June: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
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Multnomah Falls is evidence of constant geologic change. Millions of years ago, explosive volcanoes, griding glaciers, powerful floods, and the uplifting Cascade Mountains formed the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to continuous erosion from the Columbia River, landslides, mud slides, and rock falls, Multnomah Falls carves its own unique "footprint" through layers of rock. Multnomah Falls was created when massive floods scoured out the Columbia River Gorge, leaving the falls to "hang." Multnomah Falls erodes softer layers of rock below and behind the falls, creating a plunge pool and cave. The upper falls recedes faster than the lower falls due to the type of rock. This constant geologic process will continue to contribute to a dramatic change.
Multnomah Falls is evidence of constant geologic change. Millions of years ago, explosive volcanoes, griding glaciers, powerful floods, and the uplifting Cascade Mountains formed the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to continuous erosion from the Columbia River, landslides, mud slides, and rock falls, Multnomah Falls carves its own unique "footprint" through layers of rock. Multnomah Falls was created when massive floods scoured out the Columbia River Gorge, leaving the falls to "hang." Multnomah Falls erodes softer layers of rock below and behind the falls, creating a plunge pool and cave. The upper falls recedes faster than the lower falls due to the type of rock. This constant geologic process will continue to contribute to a dramatic change.
Multnomah Falls is evidence of constant geologic change. Millions of years ago, explosive volcanoes, griding glaciers, powerful floods, and the uplifting Cascade Mountains formed the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to continuous erosion from the Columbia River, landslides, mud slides, and rock falls, Multnomah Falls carves its own unique "footprint" through layers of rock. Multnomah Falls was created when massive floods scoured out the Columbia River Gorge, leaving the falls to "hang." Multnomah Falls erodes softer layers of rock below and behind the falls, creating a plunge pool and cave. The upper falls recedes faster than the lower falls due to the type of rock. This constant geologic process will continue to contribute to a dramatic change.
Multnomah Falls is evidence of constant geologic change. Millions of years ago, explosive volcanoes, griding glaciers, powerful floods, and the uplifting Cascade Mountains formed the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to continuous erosion from the Columbia River, landslides, mud slides, and rock falls, Multnomah Falls carves its own unique "footprint" through layers of rock. Multnomah Falls was created when massive floods scoured out the Columbia River Gorge, leaving the falls to "hang." Multnomah Falls erodes softer layers of rock below and behind the falls, creating a plunge pool and cave. The upper falls recedes faster than the lower falls due to the type of rock. This constant geologic process will continue to contribute to a dramatic change.
Preservation efforts in the Columbia River Gorge began long before the 1986 National Scenic Area Act. During the early 1900s, advocates for a scenic highway recognized that the beauty of the Gorge should be preserved for future generations. Upon completion of the Historic Columbia River Highway in 1915, generous landowners donated property to create scenc retreats along the route. Many of the highway's most spectacular features -- Chanicleer Point, CroWn Point, Shepperds Dell, Latourell, Wahkeena, and Multnomah Falls -- were donated by philanthropists or civic groups. In the spirit of scenic preservation, the Secretary of Agriculture created the nation's first "recreation reserve" in the Gorge on July 27, 1915 -- 14,000 acres encompassing cliffs, waterfalls and portions of the Historic Highway. In the same year, the U.S. Forest Service opended Eagle Creek Campground in response to the influx of motorists.
Preservation efforts in the Columbia River Gorge began long before the 1986 National Scenic Area Act. During the early 1900s, advocates for a scenic highway recognized that the beauty of the Gorge should be preserved for future generations. Upon completion of the Historic Columbia River Highway in 1915, generous landowners donated property to create scenc retreats along the route. Many of the highway's most spectacular features -- Chanicleer Point, CroWn Point, Shepperds Dell, Latourell, Wahkeena, and Multnomah Falls -- were donated by philanthropists or civic groups. In the spirit of scenic preservation, the Secretary of Agriculture created the nation's first "recreation reserve" in the Gorge on July 27, 1915 -- 14,000 acres encompassing cliffs, waterfalls and portions of the Historic Highway. In the same year, the U.S. Forest Service opended Eagle Creek Campground in response to the influx of motorists.