Triple delight/ski, paddle, wine

There aren’t many places in this world where you can hit the slopes, paddle a river, then enjoy a night on the town — all in the same weekend. Fortunately for sports enthusiasts, one of those rare places is right here in Oregon.

There are many ways to dice up a multi-sport vacation, but here’s one stellar option: Start your adventure high on Mt. Hood, duck down into the valley to paddle the famous Columbia, then hang low in the city for an evening of wining and dining.

With Mt. Hood easily accessible from Portland, you can make your base in the big city without missing a beat in the outback. Then, an hour and a half’s drive later, indulge in a little skiing or snowboarding at one of Mt. Hood’s recreation areas. Highway 26 takes you east from the city to the mountains in Mt. Hood National Forest — a drive that will leave you breathless. The lush greenery and forests create a dramatic frame for a skyline view of the snow-capped peak.

Make your trip before April and you’ll have the opportunity to ski — among other resorts — the 2,150-acre Mt. Hood Meadows, which flanks the very same mountain that provided dramatic views on your drive. Meadows Resort boasts a three-mile run for the adventurous and also includes terrain for all levels of skiers. The base lodge sits at 5,366 feet, and the highest lift lands you at 7,300 feet. Refresh your run by stopping on the slope to view the mountain’s dramatic summit, or take a break with a hot chocolate in one of the 12 restaurants at the resort.

Rest your ski legs on the drive back to Portland and get a good night’s sleep before your next adventure: a kayak trip through history. On day two, you’ll drop down to the Columbia River, which majestically marks the border between Oregon and Washington, to paddle the same waters that led Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean nearly two centuries ago.

Seasoned kayakers may rent boats from any of several companies near Portland. Guides and instructors are available for those new to the sport or to the area. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe on the Columbia in Portland offers several levels of daylong lessons and is a great resource for guides and information about boating in the Portland area. Farther west off Highway 30, also on the Columbia, Scappoose Bay Kayaking offers educational half-day tours on the river.

For the last adventure of your Oregon trio, sit back and relax with a nice glass of Pinot at one of Portland’s many fine wine bars, the numbers of which are quickly catching up to the number of ale houses.

These establishments, which typically offer a great array of exquisite (and affordable) appetizers and entrees, are perfect for summer sipping on Portland evenings. At Noble Rot on Northeast 28th and Ankeny, the proprietors mix highbrow with down-home when serving up their famous classic, gourmet macaroni and cheese, with a fine wine.

If your craving is more toward Italian or Mexican food, stroll north along 28th Street and you’ll pass a number of tasty options. Wherever your craving leads you, be sure to end the evening with dessert at Staccato Gelato on 28th. Locally owned, Staccato Gelato makes its gelato every day. Nothing like it to cap off a weekend of adventure. For a historic tour of Mt. Hood’s most venerable lodge, Timberline, see Dreaming Timberline, p. 32.

And What’s More…

MT. HOOD MEADOWS
Mt. Hood’s largest ski area offers 2,150 acres of diverse terrain served by 11 lifts, including five high-speed quads. Experts will revel in backcountry skiing at Heather Canyon.
Insider Tip: Locals cherish trail that runs from the top of the Cascade Express chair to Memorial Bowl, traverse across Heather Canyon to the second ridge and then down Accordion Bowl to the run out at the bottom of the Heather Chairlift.
Another option is to traverse across Accordion Bowl to southwest facing Pea Gravel Ridge and ride it down to the Heather Chair - both very fun runs for experts only - definitely double black diamond territory!

Directions: 67 miles east of Portland on Hwy 35;
Hours and Prices: Visit www.skihood.com or call 1.800.SKI.HOOD

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe This guide and rental service offers instruction, information and boat rentals. 250 N.E. Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland. Call 503-285-0464, or visit www.aldercreek.com.

Scappoose Bay Kayaking Guides Offers instructional and historical tours in the Lower Columbia River. 57420 Old Portland Road, Warren. Call 503-397-2160, or visit www.scappoosebaykayaking.com.

The Noble Rot A prolific wine list, exceptional food, and subdued décor make this a “must-indulge” restaurant. 2724 S.E. Ankeny St., Portland. Call 503-233-1999, or visit http://www.noblerotpdx.com/noblerot.html

Staccato Gelato Made daily from fresh, organic ingredients. 232 N.E. 28th Ave., Portland. Call 503-231-7100.