Fall 2025
I first visited Multnomah Falls as a college student in the 1980s. I grew up in Colorado where we have plenty of “big” when it comes to nature — big mountains, big plains, big canyons, big open spaces. But I’d never seen a waterfall like Multnomah Falls. I stood on the Benson Bridge and gawked. In the years that followed, I returned fairly often — the falls being a destination close to Portland with plenty of wow factor where I could take visiting friends and relatives. When I moved to Hood River a few years later, it remained on the must-see list for anyone I was looking to impress with breathtaking Northwest landscapes.
It’s no surprise that Multnomah Falls is the most visited attraction in Oregon. The lodge at the base of the falls might not get as much attention, but it’s equally worthy of some time spent in its majestic stone and timber interior — where every type of rock found in the Columbia River Gorge is represented. The lodge turns 100 this year, and while there are no formal activities planned to mark the occasion, fall is a perfect time to visit. There are fewer people vying for limited parking (the timed use permits required to park at the falls during the summer are no longer required after September 1) and the autumn foliage surrounding the lodge and falls puts on a show. You can read Molly Allen’s story about the lodge and its history starting on page 44.
Speaking of history, you’ll find a story about a historic-photo archive put together by Hood River resident Arthur Babitz and the History Museum of Hood River County, starting on page 34. Thanks to Babitz, the extensive collection of historic photos at the museum has not only been digitized, but turned into a crowd-sourcing project that has added fascinating context to thousands of historic photos from the area. Writer David Hanson delves into the Historic Hood River project, which can be found on the History Museum’s website.
This past summer saw some devastating wildfires in the Gorge, notably the Rowena Fire in June and the Burdoin Fire in July. For writer Don Campbell, who lives outside of Mosier, fire season brings with it an undercurrent of dread — not least because he’s had some close calls in the past. He’s learned to deal with it by taking proactive steps to make his home and property more fire-resistant, and offering support to others affected by wildfires. Even with the arrival of fall, Campbell knows fire season is far from over. You can read his story beginning on page 48.
You’ll find lots of other stories in this issue, along with beautiful photos. Enjoy, and have a wonderful fall in the beautiful Columbia Gorge!
— Janet Cook, Editor
