Guest Author - Denise J. Hoffman

The mighty Columbia River winds its way from Idaho to the Pacific Ocean, marking the border between Oregon and Washington. An 80-mile stretch of canyon, east of Portland, Oregon, is the Columbia River Gorge. The land, created by lava rock flows (basalt) and eroded by glacial melt, raises about 4000 feet to the sky.

The Columbia River Gorge, famous for windsurfing and kiting (especially the Hood River area), is popular for sailing, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, and waterskiing. Hiking trails in the Gorge begin at the bottom of the canyon and go up steep inclines. Hikers should bring water, maps, overnight survival provisions, flashlight, clothing and bedding. I highly recommend a GPS and a tracking device. Cell phone reception is not always available. Even day hikers have been lost or hurt on established trails like the Eagle Creek area, miles away from help. Also, do not overestimate your fitness level. In the winter, the Gorge offers another route for downhill skiing at Mt. Hood, or toward the Cooper Spur area for cross-country snow.

Weather can bring winds, beautiful clear air, rain or snow. In the spring, see wildflowers in abundance but, on a good day, expect showers with intermittent sun breaks. Keep an eye on road conditions from late Fall to early Spring. If driving conditions are poor at the Portland airport (PDX), chances are, the scenic areas are worse.

Driving east from Portland, Interstate Highway 84 parallels the Columbia River, offering a journey not soon forgotten.

Historic Columbia River Highway
For a fun driving day trip, turn off at Exit 22 in Corbett, and experience the Historic Columbia River Highway. Bring a picnic basket, camera, and fill the gas tank ahead of time because the scenic bounty is difficult to leave. There are many parks and picnic areas along the way. Gift shops at Vista House or Multnomah Falls offer trip memories. Multnomah Falls Lodge also has a restaurant. This historic highway, although some sections have deteriorated from erosion, includes the Latourell, Bridal Veil, famous Multnomah Falls, Oneonta, and Horsetail waterfalls over a 15-mile stretch. Breathtaking Crown Point, a cliff-side vista overlooking the Gorge is one of the first stops of a winding journey away from the fast-paced world. Some of the strongest winds recorded in the Gorge (over 100 miles per hour) occur here. Take a map of the Washington mountain range and try to name the mountain peaks you see. Look for Mt. Adams, Rainer, and St. Helens.