Multnomah Falls, Portland, Cannon Beach Dec 2-4

For a wonderful Northwest Experience, Dave and I went on a weekend trip to the Portland area and the Oregon Coast.  The first day involved viewing gorgeous waterfalls east of Portland including Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest in the U.S.  All of them were “ooh” and “aah” worthy though.  There are enough falls along the Columbia Gorge there to make at least an entire day of not weekend of seeing them.  Many anyone can just pop out of their car to enjoy for those who aren’t into hiking. 

Along the same highway, we viewed the Bonneville Dam and fish hatchery, feeding the trout and viewing the huge sturgeon.  We also made a side trip up to Vista House, which was a enigmatic structure up high with breathtaking views of the Columbia and pretty windows. 

Getting into Portland later, the only sightseeing we really did was Powell’s Books.  GO THERE!  It is a vast book store that you could also probably spend an entire weekend in.  We went in optimistically thinking of finding Christmas presents and ended up wandering through the aisles with our eyes as wide as children visiting a chocolate factory.  It was overwhelming.  Here is a picture of the carpeting at the hotel we stayed at in Portland.  Yikes! 

The next morning found us munching Voodoo Donuts (the magic is in the hole, haha) and perusing the crafts at the Portland Saturday market.  Lisa, my best friend from high school, was there with her lampwork glass art (stunning beautiful- go there and buy some!), but I didn’t buy any because I was trying not to buy gifts for myself.  It was nice that she got to meet Dave and it was great to visit with her. Unfortunately I always think of photos when I see nature, but didn’t even think to get a picture of her or the market. 

It was cold and gray in Portland, so after leaving there, it was a pleasant surprise to find the coast warm and sunny.  We explored Cannon Beach, including a little tidepooling at the famous Haystack Rock.  The beaches were huge and beautiful and though not many shells were to be found, we did find a couple of sand dollars.  The people there were friendly, laid back and helpful and the place we ate lunch at recommended a nice hotel that we came to love that was right on the beach with big window and sliding door overlooking the sand and surf.  Just wonderful!  It was called Webb’s Scenic Surf, and I would stay there again if I went back! 

What a super terrific weekend!