On our too-quick trip through the Columbia River Gorge, we missed a lot that this area has to offer. I would have loved to have hiked into the interior more and driven around Mt. Hood. We came at the wrong time of year to see a lavender farm, which would have been really cool. And since I’m kind of a hotel nerd, it would have been nice to look in on a couple of the historic hotels in the area. Let’s take a look.
Mt. Hood Drive
Had I the day to really explore, I would have LOVED to drive around Mt. Hood. Highways 35 and 26
Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge is a world-class ski resort, offering snow conditions even in the summer months. During the summer, they also have the Magic Mile Sky Ride, a ski lift to the top of Mt. Hood for all those glorious views. You can ride up for $15 and either ride it back down or hike down the mountain back to the lodge. It only takes 30 minutes round-trip to ride the lift, but leave yourself two hours if you want to do the hike.
But the REAL reason I want to see the Timberline is that is was used for exterior shots in The Shining. It was built out of local materials by the WPA during the Great Depression, so it looks pretty cool anyway. It can get pretty snowed in, so I would prefer a visit in the summer, myself. Standard rates to stay the night are in the $165-270 range.
Columbia Gorge Hotel
Another cool hotel I wanted to check out is the likewise historic Columbia Gorge Hotel. This Mission-style hotel & spa was built in 1921 Samuel Benson, the same guy who built the Columbia River Highway and the bridge over Multnomah Falls. It’s been a few things over the years but looks pretty fantastic today after a 2012 renovation. Even so, rates start at only $99.
Bonneville Dam
Also near the end of the Columbia River Highway is the Bonneville Dam complex, spanning three sections of the Columbia River across three islands. Visit two powerhouses, a fish ladder with underwater views, and the Washington Shore Visitor’s Center. The dam is FREE to visit with guided tours of the first powerhouse at 11, 1, and 3. Tours of the second powerhouse on the Washington side are at 10, 1:30, and 3:30. The whole complex is open from 9-5.
Lavender Farms
I just love the idea of stopping at a fragrant lavender farm to eat a picnic lunch or just take a break from the car for a while. We drove through at the wrong time of year to see lavender in bloom but if you are there in June or July, consider stopping in at one of Oregon’s many lavender farms. There’s Hood River Lavender Farms near highway 84. Lavender Valley is a little closer to Mt. Hood in the same area. Hoffman Hills Lavender Farm is a little further down the gorge.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler
To get yourself right in the broad Columbia River, try the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. A 1-hour sightseeing cruise will set you back $28 for adults, $32 for two hours, or a dinner cruise for $60. The Sternwheeler operates out of the Cascade Locks from May-October, and from Portland from November-April.
Tap Trails and Fruit Loops
If you have more time, try a few of the Gorge-area breweries on a “Tap Trail.” There’s an app you can download that will get you discounts at 16 participating breweries. If you manage to visit 10 of them in a year, you get a free pint glass! For off-passport drinking, try any of the greater Portland area’s 117 craft beer breweries.
For a less intoxicating experience, try the Hood River Fruit Loop. This looped drive past Mt. Hood will take you by 29 fruit farms and stands as well as a few wineries. It even incorporates a few of the lavender farms as well. For obvious reasons, this one is best in high summer when fruit is as its peak. See a good map here, and a list of currently open farms and stands here.
Suggested Touring
If you have a full day to explore the Columbia River Gorge, I suggest setting out early for a drive along the historic Columbia River Highway and getting a jump on the tourists at all the waterfalls. A snack at the Multnomah Lodge and some light hiking takes up the morning hours and then maybe you’ll have time to fit in a quick visit to the Bonneville Dam before lunch around the Cascade Locks–there seem to be plenty of options there.
Or, if your snack was heavy enough (and also your wallet) lunch at the Columbia Gorge Hotel. Either way, a visit there is not to be missed before heading south on 35 toward the Timberline Lodge. The afternoon hours can be spent poking around the Mt. Hood area while slowly making your way back towards Portland for dinner.
I think a drive around the Fruit Loop, including some lavender farms and wineries, deserve an entire day of their own if you have the time.
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