The Columbia River Gorge

When referring to the “Columbia River Gorge”, the locals just say “the Gorge”.  It was during the last Ice Age when the Missoula Floods brought the largest flow of water in our Earth’s history to this area.  A massive amount of water, far beyond our imagination, roared through the Gorge and eroded a canyon with vertical walls up to thousands of feet high.

Arriving from the east, like those who followed the Oregon Trail, you’ll have a much smoother trip than they did, driving on I-84.  About an hour out of Pendleton, Oregon, if it’s a clear day, the snow capped, highest peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range will appear in the distance.

With a booming tourist industry and thirty vineyards and wineries, the Columbia River Gorge area offers some world class wines.

The interstate will soon, amazingly, drop down into “the Gorge” and give you a spectacular view of the Columbia River and it’s near vertical sides.  With the border of Washington on your right, and quaint towns along the way, you can follow the Columbia River to Portland and Vancouver.  This is the same river that took Lewis and Clark to their ultimate destination, the Pacific Ocean, in their search of a northwest water passage.

The towns of Hood River and The Dalles are excellent locations for a base camp to explore “the Gorge” and surrounding area.  The often-photographed Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest elevation of 11,239 feet, looms to the south and is easily accessible on highway 30.  The road to Mt. Hood is lined with many orchards and vineyards along the way and you’ll have the opportunity to stock up on the fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the area.

The drive along the Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon's most scenic routes. The vertical cliffs afford many spectacular waterfalls, and snow capped mountains can be seen nearly all year. Photo by Travis Rymer

The special soil conditions have been created by run-off from Mt. Hood’s volcanic slopes to the Hood River Valley below, making it one of Oregon’s largest fruit-growing regions.  This area abounds with apricot, apple, pear and peach orchards with many local vineyards producing exceptional wines.

“The Gorge” offers year-round recreational activities including camping, fishing, hiking, golf, rafting, kayaking, windsurfing and skiing during the winter months.

Great soil and perfect climate come together in the Columbia River Gorge to produce some of the best wine grapes anywhere. There are over thirty vineyards here to prove it.

Many waterfalls have found their way to the Columbia River Gorge, with Multnomah Falls, being the second highest year-round fall in the United States.  Although Multnomah Falls is the most grand and popular, all of “the Gorge’s” waterfalls are special and beautiful.

In addition to the private RV parks to choose from, there are many state parks beside the river, offering camping, boating, fishing, hiking, etc.  A world of wine is even available to those that might enjoy the “fruit of the grapes”.  There are almost 30 different vineyards and wineries located on both sides of the river, within an hour’s drive.  Many have wine tasting rooms and tours of the vineyards for visitors.

With all that is available, you won’t be challenged for something to do.  This area definitely deserves more than just an overnight stay.