Columbia River Gorge Hike, Portland, OR

After finishing up preparing my visa and packing up a suitcase and backpack worth of belongings, I headed out on my around the world adventure beginning in Portland, OR. Visiting my buddy, Ana (yes, same name, different pronunciation haha), we went around the city and natural landscape for a few days and she took me on another amazing Portland hike in the Columbia River Gorge. Covered in green and walking the entire trail in water and ending the hike by swimming at the base of the waterfall, it was the perfect way to embrace my fantastic 5 month long adventure. 

Ana forewarned me that the entire hike would be in water, but I wasn't sure what that meant as the trail started out dry and lush, until we turned the corner and there was the water and river. 

Two of my lovely Portland/Central Valley friends! This is right before getting in the water. 

And so began our mile hike to the waterfall. Amazing canyon views as you walked and the water level ranged from a couple inches to chest height. I definitely held my camera up above my head at different points of the hike. 

Gawking at the color and light contrast produced naturally. Il chiaroscuro è stato incredibile! 

Me and Ana in the middle of the hike, after climbing over a dam of logs. 

I couldn't help but to keep looking upwards to appreciate the layers of growth and plants that grew all along the sides of the canyon. 

And we reached the falls!!! Well worth the hike! 

After this last picture and video, the camera was turned off and put away as I joined the people in the falls and swam in the clear, blue water. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. 

Departed the hike through the tunnel we entered and continued our buddy weekend with movie nights, coffee, and catching up. So many wonderful memories of Portland thanks to the great friends I have there. Always ready and wanting to return!