Historic Columbia River Highway Waterfalls Tour with Guide Legends, Park Ave Pickup

The Historic Columbia River Highway, called the King of Roads, is the thread of this tour, and the guide tells how it was built. Views along the way include Crown Point and Vista House, whose architecture is a draw of its own. Multnomah Falls is a double waterfall, and a stone bridge crosses close to the spray, with a view over what is known as Oregon's Rhine Valley. The lodge is about 100 years old and has a gift shop, a visitor centre and a snack bar. At Latourell Falls the water plunges past a basalt wall. More waterfalls and viewpoints are chosen on the day, among them Shepperd's Dell Falls and Horsetail Falls, which range from the strong lash of a horse tail to the soft spread of a bridal veil. Chanticleer Point, at the Portland Women's Forum viewpoint, is a landmark on the Oregon side of the Gorge, and the guide tells its history. Along the whole drive the guide adds accounts, legends and background on the region's history and natural features. The tour meets at the Park Avenue side of a public square in Portland, where the guide arrives 10 minutes before departure.