Long and Windy Road

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We had a long, long drive today from La Pine to Mt Hood. On our left, we had beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains; including snowcapped Mt Washington, Mt Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and Mt Bachelor. On our right, we viewed the desert-like terrain with dust funnels and tumble weeds. If we didn't know better, we would have thought we were in Arizona.

Late afternoon, we arrived at Mt. Hood only to discover they rolled up the sidewalk at 2:00pm. No more lift rides up the mountain and no tours of the great lodge today. At first we were really disappointed, but, being the flexible people we are, we made an adjustment to our plans. We decided we would view the falls along the Columbia River today and Mt Hood tomorrow.

Back in the car again! Having already driven 3 hours to Mt Hood, we went off to the Columbia River Gorge…a 2 hour scenic drive. First, we had to get to the other side of the mountain. Of course there are different ways to do so, but, tempers flared as Mary and Suzy (our GPS) had a knockdown, drag out fight on the narrow and winding Historic Highway 30. Suzy kept directing us to drive off the cliff! This isn't the first time she tried to direct us to our demise.

Without Suzy, we did manage to locate Crown Point (our first destination along the Columbia River Gorge). Crown Point is a 700 foot sheer cliff and offers awe-inspiring views both up and down the Columbia River. It is noted as one of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Lewis & Clark passed this point on their journey to the Pacific. We could see the spot along the river where they camped to replenish their supplies for their trip back.

Originally, this site was just a viewing point for sightseeing Portlanders on their way to Multnomah Falls. Since it was a 2-hour drive up to the Point (Model-T’s were not known for speed), it was decided to build a ‘rest stop’ at Crown Point. Thus, Vista House (aka potty stop) was erected. Its 8-sided wall construction was designed to withstand the 100 mile an hour winds which frequent this spot.

The drive to Multnomah Falls was on a windy, curvy road with rock walls and picket fences to keep you from driving over the edge; the road was obviously built for Model-T’s not the SUVs of today. The lodge, built in 1925, has stunning views of the 620 foot two-tiered falls. Multnomah Falls is the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S. According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe. For an even closer view of the falls, there is a bridge that spans the falls at the first tier’s misty base. Standing on the bridge you have a perfect view of the top tier’s 542-ft height and a knee-wobbling vantage point over the second tier’s 69-ft drop!

As dusk settled upon us, we stopped at the “Tippy Canoe Restaurant” for dinner. This rural, cabin-like restaurant (just short of hole-in-the-wall), was featured on the Food Network. We ate on the backyard patio, overlooking the Sandy River, on a stone table & stools (just like the Flintstones). Our meal, served on china with cloth napkins, was absolutely wonderful!!

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Photos

Toasting to Mt Hood
Enjoying the ambiance of the Tippy Canoe Restaurant

Mt Hood
Our first view of the majestic mountain

Mt Hood
Skiers coming off the mountain

Smokie The Bear
I didn't know that Smokie skied!

Columbia River Gorge
Standing atop of Crown Point

Columbia River Gorge
Looking down river as it is flowing toward the Pacific.

Vista House
Built in 1916, Vista House sits on top of Crown Point

Vista House
The foyer inside of Vista House

Vista House
Indian head busts & early pioneer dedications

Vista House
Tour guide

Multnomah Falls Lodge
Built in 1925

Multnomah Falls
Upper part of the falls

Multnomah Falls
Lower part of the falls

Multnomah Falls
Mary on Benson Bridge