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The Ultimate Road Trip – Explore The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s great treasures f … More
The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s great treasures for hiking, windsurfing, historic significance, amazing scenery and a gentle drive. For more information on the region go to: http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oreg…
Day 1
Trip Information
For more information on the Columbia River Gorge , visit http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Mt-Hood-Columbia-River-Gorge.aspx
Begin your Columbia River Gorge odyssey in Portland; take hwy I-84 to Troutdale and stop for lunch at McMenamins’ Edgefield Power Station, historically the Depression-era Multnomah County Poor Farm, transformed into a unique entertainment center. Head east to Corbett and take the Old Columbia Scenic Hwy with spectacular photo ops at the Women’s Forum and Crown Pointe Vista House. Continue through the lush forest, with stops at the Columbia’s famous waterfalls for hikes of varying length, including Bridal Veil Falls and the Oneonta Gorge. Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking 2-level waterfall, viewed from below, above (a 2-mile hike), or from a bridge in the middle. Return to I-84 for a stop at the impressive Bonneville Power Administration including the fish ladder/hatchery and museum exhibits. Stop for dinner at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel on the shores of the river, or at Hood River Inn, a charming boutique hotel in the town of Hood River. The next morning, shop for art in the town of Hood River, visit the Carousel Museum or try your hand at windsurfing. In spring, plan 1/2 day to meander up hwy 35 through the Fruit Loop, marveling at the many orchards in bloom, coating green hillsides with white blossoms. Continue on the old scenic hwy to the Gov. Tom McCall Preserve, where the spring wildflowers bloom on a bluff high above the river and stroll through its endless meadows. Spend your second night in The Dalles, with the culinary experience of yak burgers at Cousins’ Restaurant. Don’t miss the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles on Day 3 before heading back to Portland or east to the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway.
Begin your Columbia River Gorge odyssey in Portland; take hwy I-84 to Troutdale and stop for lunch at McMenamins’ Edgefield Power Station, historically the Depression-era Multnomah County Poor Farm, transformed into a unique entertainment center. Head east to Corbett and take the Old Columbia Scenic Hwy with spectacular photo ops at the Women’s Forum and Crown Pointe Vista House. Continue through the lush forest, with stops at the Columbia’s famous waterfalls for hikes of varying length, including Bridal Veil Falls and the Oneonta Gorge. Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking 2-level waterfall, viewed from below, above (a 2-mile hike), or from a bridge in the middle. Return to I-84 for a stop at the impressive Bonneville Power Administration including the fish ladder/hatchery and museum exhibits. Stop for dinner at the historic Columbia Gorge Hotel on the shores of the river, or at Hood River Inn, a charming boutique hotel in the town of Hood River. The next morning, shop for art in the town of Hood River, visit the Carousel Museum or try your hand at windsurfing. In spring, plan 1/2 day to meander up hwy 35 through the Fruit Loop, marveling at the many orchards in bloom, coating green hillsides with white blossoms. Continue on the old scenic hwy to the Gov. Tom McCall Preserve, where the spring wildflowers bloom on a bluff high above the river and stroll through its endless meadows. Spend your second night in The Dalles, with the culinary experience of yak burgers at Cousins’ Restaurant. Don’t miss the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles on Day 3 before heading back to Portland or east to the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway.