The Most Beautiful Canyon In America Is Right Here In Oregon... And It Isn't The Grand Canyon
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 13, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon is world-famous for its outdoor recreation, and the Columbia River Gorge certainly has something to do with this. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Forget the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Columbia River Gorge truly is the most beautiful canyon in America — and it’s right here in Oregon.
There's nowhere on the planet as profoundly pristine and picturesque as the Columbia River Gorge. Lewis and Clark first happened upon the Columbia River Gorge during their expeditions in 1806, and we can only imagine how awestruck they were at discovering this majestic paradise.
Its story is million of years in the making. The granite from within the earth was lifted up from the pressure of molten lava inside the earth, which caused the outline of the Columbia Basin, followed by icy floods at the end of the latest glaciation.
The result? A spectacular river canyon that's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep that winds through cliffs, spires, and ridges set against the commanding peaks of the Cascades.
One of the most epic treks in Columbia River Gorge is the Rowena Plateau Trail, which leads to a stunning viewpoint boasting jaw-dropping views of the Columbia River Gorge. This two-mile trail is breathtakingly beautiful in the spring, bursting with beautiful blooms in every hue.
Of course, you cannot visit the Columbia River Gorge without stopping by the mighty Multnomah Falls. This 611-foot-tall, roaring waterfall is in a league all its own; and while the Columbia River Gorge is home to more than 90 waterfalls (on the Oregon side alone!), Multnomah truly is its masterpiece.
For those looking for a less strenuous way to experience this grand canyon, the Crown Point State Scenic Corridor and the Vista House offer the most incredible panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge. This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is known as Crown Point State Scenic Corridor -- and its brightest star is the Vista House. No hiking is required; all you need to do is be willing to take a little detour.
The most beautiful canyon in the country, the Columbia River Gorge is extraordinary in every way. It's a place for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and thrill seekers, wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists. It's a place of unrivaled beauty and grandeur, and we're so lucky to have it right here in Oregon.
There’s truly nowhere in the world like the Columbia River Gorge. Come and experience this treasure for yourself; we promise, it’s a place sure to stoke and satisfy your wanderlust.
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