Scenic Highways

After watching Judy's movie of the pictures we took today, I need to comment further on the Scenic Highway.

1. There are over 10 different waterfalls to view. The Bridal Veil Falls is the second largest in the U.S. It rivals Niagara in it's beauty.

2. The road winds along the Columbia River in the cliffs high above I 84. It was built at the dawn of the automobile age in the early 1900's. Almost immediately, it was prized as being the most beautiful of all scenic American roads. At the turn of the century the automobile was used as much for entertainment as for transportation. These first roads were created to bring Americans from the cities to the outdoors to enjoy all the things that make "America, the Beautiful". Whether it's the Pacific Highway, A1A Highway, Blue Ridge Parkway, or Rt. 66, these roads make help visitors connect with our past.

3. FROM A WEB SITE ON SCENIC HIGHWAYS: "Words fail many travelers who drive the exquisite Historic Columbia River Highway. Every twist and turn brings a new treasure, from majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural site in Oregon, to astounding views from the tops of cliffs over 900 feet above the river. During the spring, the Gorge area erupts into magnificent wildflower displays, including many plants that only exist in this area.This is the first scenic highway in the US to gain the distinction of National Historic Landmark. Just to give you an idea of what this means, less than 3 percent of the sites on the National Register of Historic Places become Landmarks. The construction of this Highway was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern age. Its engineer, Samuel C. Lancaster, did not [want] to mar what God had put there. It was designed in 1913 to take advantage of the many waterfalls and other "beauty spots."

4. The Columbia River Sceneic Highway's points of interest are well marked and right there! You park the car, and in seconds you are standing infront of the most amazing waterfall you have ever seen. Or, you park the car and walk a few feet to meadow trails bursting with color. Each stopping point has interpretive signs to guide you along, or buildings with exhibits.

5. Everything is absolutely FREE!!!