Head over to the Historic Columbia River highway, and stop along any point that is interesting to you. Here, you will find Columbia Gorge, which cuts through the Cascade Mountains by the Columbia River. There are many, so if you stop at every interesting spot, it will take you many days. If you go on a weekend, the crowds are nuts, and parking becomes a big issue. On busy weekends, it might take you an hour to pass by a just a couple of miles.
The Sandy River. The western boundary of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where the Portland metro area ends and the byway begins.
Historic Downtown Troutdale. You can skip this if you are into nature. From Troutdale (exit 17 on Interstate 84), the road follows the Sandy upstream, then winds uphill through Corbett to the next stop...
Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Probably the best view of the river, better even than the Vista House. In fact, as this is at a higher elevation, you can actually see the Vista House from here.
Chanticleer Point. Alternatively, you can stop here instead of the Portland Women's Forum. 700 feet above the Columbia River, you can see incredible views overlooking the Columbia River, Washington State and the Oregon side of the gorge. Scenes in "Twilight" were filmed here.
Vista House at Crown Point. It's a major tourist stop at the Gorge. You can get great shots of the gorge and tributaries, as well as winding roads.
Waterfall galore. In 8 miles you can pick one (if on a day trip) or all five significant falls: Latourell, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and the grandest, 620-foot Multnomah, one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. Many falls have viewing areas. If you have lots of time, you can hike trails that lead to more falls. If you don't, you can actually see some of the falls from the road. It's of course a poorer experience, but sometimes, you just need to hustle.
Latourell Falls is a slender cascade in W. Talbot State Park. A short paved path leads to the 249-foot fall. Hikers can continue along a moderate 2.4 mile loop that follows the Latourell Creek and crosses several wooden bridges before reaching the Upper Latourell Falls, a mossy two-tiered cascade.
Multnomah Falls. The best one, and also the most crowded. It has a visitor center staffed by volunteers, who can help you plan your itinerary. Consider donating by purchasing some items or just donating. You can also dine in cafe here. The falls can be seen from the road, and a short walk leads you to a viewing bridge of this spectacular falls.
Horsetail Falls Trailhead. If you are up for a hike, you can go for a 4-mile loop that winds past five waterfalls: Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, Oneonta Falls, Upper Oneonta Falls and Triple Falls.
Bonneville Lock and Dam. A fun place for nerds (people who love learning) and a nice change from the nature buffet. Take exit 40, Bonneville Lock and Dam. Here you can see the lock, the fish farm, and the first of many dams on the Columbia. The visitor center closes the earliest, so if you are pressed for time, check this out first.
Head over to the lock which lets ships cross, and even see a moving bridge. Fun engineering things to see. Drive to the Visitors Center has underwater window where you can watch fish wriggling up the fish ladder to bypass the hydropower turbines. On your way out, stop by Sturgeon Viewing Center to spot Herman the Sturgeon (10 feet long, 425 pounds and more than 60 years old). They also have a salmon farm here. In season, you can watch the staff farming the fish.
Hood River. A town you can chill out in. It's the hotspot for kiteboarders and windsurfers. This town is also the gateway to the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway.
The Twin Tunnels Trail is a 5-mile section of the Historic Columbia Highway State Trail for cyclists and pedestrians (closed to motorized traffic). Scenic overlooks abound.
Side trip: Head east (this breaks the loop to Mt. Hood)
- Bridge of the Gods
- Mosier Twin Tunnels
- Rowena Crest Viewpoint
- Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum
Hood River Valley. Stop by local fruit stands to sample locally-grown cherries, berries, pears and apples.
Mount Hood. In the southeast flank, notice changes from the dry eastside Cascades featuring ponderosa pine forests, to the lush westside forests of douglas fir, cedar and hemlock.
Oregon Trail.
Timberline Lodge. Views of snow-capped Mount Hood and the surrounding Cascades. This is the Lodge in "The Shining".
Head back to Portland
Resources used for some details in this article:
http://traveloregon.com/trip-ideas/scenic-byways/the-historic-columbia-river-highway/
http://www.ecotours-of-oregon.com/gorge.htm
(Guided tour of the loop. I haven't joined them, but they have a good itinerary)
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