Columbia River Gorge
When we awoke this morning the weather showed us just how the Columbia River Gorge stays so lush, green, and full of nutrients for all the fruits it provides us. However, the rain wasn’t going to keep any of us from truly discovering the beauty it held within. We started our day venturing up to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center; it provided us an excellent showcase of the area’s history with a variety of displays: the cargo carried on the Lewis and Clark Expedition; the geology and botany of the Gorge; Wasco County History; and the native crafts and traditions. We saw everything from the finely woven baskets and intricate beadwork done by those who first passed through here to the windsurfing display representing those who now come to the natural wind tunnel for sport and pleasure.
As we continued to head west we had the pleasure of traveling along the Columbia Gorge Historic Highway. The road that started simply as a vision for Sam Hill: a dream to pave a path that would provide breathtaking views in not one direction but two, whether heading East or West you would have a feast of elegant views. As we traveled along this highway we saw just how real this dream became by heading up to Rowena Crest. From there we could see the veil of clouds draped over the Columbia River marking its graceful curves and distinguished vistas.
As fall has arrived so has the rain, but only to enhance the beauty this area already so generously provides. We used our last few hours of daylight to admire all the waterfalls that have taken residence on the walls of this majestic gorge. They all lead up to the Grand Finale, the view of Multnomah Falls, flowing stronger than ever and making one more day perfectly complete. As the sun went down we continued to sail west along this stream of discovery called the Columbia River.
When we awoke this morning the weather showed us just how the Columbia River Gorge stays so lush, green, and full of nutrients for all the fruits it provides us. However, the rain wasn’t going to keep any of us from truly discovering the beauty it held within. We started our day venturing up to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center; it provided us an excellent showcase of the area’s history with a variety of displays: the cargo carried on the Lewis and Clark Expedition; the geology and botany of the Gorge; Wasco County History; and the native crafts and traditions. We saw everything from the finely woven baskets and intricate beadwork done by those who first passed through here to the windsurfing display representing those who now come to the natural wind tunnel for sport and pleasure.
As we continued to head west we had the pleasure of traveling along the Columbia Gorge Historic Highway. The road that started simply as a vision for Sam Hill: a dream to pave a path that would provide breathtaking views in not one direction but two, whether heading East or West you would have a feast of elegant views. As we traveled along this highway we saw just how real this dream became by heading up to Rowena Crest. From there we could see the veil of clouds draped over the Columbia River marking its graceful curves and distinguished vistas.
As fall has arrived so has the rain, but only to enhance the beauty this area already so generously provides. We used our last few hours of daylight to admire all the waterfalls that have taken residence on the walls of this majestic gorge. They all lead up to the Grand Finale, the view of Multnomah Falls, flowing stronger than ever and making one more day perfectly complete. As the sun went down we continued to sail west along this stream of discovery called the Columbia River.
