May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We understands that even small actions can make a big difference in promoting mental health. Remember, every little effort counts! Spending time outdoors provides a multi-sensory experience that engages the body and mind in ways that can naturally alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. That’s why we are encouraging you to get out and chase a waterfall or two or more
- Connect with nature for a sense of calmness
- Physical Activity: whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply walking physical exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters.
- Escape from Technology:unplug from digital devices and the constant stimulation of modern life.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: nature’s beauty encourages present-moment awareness and relaxation
- Fresh Air: Oregon’s fresh, crisp air can have a rejuvenating effect on the body and mind. Deep breathing of fresh air can help oxygenate the body, reduce tension, and promote relaxation.
Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face!
With winter and spring come winter storms and snow pack melt, supplying Oregon scenic rivers the water needed to create our wildly beautiful and renowned waterfalls. It’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls.
Oregon has more than 238 waterfalls across the state (and 1,000+ according to the Northwest Waterfalls Survey. You basically can’t drive more than 30-minutes without passing another waterfall! The Columbia River Gorge has close to 50 notable waterfalls alone. So where should you go? We’ve come up with a list of 10 must-see waterfalls to get you started.
You’ve put us on the spot and asked that we share a list of 5 must-see waterfalls. So very hard to choose just 5
Ramona Falls: Mt. Hood Region. 7.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail to one of the most striking destinations in the Mount Hood Wilderness. This shaded waterfall is about 120 feet tall, consisting of a wall of cascades. Trailhead is a little over an hour from the Old Parkdale Inn but we’d suggest visiting some other beautiful sights on your day out exploring.
Tamanawas Falls: 3.5 mile out and back trail in Mount Hood National Forest. Micro spikes are recommended in the winter months. Bring your binoculars and prepare to see a lot of birds on the Mt Hood Loop of the Oregon Birding Trail. and a stunning waterfall! The falls are amazing at 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. Belted Kingfisher are common but it’s the songbirds you’re likely to remember long after they’ve sung their tunes. Trailhead only 10 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn
White River Falls: Get a taste of the high desert on this .8 miles out and back near Maupin. The waterfall is the main focus of the White River Falls State Park and for good reason, the scenic White River plunges 90-feet from a basalt shelf. This hike has beautiful views and several large waterfalls. White River Falls State Park is a little over an hour from the Old Parkdale Inn but we’d suggest visiting some other beautiful sights on your day out exploring.
Multnomah Falls: You can tour the waterfalls that make up the Columbia River Gorge by car or on foot, but you won’t have the full-on spectacular experience unless you do both. Whatever you do, make sure to save time to see Multnomah Falls. It is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest and more than 2 million visitors come each year to take in its view. Tip from the local innkeepers that know: visit early morning, late afternoon and midweek to beat the crowds
Horsetail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.Named for its characteristic form, Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet within view of the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor”. Just east of the falls is a great picnic spot to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and watch the passing freight trains
Named for its characteristic form, Horsetail Falls plunges 176 feet within view of the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor”. Just east of the falls is a great picnic spot to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area and watch the passing freight trains. A short hike up Horsetail Creek is Ponytail Falls where the creek shoots through a narrow crack in the basalt and cascades into a large pool in front of a deep recess, which allows a trail to pass behind the falls.
We’re taking reservations with our promise of a safe and great escape. Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Update on our website. Purchase a gift certificate for yourself or a loved one.
We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct. Click HERE to book directly online, choose your dates, then select our Book Direct, Prepay and Save rate to receive 10% off our Best Available Rate (good only for online reservations for 2 more more nights). Prepay a non refundable 25% deposit and receive 10% Book direct discount. More multiple night discounts when booking online.
Reserve your Stay Now.
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
