Multnomah Falls(Pictured Above) is one of our most famous indicators. It is a huge waterfall with a gorgeous bridge that extends across it. To get to Multnomah falls, we recommend taking the historic Columbia River highway to see several other waterfalls (ADA friendly, many can be seen from road) Between Oregon and Washington, there are over 3,000 known waterfalls, with Washington having more than Oregon.
During the summer months, we spend a lot of time here. Parking is $5, and it is a bit of a hike getting down to the nude beach. Fingers crossed the water level is low, or you will be crossing water up to your hips to get across and enjoy the full spectrum of the nude beach. Please reach out if you are planning on going so we can give you more detailed instructions of getting down to the beach.
If you only do one thing while you are here, make it this waterfall! Just across the river in Carson, Washington is one of our all-time favorite waterfalls. This is an easy 3.4 mile hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls you will see in your lifetime. The forest road to get to the trail head is very bumpy and not at all well-maintained, but it is so so so worth it.
Trillium Lake was introduced to me as a child and I have never forgotten my utter shock when viewing the lake and the reflection of majestic Mt. Hood on the lakes surface. Weather permitting, we will have a picnic on the lake during the wedding weekend. However there are a ton of hiking trails nearby as well as several other lakes to investigate!
If you want to get up close and personal with Mt Hood and see an important (and famous) piece of history, take the drive up to Timberline Lodge. You do not need to be a guest to visit or survey the grounds. There will still be snow on the mountain and you will run into late season skiiers and snowboarders!
Now, we are starting to heads South on I-5. If you are staying longer and are going to explore further in the PNW, you will head south and need to stop towards Oregon's capitol, Salem. Silver Falls State Park is a large waterfall hike in which you pass 10 different waterfalls. Pack your hiking shoes!
Terwilliger Hot Springs, but I want to just accompany that by saying the entire McKenzie River Scenic Area is one of our most favorite places in the world. When I die, I want my ashes spread here. We adore this place, it is everything you think of when you think of the PNW. Terwilliger Hot Springs is on a short, uphill hike and it is clothing optional so prepare for that when you go. There are 3 pools with varying heat levels and there is a little changing area to change into your bathing suit (or lack thereof) when you get there. If you want to camp (we may plan a camping trip after the wedding) reach out to myself or Jason for campsite recommendations.
-QUICK BITES- Du's Grill (Teriyaki) Best Baguette (Banh Mi) Killer Banh Mi Don Pedro (on NE 82nd, best Breakfast Burritos) Dave's Hot Chicken The Zedd (Large food hall/ brewery) Level Beer (great local beer and good food trucks) Ichi Teriyaki (The one on Division st) Abby's Pizza Abby's Pizza -SIT DOWN, NOT FANCY- Horse Brass Pub(American, good fish+chips Lucky House(Chinese BEST EVER) Hale Pele (Hawaiian Tiki Bar) Tulip Shop Tavern (american, burgers, fried food, busy AF,) My Fathers Place (american, very very old bar, good food, cheap drinks) Screen Door (brunch/breakfast, delish) Xin Ding Dumpling House (Chinese, downtown, open very late) The Deck (Seafood, riverside, not ADA accessible) Island Cafe (Seafood, also riverside, not ADA accessible) Bartini/Urban Fondue(GABBY'S FAVORITE PLACE, amazing drinks and of course CHEESE) McMenamin's (American, lots of unique locations, usually great food and good beer) Gateway Breakfast House (American diner food, Obama ate here!)
-SIT DOWN, FANCY- Stone Cliff Inn (American, kinda far, very good) Casa Italia (Italian, family owned, amazing) Papa Haydn (PNW fancy food, delicious, amazing desserts) Salty's (Seafood) -DESSERT- Salt & Straw (Ice-cream, new monthly flavors, lots of locations!) Rimsky - Korsakoffee House (Sit down dessert place in an old house, live music on wknds) Pix Patisserie (Refrigerated vending machine re-filled daily!)