White River Falls bursts onto the scene as the river’s first great cascade, plunging 75 feet in a sweeping arc over basalt cliffs. For much of the year, the water fans out into three to six silvery ribbons, weaving down the rock in shifting patterns. Come spring, though, the river swells with snowmelt, and those ribbons merge into a single roaring wall of water — a thundering curtain stretching nearly 250 feet across, shaking the canyon with its power.
Tucked into the rolling foothills east of the Cascades, near the little town of Maupin, White River Falls feels almost unexpected — a dramatic plunge in a landscape of gentle ridges and open skies. Born high on the slopes of Mount Hood some 40 miles upstream, the White River gathers countless tributaries as it winds downhill, building strength on its journey toward its meeting with the Deschutes River.
Just 58 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn, a scenic adventure leads you into Tygh Valley. Pioneers once passed through these rolling hills on the land route of the Oregon Trail, crossing the White River on their arduous journey west. Today, traces of that storied past remain, blending with the valley’s quiet farmland and dramatic canyon landscapes, offering travelers a chance to walk in the footsteps of history while soaking up the beauty of the present.
Extend your adventure by traveling north to The Dalles, Oregon. The Dalles has been the center of commerce for more than 10,000 years. For centuries the Native Americans fished for salmon at Celilo Falls and tribes from far and near would bring their goods to trade for the dried fish. The falls were flooded by The Dalles Dam in 1957 but spirit lives in the traditions and religions, indeed in the very soul of Columbia River Indian people. Their record of habitation proves Wy-am to be one of the longest occupied sites on the continent.
Then west to Hood River and back north to the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.
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. And it’s certainly not too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls. Come feel the mist of Oregon waterfalls on your face!
Our Chasing Waterfalls and Oregon Waterfall Wednesdays series continues. According to Northwest Waterfall Survey there are well over 1000 waterfalls in Oregon! We’ve set out to witness the beauty of as many as we can. We’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.
Peruse Chasing Waterfalls on our blog and while there explore Where To Stay. What To Do. Where To Eat. Where To Play. You’ll find a mountain of epic trip ideas for your next outdoor, cultural or culinary adventure in every corner of the state. Now more than two dozen inns are ready to help you plan your most EPIC Oregon road trip!
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
