frequent and does not stay on the ground for long. Late spring, summer and early autumn bring the best chance for clear, sunny days and bring moderate temperatures. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain. Unusually cold weather can turn this plummeting falls into a frozen ice-sickle, with a few drops falling from the bottom. The frozen Falls are a sight to behold. Nearly two million visitors a year come to see this ancient waterfall making it Oregons number one public destination. Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, heavy rains during fall, winter, and spring, and lastly spring runoff from Larch Mountain's snow pack, the flow over the falls varies usually being highest during winter and spring. Multnomah Falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods. Five flows of Yakima basalt are visible in the fall's cliff face. Not only is the Multnomah Creek home to the Coho Salomon, its hold many other forms of life as well. This fall is a truly breathtaking sight to visit.Section 5: BiologyOrganism 1: Pacific Giant SalamanderScientific Name: Dicamptodon TenebrusThe Pacific Giant Salamander is the largest salamander in Oregon and Washington, hence the name. It has a bulky head and body, and large, muscular legs. They can grow to have a total length of 13 inches: that is one big salamander. One way to identify these salamanders is the adults are marked by a marbled pattern of tan and reddish-brown, chocolate, or occasionally slate. These large creatures are found in a large range of land. In our region they are found all the way through the Cascades, and the southwestern portion of the Oregon Washington border. Pacific Giant Salamanders inhabit cool, moist coniferous forests in the vicinity of cold, clear streams and mountain lakes. Terrestrial...
