Scenic USA - Oregon

Scenic USA offers a collection of select photographs from a wide variety of attractions, points of interest, historic sites, state parks and
national parks found throughout the United States. Each photo feature is coupled with a brief explanation.
For further detailed information, links to other related sites are provided.

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King of Roads

Columbia River Highway

Photos by Ben Prepelka

Latourell Falls      Often referred to as the king of roads, the historic Columbia River Highway is honored as America’s first scenic byway. Always considered as a modern marvel of engineering, Samuel C. Lancaster set out to retain and showcase as many waterfalls (inset - Latourell Falls) and wonderful viewpoints as possible along the highway's 70 mile stretch.
     Following the Columbia River The Crown Point Vista House was built in 1916 at the same time as Highway 30and Sandy Creek, this Oregon byway winds along the only sea level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. The view from Crown Point offers some of the first Columbia River Gorge views for eastbound travelers. A lineup of beautiful waterfalls can be found at roadside or just over a series of short hikes from the byway. The granddaddy of them all, Multnomah Falls drops 620 feet Beacon Rock has gone by many names since the journey of Lewis and Clark. Names include Beaten Rock, Pillar Rock, and Inoshoack Castle.to paint a dramatic backdrop for the Multnomah Lodge. After passing Bonneville Dam and the town of Hood River, a noticeable change takes place in the landscape. The lush greens of the Columbia River Gorge give way to the arid eastern Columbia River Plateau. Here the towns of Mosier and Rowena are noted for their fruit orchards and colorful cherry blossoms. Finishing up at The Dalles, a visit to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum completes this byway experience.


 

 

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