A recent business trip took me to Portland where i had an opportunity to take an afternoon and do a little exploring.  I was already familiar with the Multnomah falls area from a previous trip, but for that trip, I only had time to see the falls.  This trip I was afforded the opportunity to spend a few hours there!

I love the PNW area already, with the lush greenery and what seems like streams, rivers and falls around every corner and after this trip this was validated.

After just a little research, I decided to hike the Wahkeena Falls loop in this area.  What a great decision!  While the main attractions visible from the roadsides are very busy, particularly the short hike up to the Multnomah falls overlook, once beyond those areas you will likely see very few other hikers.  If you enjoy water, greenery and falls, this easy 5 mile loop is a great way to spend and afternoon.

Wahkeena Falls loop Loop Map

While I like these pictures, they do not do the beauty justice.  After spending a few hours on the Wahkeena Falls trail I began to head back to the Portland area and decided to take the scenic highway 30 route.  What a great drive and I had pleasant surprise when I came upon the Vista house at Crown point. Vista House It is an observatory that is also a memorial to Oregon pioneers Historic Columbia River Highway, and offers great view of the Columbia river area!  Must stop by!

Heading back into Portland to for a casual meeting with colleagues and as usual I try to find a good local Mexican restaurant, this time was not exception.   El Sombrero in Portland near the airport was great!  See my trip adviser review here: El Sombrero  Worth a stop by.

After my few days of work, my flights got cancelled due to weather so I had a free Saturday Morning and decided to drive to the Timberline Lodge.  The weather turned out to be very Portland like that morning, cloudy and misty, but on the drive to the lodge I broke through the clouds and had a great view of a sunrise.  Didn’t have time to explore the area, but the short trip was well worth it!

My wife and I have always considered retiring in the PNW area and after this trip it may have moved higher on the list of potential areas!