Chasing waterfalls in Oregon—this pretty much defined our trip! I’d been eager to revisit the Pacific Northwest for a while, and what better excuse than escaping the scorching Texas summer? Ironically, Oregon greeted us with a heatwave of its own when we arrived. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple days.

Of all the waterfalls we explored, Multnomah Falls was hands-down my favorite. Its beauty was unmatched, though its popularity meant it was the busiest spot on our itinerary. Another highlight was visiting the Natural Bridges along the coast. The views were breathtaking, but the hike, especially the final stretch, was a bit scary. Walking on the edge of a cliff with no guardrails will certainly have your heart beating a little faster.

We also made time to visit the Portland Japanese Garden, a serene oasis that’s a must-see for anyone who loves bonsai trees and tranquil landscapes. It was a peaceful contrast to the adrenaline of our cliffside adventure—a perfect way to round out our trip.