The Columbia River Gorge – Oregon

After our hearty breakfast in Idaho, we continued our road trip. And we soon found ourselves even closer to our ultimate destination for the night in Portland. But before our arrival we were ready for a truly scenic part of our road trip. Our journey through the Columbia River Gorge…and a special side trip we’d never taken before. (We love new adventures!)

This amazing canyon surrounding the Columbia River is a scenic destination of it’s own. And the terrain changed with every mile as we headed toward Portland. The Deschutes River joins the Columbia near The Dalles, Oregon. And between The Dalles and Portland, the river cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, forming the amazing Columbia River Gorge.

Whenever we travel this route toward Portland, Peepaw and I have a contest to see which one of us will be the first to spot that crown jewel in the clouds…Mt. Hood.

(Not yet!)

The mighty Columbia River is the dividing line between the states of Oregon and Washington.

And it’s ALWAYS windy there…so we weren’t surprised to see many, many wind turbines lining both sides of the river.

The cliffs are spectacular…and I always feel sorry for Peepaw because he has to keep his eyes on the road since he’s the driver. But I get to take full advantage of the amazing views in every direction.

 

And I must tell you…I gave longing glances across the river to the Washington State side when I saw acres and acres of grapes. (I hear their vineyards and wineries are also spectacular…and I’m more than willing to decide that for myself at some point!)

And suddenly…there it was. In the distance. The majestic mountain we’d been waiting to see. (Peepaw won this time!)

Look closely. That is NOT a cloud in the sky.  See that snow-covered “pointy” shadow above the foothills? It’s Mt. Hood! Rising up into the clouds. And we were ready to take a detour on our way to Portland we had only recently learned about.

The Oregon Fruit Loop. 

I’ll explain soon, but until then, just imagine how beautiful this mountain will be as we get closer and closer.

Mother Nature has outdone herself in Oregon. And I bet you’re beginning to understand exactly what I mean…