Blogs from Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, United States, North America - page 2

Looking for a quick and easy escape we went on a hike at at Wahclella Falls... Located in the Cascade Locks in the Columbia River Gorge it's only 40 minutes from our house ... After a short drive we paid $5.00 in the parking lot and were on our way. The trails at first are nice and open, a bit tight once you start to wind up the mountain, but it's a pretty easy hike. There were quite a few families out and about and many a dog along the trail. The hike itself is relatively easy, but it does have some pretty steep inclines. The 1.1 mile hike to the trailhead is an impressive finish to the large waterfall. When you first get there you can't really tell, but it's constantly being fed by two ... read more

We checked out of the Timberline Lodge and drove to nearby Trillium Lake, which we’d heard was a photo opportunity waiting to happen. It did not disappoint, and we shot many a postcard-like photo of the lake with Mt. Hood rising above it in the distance. We took the 2 mile trail around it, and enjoyed the relatively solo trek through forests and meadows surrounding the little lake. Then we headed north, and as we came down in elevation, we entered the beautiful rolling hills of an agricultural area chock full of apple orchards and vineyards. Eventually we reached the Columbia River, which was impressive in size and scenery. Heading west, the first stop we made was at the historic Bonneville Fish Hatchery—which was a surprisingly interesting operation in a lovely setting. (Thanks for the tip, ... read more

Skirting the Oregon/Washington border... read more

Greetings from Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Cascade Falls, Oregon! I am writing this blog while "fancy camping" in a KOA campground sitting at the picnic table while Phil is building a fire. This is our 14th state in 13 days! We got up from our campsight this morning to take a look around. We had no idea what it looked like since we got in so late last night. Not too bad. Nice sights, not crowded but with antiquated hookups! A quick shower in the RV and we were on to Mt St Helen's National Monument. Up and up another mountain. We are so impressed with this RV. She just keeps on keepin on-up mountains and down mountains! Mt St Helen's was just amazing. I know I keep saying that but what an ... read more

When I saw the sign marked “Rest Stop”, I pulled over. North-central Oregon was starting to look like west Texas, and my mind was starting to wander. The signs kept promising “Port” this and “River” that, but I hadn’t seen any water so far. Besides, that ham wouldn’t last much longer unrefrigerated, and I was hungry. I hopped onto a picnic table, made myself a sandwich with a not-quiTe stale baguette, and surveyed the rest stop. This was new territory, subtly different from Idaho and Eastern Oregon. A self-important shaved head guy with hip sunglasses stood blocking the sidewalk, talking loudly on his cell phone. “She’s just lucky she wasn’t actually using any illegal substances.” A dusty minivan pulled up and emitted 5 or 6 sobering reminders of why white folks ought not to marry first ... read more