Historic Highways, Scenic Byways

Sunday, Aug 14

We wanted to split the distance between our camp and Portland, so we found a “first come, first serve” Oregon State Park and picked out a lovely pull through spot surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs.

Grandpa read up on the tourist attractions in the area, plus we had suggestions from family and friends, so we decided on a plan. Rather than take an excursion train to Mt Hood, $50.00 for 3 hours, we decided to drive. Along the way, we did see that train.

We started out along Historic Highway 30 along the Columbia River Gorge,

Which also happens to be the Oregon Scenic Byway,

And has views such as this.

This portion contains several waterfalls, Horsetails

And Wahkeena.

 Multomnah we’ll try to see tomorrow, when we might find a parking spot. (We did return, and her's the proof.)

We wanted to see Bridal Veil Falls, but the path was far to steep for us to hike in sandals and moccasins. Grandpa was impressed with the size of the pine trees in the area. Imagine how old these trees must be, if Grandpa can’t even reach all the way around a trunk.

Next we stopped in the town of Cascade Locks, to visit their Marina. There we saw the sternwheeler leave dock for a tour of the Columbia River. We also found the Native American fishing village, and we purchased some smoked salmon. Fresh salmon was also available, and we watched as the Natives cleaned and filleted them. And locals were picking black raspberries, which they allowed us to sample, yum!

 From here we took the Bridge of the Gods into Washington to the town of Stevenson. Off the pier we watched windsurfers and kite surfers. This area is the windsurfing capital of the world, according to the locals. They sell delicious ice cream in town too.

Near the pier is this marvelous kinetic sculpture called “Galaxy”, high on a post at the park’s entrance.

On this side of the river, the scenic route is Hwy 14, called the Lewis & Clark Hwy. Here trains and road run parallel along the rivers edge and up the slopes.

Our second motorhome, a Safari Trek, (we’re currently travelling in #4) was manufactured nearby in Salem, OR. One of it’s favorite features was the airbrush mural on it’s back panel, of an eagle soaring around Mt Hood. So we crossed back into Oregon at Hood River and headed down the Mt Hood Scenic Byway. Driving southward, we also saw Mt Adams in Washington in our rearview mirrors. That snow covered peak is 12,756 ft high.

As we rounded the bend, Mt Hood came into glorious view, rising 11,253 snow capped feet on the horizon.

As we drove back to our campsite, anticipating a dinner of grilled steak and smoked salmon, we agreed that this day, like each day previously, had been the best day so far!