Oregon-Part 3

Rivers, more rain, even more waterfalls…and Columbia River Gorge

Traveling North we passed through Portland and headed East to our campsite in Ainsworth State Park, for three nights inside the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, “so designated in 1986, to protect and enhance the scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources along the historic Columbia River Highway.”

We set up camp, enjoyed dinner and a stroll around the campground. After listening to the rain pelting our trailer throughout the night, we awoke to another rainy day. It seemed a nice day for a drive along the Historic Highway so we headed east, which it turned out gets much less rain than the western portion of the gorge. 

 

 

 

 

At the Hood River we took a detour down what is known as the Fruit Loop, because of all the fruit grown here. We traveled some winding country roads past well tended orchards and vineyards to visit the Hood Valley Lavender Farm, just in time for a short break in the clouds. 

The lavender grown at this farm (and most of the fruit grown in this fertile valley and mountain sides) will not be ready for harvest till July, but the farm was still very charming. Beautiful lavender bushes just coming into flower were set off by a beautiful rolling hillside.

The last full day in the area was overcast again, but the forecast showed little rain expected so we headed west along the Columbia Historic Highway to explore this area known to locals as The Gorge. But before we get to that here is a little history of the Oregon Historic Route 30.

“A NEW SPIRIT OF independence rolled across Oregon on the rubber tires of Model Ts during the early I900s.

When opened to the Hood River in I9I5 the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first modern paved highway in the Pacific Northwest and an engineering masterpiece, allowed motorists access to the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. The Historic Highway also provided a valuable link between eastern and western Oregon, especially for farm produce and manufactured goods. 

But by the 1930s, speed and efficiency took precedence, and the scenic road  became an impediment to progress. Construction of a water grade thoroughfare was already under way in the 1940s, and during the 1960s, Interstate 84 replaced the "king of roads."

 

Modern transportation systems contrast sharply with the Indian canoes and trails that served this region for thousands of years. But this sea level corridor through the Cascade Range still serves as an important shipping corridor for traded goods today.”

Each state in the US holds sites of iconic images. Even if you haven’t been there I’m sure you can picture New York’s Manhattan skyline or the Statue of Liberty. In California, images of the Golden Gate Bridge may come to mind. 

 

In Oregon the most iconic image I can think of would be Multnomah Falls with its famous bridge crossing in front of a dramatic double cascade of rushing water. Crossing the short span, with water rushing above your head and below your feet, spray misting around you, is an unforgettable experience like no other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

While the most famous of falls along the highway, Multnomah is not the only waterfall on these dramatic cliffs along the Columbia River. Latourell, Horsetail and Bridal Veil Falls are each equally spectacular in size and unique in appearance. After finding a place to park near Wahkeena Falls we hiked a short trail back to view Multnomah Falls. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Latourell Falls was visible from the parking lot, it also had several lovely trails. We chose one that took us to the base of the falls, along the stream and back under the roadway, providing magnificent views of one of the many bridges constructed in the early 1900’s to provide access through the area for the Highway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scenic view points at the western entrance to the Historic Highway gave us the scope and scale of this stretch of the Columbia River Gorge. From the Portland Women’s Forum viewpoint the river stretches into the far distance, high cliffs on either side.  It was this very vista that inspired Highway Advocate Sam Hill to create the Historic Highway.

 

 

 

 

Another iconic Oregon Landmark is found at Crown Point, the Vista House. This stone building set on a bluff 600 feet above the river is a memorial to Oregon Trail Pioneers and provides a 360 degree view of the river and gorge in the distance.

 

 

 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD…

-Psalms 98:8 (NKJV)

The Columbia River Gorge is a marvelous area to visit. Waterfalls tower above gracefully curved historic roadways, crossing over streams on beautifully designed bridges. In some areas tunnels blasted through sheer cliffs provide access to the areas beyond. Rushing Rivers, fragrant trees, colorful wildflowers, and vibrant bird calls are a treat to the senses. This is truly a wonderful area of Oregon to explore. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next Adventures on the Road will bring us across the Columbia River into Washington! We can't wait to share it with you all!