Pacific Northwest Trip: First Stop Portland
We traveled to the northwest and spent a few days in Portland before heading to Yakima to visit family. In Portland, we focused on activities that showcased the area's splendid scenery: visiting Mount Tabor Park, driving through the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls, riding the Portland Aerial Skyliner, and spending much of the day at the Portland Japanese Gardens.
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Portland Skyline
We visited Mount Tabor Park, explored the hilly terrain, and enjoyed a lovely view of downtown Portland.
Upper Multnomah Falls
This is a semi-close-up of the upper falls taken from the pedestrian bridge.
Returning on the Aerial Tram
This is a view from the cable car as we returned to the lower station. There are some nice views all around, but I didn't capture any of them in a photo.
Sand and Stone Garden
Another sand garden, this one contains strategically placed stones that likely have a deeper meaning unknown to me. Notice the patterns around the stones and no footprints!
Strolling Pond Gardens
Another of the gardens is Strolling Pond, which features a large koi pond and a wooden walkway for viewing the fish; however, this image depicts the vegetation surrounding a different pond.
Reservoir 6
Also, at Mount Tabor Park, near the foot of the hills, a couple of Portland water projects sit.
The Columbia River Gorge
This image was captured midway along the Larch Mountain trail, which leads to the waterfall's summit and reveals the Columbia River flowing through the valley.
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
A photograph of the beautifully restored Spokane, Portland, and Seattle 700 is among several operational steam engines on display in the main warehouse.
Natural Garden
This is an example of a Japanese garden called the Natural Garden, which features a blend of water elements along with an array of colorful, well-shaped, and distinctive plants.
Pagoda Garden Statue
The Japanese Gardens showcase statues and artwork throughout. Unfortunately, I did not capture many photos of them. The Pagoda is one such example.
Upper and Lower Multnomah Falls
This picture displays the upper and lower sections of the falls, along with the pedestrian bridge located just below the upper falls.
View from OHSU Hospital
Taking the Aerial Tram to the top of Marquam Hill, where OHSU Hospital is located, offers a view of the Willamette River from the hospital terrace.
Portland Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens feature several distinct areas. The Flat Garden is one of many immaculately maintained sections. This garden resembles those seen in the TV show Shogun.
More of Natural Garden
This stream flows to the pond shown in the previous image in this garden section. The banks of the stream are filled with interesting bushes.
Windsurfing the Columbia
On the waterfront of Rockford lies a popular windsurfing spot, thanks to the constant wind flowing up the Columbia. Hundreds of surfers zipped up and down the river.