Day 2 in Portland, Oregon

Day two of our vacation started with breakfast at the hotel and lots of reading about local trails. We chose to visit Saddle Mountain on the way out to Cannon Beach along the Oregon coast. Luckily, W took a look at the website while I was dealing with a small work issue, and discovered that the trail was closed. Some quick reading and a text to Heather sent us in the opposite direction to Multnomah Falls. We detoured to Target for water bottles and other supplies, arriving at the trailhead at around noon on Wednesday.

We had no idea what was in store for us.

The trip began on Trail 442 heading West to Wahkeena Falls. The trail ascended quickly, passing small waterfalls (and a slug) along the way. Past Wahkeena Falls, we moved up the mountain via a series of sharp switchbacks on Trail 400 / 420, paved to make things easier - but still a challenge for the heart, lungs and legs! I took a break under Fairy Falls and got soaked.

We traveled up to Wakheena Springs to the see the start of all of the waterfalls we saw along the way. Then we hiked up a nearly completely overgrown path to a summit of 2400 feet at Devils Rest. Both Mt. St. Helens (what is left) and Mt. Rainier are visible from this high peak. The rest was all downhill, past Ecola Falls and Weisendanger Falls and to the Multnomah Falls Overlook, the most visited tourist attraction in Oregon. It was an 8.5 mile trip that lasted until nearly 6pm! We took over 100 photos and had a wonderful time looking at waterfalls, wildflowers and the nearby mountains.

We decided to forego the highway and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway back to town. What a great choice! We stumbled upon both Bridal Veil State Park and the gorgeous falls there, as well as Latourelle Falls and the Vista House at Crown Point.

After some extensive cleanup, we headed into Northwest Portland for the New Old Lompoc brewery and pubhouse, where W had an amazing mac&cheese dinner with ham, tomatoes & scallions. Mac & cheese seems to be on every menu here so he figured he had to try it. Then we wandered down the street for a quick peak at what we would be drinking on Saturday evening, by going into one of McMenamin's many Portland watering holes. McMenamin's started in the 80's with some beer loving brothers opening up a pub and has grown into an entertainment and beer staple of the Pacific Northwest. From schools renovated into hotels and pubs to beer halls that show movies, they have it all. Eric & Katherine's wedding will take place in two days at McMenamin's in Edgefield.