2608, 2011

Multnomah Falls (Portland, Oregon)

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Portland, Oregon is known for being a “green city” and indeed is full of beautiful natural places. Many of these are woven into the cityscape, but more breathtaking sights can only be found past the outskirts. In this video, eScapes takes you to the amazing Multnomah Falls. One of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet tall and, notably, does not dry up during the summer. Nearby paths provide visitors with views of the falls from various altitudes. Sightseers looking for a dramatic way to experience the falls might enjoy a walk over the misty Benson Bridge, as those seeking a more relaxing time watch the water from

1808, 2011

Black River, Wisconsin

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Wisconsin’s Black River begins at the Minnesota border and winds through northwestern corner of the state, joining with the Nemadji River and entering Lake Superior. The scenery of the Black River is at its best as it passes through Pattison State Park, thirteen miles south of the city of Superior. The river’s tranquility is eventually broken by the dramatic Big Manitou Falls– Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall– farther downstream. The Black River gets its name from the dark color of the water. This “root beer” color comes from decomposing organic matter from the forest. A similar phenomenon can be seen at Michigan’s famous Tahquamenon Falls. Cindy Bradley is an award-winning jazz trumpeter. She has toured the world as

0908, 2011

Crater Lake National Park

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Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park is spectacular in every sense. The deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake’s grandeur is enhanced by steep cliffs, hundreds of feet high, surrounding it on all sides. The still, blue water of the lake, painted with reflections, makes this spot one of the most tranquil destinations in the world. However, this peaceful setting was formed by a violent explosion. About 7,700 years ago, the volcanic eruptions of Mount Mazama laid waste to much of the surrounding wilderness and put ash in the air for more than a thousand miles. The loss of material from inside the mountain made it unable to support its own weight, and it collapsed into

0408, 2011

Klamath National Forest

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The Klamath National Forest covers 1,700,000 acres of Northern California and the lower part of Oregon. The forest gets its name from the Klamath people– the indigenous tribe of Southern Oregon. It is densely populated with old-growth conifer trees. The national forest covers a fraction of the much larger Klamath-Siskiyou Region, the largest concentration of roadless wilderness on the West Coast. This region, largely unprotected outside of the national forests, is recognized for its great biodiversity and habitat variety. It is one of seven areas in North America considered an Area of Global Botanical Significance by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary jazz band. Since its formation in

3107, 2011

Blue Hen Falls

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The Cuyahoga River Valley has long been a destination for outdoor recreation and the appreciation of nature. Threatened by urban sprawl, the area became a national recreation area, and later Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to ensure its protection as wilderness. Blue Hen Falls is not the most dramatic waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. That honor belongs to the 60-foot Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s most visited attractions. However, the quiet Blue Hen Falls is a perfect out-of-the-way location for relaxation and meditation. Jim Brickman is a songwriter and solo pianist. One of the most commercially successful adult contemporary artists, Brickman has six Gold or Platinum albums and multiple prestigious awards and nominations. His romantic

2607, 2011

Bryce Canyon National Park

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The western part of the United States is filled with many fascinating landscapes, but Bryce Canyon National Park is particularly unique. Carved by rain and frost wedging in the limestone of Utah’s Claron Formation, this stunning landscape is known for its hoodoos– weathered rock spires– and its bizarre terrain that includes numerous amphitheaters and maze-like valleys. Covering 56 square miles, Bryce Canyon is one of the smaller national parks, but it spans more than 2,000 feet of altitude. This means several distinct climate zones can be found within the park, each with its own plant and animal life. The varied landscape is perfect for hiking or biking, or for relaxation and meditation when the sun is

0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan