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August 24, 2004

Columbia River Gorge

Our third morning in America saw us sleeping in a little
better as we acclimatised to the 8 hours time difference between the
west coast and home. No great rush today as we were staying in Hood
River for a second night so no packing up and hitting the road.
Instead it was off and out to explore the Columbia River Gorge.

We back tracked downriver (west) along the I 84 to Corbett. This
section of the I 84 has got to be one of the most scenic Interstates
there is as it sweeps along the bottom of the gorge at the side of
the river. Its certainly the most scenic Interstate I've been on.

From Corbett we headed south and steeply upwards as we climbed out
of the gorge and up to the top of Larch Mountain. Parking up the
minivan we walked the short trail to the lookout point. The latter
part of the walk was steep steps upwards and it got me out of breath
although the kids didn't seem to notice ! The reward for the effort
of the walk is exceptional. From this one spot you get a panoramic
view of the Columbia River Gorge and you can see all of the cascade
volcanoes. The thing that amazed me was how clear you could see Mt
Rainier 97 miles away !

From the foot of Larch Mountain (sometimes called lookout mountain
or loockout point) we picked up the historic highway 30. This was
the first road built through the gorge and was apparently a real
pleasure of a drive. Nowadays much of its route dissappeared when
the I 84 was built but there are still sections of it and they are
well worth a drive.

We followed highway 30 back east mostly along the top of the gorge
occasionally dipping down the side stopping at vista point which
gives an incredible view out over the gorge below
with the cars on
the Interstate looking like toys allowing you to appreciate how
massive this place is. From vista point the highway followed the
contours for a while and then went down to the vally floor running
parrallel with the interstate. All along this section of the road
are pullouts and foot paths to see the many waterfalls that cascade
over the edge of the gorge. We stopped at the most famous and
highest of these Multnomah Falls. We had lunch at the lodge and then
walked the short trail to the picturesque bridge giving a superb
view up to the upper falls and down over the lower ones. For the
foolhardy, the trail carried on to the top of the falls but we are
not foolhardy and we walked back down.

A few miles further east and the historic highway ended and we were
back on the I 84. We headed back to Hood River with a couple of
stops along the way, the most noteable being Mitchell Point Overlook
for another spectacular view along the gorge. That night we treated
ourselves to a meal at the Columbia Gorge Hotel on the outskirts of
Hood River. Pre dinner drinks on the terrace overlooking the gorge
followed by a wonderful dinner with similar views from the windows
of the restaurant was a perfect end to the day and a perfect way to
celibrate my in-laws 49th wedding anniversary. When the staff got to
know the occasion they presented my in-laws with souvenir Columbia
Gorge Hotel glasses.

Posted by Graham on August 24, 2004 01:53 PM
Category: 2004 the pacific north west
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