The Dalles/Hood River, Oregon
Our day’s adventures unfolded along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. Traveling this historic road from The Dalles to Hood River and then to Multnomah Falls, we began our explorations at the Columbia Gorge Discover Center. This duel museum offers displays on the history of Wasco County as well as the geology, geography, and natural history of the Columbia Gorge. In addition to these superb displays, we enjoyed a temporary exhibit commemorating the bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery.
After leaving the Discover Center, we drove along the old highway up to the lookout at Rowena Crest. With the Columbia River below us, we could see the route that the river takes between the towering basaltic cliffs. Wildflowers were everywhere; Oregon sunshine, California poppies, and lupine were in full bloom. Next was a welcome leg stretch along a restored section of the scenic highway that is closed to vehicular traffic. The walk took us a mile up to two tunnels; this was the turn around point, however some hardy hikers continued for another four miles. Cooled by the morning rain, the air was a perfect temperature and as the clouds lifted we had stunning views of the gorge. Those who chose to forgo hiking went to the quaint town of Hood River for some shopping.
In the afternoon we continued along the scenic highway heading for two of the famous waterfalls on the southern side of the gorge. Horsetail falls was the first waterfall that we viewed; we took a quick look at the gushing water as it cascaded over the rock face and ended in a plunge pool. But Horsetail was only a lead-up to the main attraction of the afternoon: Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural attraction in Oregon. At 620 feet, it is the second highest continuously flowing waterfall in the United States.
After leaving the waterfalls and the scenic highway behind, we made our way to the visitor center at Bonneville Dam. Spending time learning about the building of the lock and dam or how the dam creates electricity or even viewing the salmon ladder, we enjoyed the opportunity to explore Bonneville Dam. The day ended as we cruised out of the Columbia River Gorge back aboard the Sea Bird.
Our day’s adventures unfolded along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. Traveling this historic road from The Dalles to Hood River and then to Multnomah Falls, we began our explorations at the Columbia Gorge Discover Center. This duel museum offers displays on the history of Wasco County as well as the geology, geography, and natural history of the Columbia Gorge. In addition to these superb displays, we enjoyed a temporary exhibit commemorating the bicentennial of the Corps of Discovery.
After leaving the Discover Center, we drove along the old highway up to the lookout at Rowena Crest. With the Columbia River below us, we could see the route that the river takes between the towering basaltic cliffs. Wildflowers were everywhere; Oregon sunshine, California poppies, and lupine were in full bloom. Next was a welcome leg stretch along a restored section of the scenic highway that is closed to vehicular traffic. The walk took us a mile up to two tunnels; this was the turn around point, however some hardy hikers continued for another four miles. Cooled by the morning rain, the air was a perfect temperature and as the clouds lifted we had stunning views of the gorge. Those who chose to forgo hiking went to the quaint town of Hood River for some shopping.
In the afternoon we continued along the scenic highway heading for two of the famous waterfalls on the southern side of the gorge. Horsetail falls was the first waterfall that we viewed; we took a quick look at the gushing water as it cascaded over the rock face and ended in a plunge pool. But Horsetail was only a lead-up to the main attraction of the afternoon: Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural attraction in Oregon. At 620 feet, it is the second highest continuously flowing waterfall in the United States.
After leaving the waterfalls and the scenic highway behind, we made our way to the visitor center at Bonneville Dam. Spending time learning about the building of the lock and dam or how the dam creates electricity or even viewing the salmon ladder, we enjoyed the opportunity to explore Bonneville Dam. The day ended as we cruised out of the Columbia River Gorge back aboard the Sea Bird.
