Portland

At first glance, Multnomah Falls might seem like Oregon's answer to Disneyland-minus the animatronics and overpriced turkey legs-but beneath its postcard charm lies something undeniably captivating. Perched majestically along the Columbia River Gorge, this 620-foot cascade plunges with reckless abandon, attracting hordes of awe-struck tourists and selfie-stick-wielding influencers. Go early-like "coffee-before-dawn, birds-still-grumpy" early-to avoid feeling like you're trapped in a human salmon migration. Weekdays are preferable, and you'd be wise to plan ahead, as summer weekends bring crowds thicker than Portland hipster beards. Parking can vanish faster than avocado toast at brunch, so budgeting at least a half-day and packing patience (alongside a weatherproof jacket for Oregon's reliably unreliable drizzle) is wise. But despite any bustling chaos, gazing upwards to see spray billowing from the falls and breathing the misty air that Lewis and Clark once marveled at makes the logistical gymnastics worth it-even if you mostly do it just to tell friends that you survived a waterfall rush hour.