Waterfalls, Wineries, and Wonderous Mt. Hood
Spectacular waterfalls, fabulous wines from scenic vineyards, the foothills of Mt. Hood and the mighty Columbia River!
This excursion brings you up close and personal with Oregon's most spectacular waterfalls, fabulous wines from scenic vineyards, the foothills of Mt. Hood, and the mighty Columbia River.
1.
Day One
From Portland, I-84 is the direct route along the Columbia River. But to really experience the country's only National Scenic Area, take Exit 17 south through Troutdale and follow the signs to the Historic Columbia River Highway/All-American Road. Before leaving Troutdale, visit the Harlow House Museum and McMenamins Edgefield, both on the National Register of Historic Places. Edgefield is a 25-acre estate that features a hotel, brewery, winery, an assortment of dining options, formal gardens and much more. Then grab some Gorge information at the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce and pick up some extra film for the sights ahead. Vista House at Crown Point, built in 1918, is a visitor center that commemorates the construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway inside and offers a panoramic view of the Gorge outside. Latourell, Wahkeena and
Bridal Veil are among the many waterfalls close to the highway.
Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet to the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, is Oregon's most popular natural attraction, and for good reason. See salmon make their way upstream through the glass enclosed, underwater fish ladder at the visitor center at Bonneville Dam. Explore Cascade Locks, a town named for the locks that were built in the late 1800s to navigate boats past what were once dangerous rapids. Marine Park, a National Historic Site that includes the old canal and three lock-tender houses, is the starting point for many activities. While in Cascade Locks take a two-hour narrated sternwheeler cruise aboard the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge. Stay the night in Hood River, a small but exciting community.
Hood River is known as the "Windsurfing Capital of the World." When strong winds turn the river into a wild, wet roller coaster every "boardhead" for miles around can be found on the Columbia, skimming back and forth across the watery Oregon/Washington borders. Time your visit to the first Friday night of the month (April through December) and you will have a chance to experience the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Hood River. Local restaurants and shops transform themselves into bustling art galleries and welcome you in to see the work of local artists, hear live music, and sample the delicious local faire.
2.
Day Two
While in Hood River, visit our wineries for a taste of the local vintages. Explore Saturday Market, open mid-May through mid-October for fresh local faire, music, crafts and art. Experience Oregon agriculture at its finest with a tour of Hood River's Fruit Loop, a scenic 45 mile drive through acres of winter pear & apple orchards, farms and wineries all within view of the glistening peak of Mt. Hood. Climb aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad for a leisurely train ride through the gorgeous Hood River Valley and enjoy an hour layover in picturesque Parkdale -- up close and personal with everyone's favorite mountain - Mt. Hood. East of Hood River, hikers and bikers can enjoy a four-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway that is off limits to motor vehicles.