Let me write this based on what I know about the area. John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor sits along the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge, so I can draw on solid knowledge of that landscape.

John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor

Tucked along the Historic Columbia River Highway east of Portland, John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor preserves one of the most stunning stretches of the Columbia River Gorge. Named for the conservationist and architect who championed the Gorge’s protection, this scenic corridor offers a quieter alternative to the crowds at nearby Multnomah Falls while delivering equally dramatic Pacific Northwest scenery.

The corridor’s crown jewel is Elowah Falls, a 213-foot plunge waterfall that crashes into a mossy basalt amphitheater. The trail to the falls is a moderate 1.6-mile round trip through old-growth forest thick with ferns and Douglas fir. For a bigger adventure, continue to Upper McCord Creek Falls, where the trail crosses a narrow basalt ledge with sweeping Gorge views. The combined loop adds roughly another mile and rewards with a completely different waterfall perspective.

Camping is not available within the corridor, but several campgrounds operate nearby in the Gorge, including Ainsworth State Park just a few miles west.

The best time to visit is late spring through early summer, when snowmelt sends the waterfalls into full force and wildflowers line the trails. Fall brings golden big-leaf maples and thinner crowds. Winter visits can be magical but expect icy trail conditions.

Come prepared for Gorge weather — layers, rain gear, and sturdy footwear are essentials even on sunny days. This is a place where the forest feels ancient and the water never stops moving.

Explore Nearby

• Historic Columbia River Highway — Scenic Byway in Oregon
• Lost Lake sits within the Widow Mountain Wilderness Study Area — Public Land
• Sandy Wild and Scenic River — Public Land in Oregon
• Mount Hood National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
• Little Mountain Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Washington