The Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway

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We’re doing the Columbia River Historic Scenic Highway today, a round trip, commencing at Hood River, driving towards Troutdale on Interstate 84, then moving on to the Scenic Highway and returning to Hood River.

We stopped at Cascade Locks for breakfast and looked around. Now to the Columbia River Fish Hatchery at Bonneville, which we hadn’t planned, where they are trying to ensure the existence of Columbia River Sturgeon, plus, we think, salmon and trout. We wonder if the Russians have a similar project for their sturgeon as their stocks are supposed to be almost wiped out. Didn’t realise how big they are, and so graceful. The school holidays must be near as hordes of pupils scream all over the place. It spoilt the visit a little so we cleared off.

We move, via Springdale and Corbett, to the Portland Women’s Forum State Park for fantastic views of the Columbia River and Crown Point Vista House, which we drove to later. There’s hardly a soul around and it’s very relaxing. Before getting to Crown Vista, we travelled 12 miles up to the summit of Larch Mountain (I think that's it to the right of Mt Hood on the panoramic shot) where there are supposed to be great views of Mt Hood. Alas we drove into thick cloud. As Doreen can’t cope with sheer heights, I walked to the summit, the clouds clearing a little but not sufficient to see Mt Hood. The wisps of cloud drifting around the summit make it quite spooky. Not a soul around.

Crown Point Vista is a popular spot. It must be manic at main holidays. Now on to the Columbia River falls that straddle the Historic Scenic Highway. We enjoyed some good walking to the Latourell Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horsetail Falls. Between the last two is the Multnomah Fall, the most spectacular one but where parking is a problem owing to its popularity. The Latourell Falls has a spectacular overhang of volcanic organ pipe rock, resembling an upturned version of the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland and similar to parts of Fingal’s Cave in Scotland.

We read somewhere that the Historic Columbia River Highway is the second most scenic road in the USA, nice but not that nice. As we’ve packed much into the day, it’s back to Hood River for supper and heads down.

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Photos

River Boat at Cascade Locks
Unfortunately, we didn't have time to take a trip!

Another Columbia River Tour
All in line please!

The Columbia River
Looking west to Crown Point Vista from the Portland Women's Forum State Park.

Doreen
The sign explains it all. That's the house in the background.

David at Crown Point Vista
Looking west up the Columbia River

Latourell Falls
Spectacular. Canoe off that if you can!

Latourell Falls
Like Fingal's Cave?

Latourell Falls
Me enjoying the view.

Mt Hood and Hood River
What a spectacular backdrop!