We left Portland and headed east into the Columbia Gorge. Our first stop – Multnomah Falls.
All one waterfall. We got there early enough so that the bridge had no one on it. 20 minutes latter, it was packed with people.
We took the challenge and hiked the mile and a half to the top. We were told there are 11 switch-backs, there were more like 15. Here’s the view from the top.
No I didn’t lean over the edge of the railing to take a picture of the falls, fear of heights! But as a Californian starved for water, even a small fall in the river is worth taking a picture.
Then it was on to Hood River Or. We spent two nights at a lovely BnB.
Hood River is the windsurfing capitol of the world. Now joined by Kite surfers.
We went on the Fruit loop about 30 local farms have created a map and gave it this wonderful name. We stopped at about 5 of them and tasted peaches, hard ciders and a loganberry pastry.
I’m a sucker for a large hanging basket of flowers.
Love the arrangement of the chairs.
Unfortunately the Glassblower was closed. In the distance you can see Mt. Adams in WA.
Lavender fields with Mt. Hood as the backdrop.
In the evening we sat on the deck and watched the sunset over Mt. Adams. The red is due to a local forrest fire, which we saw the next day.
Took this from the car, yes, it was very close to the highway. We did see helicopters collecting water in the river and dropping it on the fire.
Hiking on Mt. Hood, well, actually taking a leisurely walk.
Which necessitated a little rest behind the lodge.
Our next stop was a total surprise out in the middle of nowhere. The Maryhill Museum.
An Italian style mansion in the middle of the desert.
Complete with gorgeous lawns and gardens.
And an incredible view of the Columbia.
The art was nice, completely out of character with the area. The locals love this place, understandably so. An island of culture. They recently added a new wing and have many local events here. This is one of the things I love so much about traveling in America – you really have no idea what is around the next bend in the road.
Leah