 900 feet to Oneonta Falls, and other trails loop through the area.
16. Multnomah Falls
The Historic Columbia River Highway passes more than a dozen waterfalls, but most people consider Multnomah Falls to be the grandest of them all. Divided into upper and lower cascades, the falls plunge a total of 620 feet.
Plenty of parking is provided for the area's many sightseers, and a nature center and 1920s stone lodge have fine views of the falls above. Trails -- paved, but on the steep side -- explore the hillsides; one crosses an arched footbridge above the lower falls.
Back on the scenic highway, more waterfalls come into sight, tumbling down the steep ridges that line the road. From east to west, the major cascades visible from the highway are Wahkeena, Bridal Veil, Shepperds Dell, and Latourell falls.
17. Crown Point State Park
A winding drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway climbs upward to Crown Point State Park, a well-maintained preserve that sits perched atop an enormous volcanic rock -- the park's namesake -- that rises more than 700 feet above sea level. The preserve, with unobstructed views extending both east and west, is an excellent place to observe the breathtaking beauty of the mighty Columbia River. Almost certain to catch your eye from here is Beacon Rock -- an even larger monolith towering nearly 850 feet on the opposite side of the river, a fitting close to your visit to the Columbia River.
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