A waterfall as magnificent and memorable as any in the country is located just a 30- minute drive outside of Portland. Visiting Multnomah Falls, a 611-foot-tall roaring, awe-inspiring cascade of icy water, lets you experience the power and beauty of nature up close and with ease. From the parking area off of I-84, a 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls.

Nestled at the base of the falls, Multnomah Falls Lodge offers visitors a restaurant, gift shop and hiking information all in one historic building.From Benson Bridge, hike another mile up a very steep path to reach the top of the falls. Here you will be rewarded, weather permitting, with spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge. The trail may be closed due to hazardous conditions so make sure to check with the rangers before embarking. (Steep drop-offs and uneven or slick walking surfaces make this trail dangerous for children.)

Follow signs just outside the lodge to hike a half of a mile to nearby Wahkeena Falls. The name Wahkeena means "most beautiful" in the Yakima language. Not as tall, at a little over 240 feet, and not as well-known, Wahkeena Falls still has much to offer in the way of beauty. The steep one-mile trail leading from the base of the falls to the top is loved by locals for its views, wildflowers, and comparative lack of visitors.