Winter Waterfalls - Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Become Icy Wonders

Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horsetail Falls, Upper Latourell Falls, and all the other waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge, are magnificent displays of the wonder of nature. Located fairly close to one another along a uniquely beautiful stretch of the Columbia River, the falls of the gorge carved through the Cascade Mountains almost demand notice.

The Columbia River, in this section, divides the states of Washington and Oregon. Most of the falls are located on the Oregon side, and can be reached easily from Portland, even by freeway. The most famous waterfall in these parts, Multnomah Falls, has it's own exit from I-84, and can actually be seen from the freeway.

Still, most tourists pass through in the summer. Locals know winter is a time of magical beauty of ice and water, snow and mountain, river and forest. Rarely is it cold enough for a long enough period of time for most of the falls to freeze completely, a special treat to see.

Although that didn't happen in 2010, late December saw a cold spell sufficient to make for a spectacular scene. Water cascading down between ice sheets clinging to rock on either side. Spray from the falls freezing onto branches of nearby trees. Partially frozen pools at the bottom of falls with crisp blue water churning, surrounded by glaring white ice.

When we went to see the winter waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge it was late in the day, so we stuck to the loop, not getting too far way from the car. Of course, the Historic Columbia River Highway takes one right by some spectacular waterfalls and within easy hiking distance of more.

The highway and the waterfalls are in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It encompasses what is truly one of the most awe inspiring river gorges in the world. If you begin on the Portland side, you will enter the Scenic Area just outside the city of Troutdale. As you climb, you will come upon the historic Vista House, with it's expansive views of the river and gorge. You might recognize Vista House, it's been in quite a few movies.

Go down the hill after Vista House and you get into the waterfalls section. And it's not only the named falls you can see in the winter, but seasonal creeks spilling over cliffs, frozen "weeping walls," where water oozes out from hillsides and freezes, and sometimes, snow covered forests.

The way the weather works in the Pacific Northwest, clear days usually mean cold days, and almost always mean strong winds in the Columbia River Gorge. High pressure systems that keep storms at bay also channel sometimes ferocious winds through the opening in Cascade Range.

If you want to see winter waterfalls that will cause you to gasp at their beauty, bundle up and venture into the gorge. If you are more hardy, hike to some of the more remote, if trails are open.