Description
The Columbia River cuts the only sea-level passageway through the Cascade Mountain Range here between the Deschutes River and the Sandy River, also marking the state lines between Oregon and Washington. The wide range of elevation and precipitation makes the Columbia River Gorge an extremely diverse and dynamic place. Ranging from 4,000 feet to sea level, and transitioning from 100 inches of precipitation to only 10 in 80 miles, the Gorge creates a diverse collection of ecosystems from the temperate rain forest on the western end (with an average annual precipitation of 75-100 inches) to the eastern grasslands (with average annual precipitation between 10 and 15 inches), with a transitional dry woodland between Hood River and The Dalles. Isolated micro-habitats have allowed for many species of endemic plants and animals to prosper, including at least 13 endemic wildflowers.
The Gorge transitions between temperate rainforest to dry grasslands in only 80 miles, hosting a dramatic change in scenery while driving down I-84. In the western, temperate rainforest areas, forests are marked by Bigleaf Maples, Douglas Fir, and Western Hemlock, all covered in epiphytes. In the transition zone (between Hood River and the Dalles), vegetation turns to Oregon White Oak, Ponderosa Pine, and Cottonwood. Then on the eastern end the forests make way for expansive grasslands, with occasional pockets of Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pine.
Atmospheric pressure differentials east and west of the Cascades create a wind tunnel effect in the deep cut of the gorge, generating 35 mph (56 km/h) winds that make it a popular windsurfing and kitesurfing location.
The Gorge is a popular destination for hiking, biking, sight-seeing, fishing, and watersports. The area is known for its high concentration of waterfalls, with over 90 on the Oregon side of the Gorge alone. Many are along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including the notable 620-foot (190 m)-high Multnomah Falls.
Trails and day use sites are maintained by the Forest Service and many Oregon and Washington state parks.
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