Miles and miles of incredible scenery, the ride through the Columbia Gorge should not be missed! I've driven through hundreds of times and it never gets old! The Columbia River cuts through the mountains and the resulting views are spectacular from both the Washington and Oregon side. Lush and green in the spring, golden brown in the hot summer - beautiful any time of the year.
While driving on the Lewis & Clark highway on the Washington side, you will encounter expansive views of the majestic Columbia River all along the way. It's breathtaking! There are several places where you can safely pull over and get out of your car and take in the stunning scenery.
If you are driving on S14 from Vancouver, stop at the Cape Horn Look-out Point for the first expansive view of this incredibly beautiful area. It is often super windy here but it's worth getting out of your car and taking in the view, snapping some pics.
Follow along the Columbia River going through and stopping in the charming town of Stevenson with shops and quant restaurants (worth a stop) and continue to White Salmon, another charming town worth visiting. Grab a cardamom bun at The White Salmon Bakery and a sandwich, you will thank me!
Continue on the Lewis and Clark Highway to Lyle where there are several areas to hike. Catherine Creek is popular especially in the spring when the fields are filled with wildflowers. The symphony starts with yellow balsam root turning the fields a sea of golden yellow. Then comes the blue lupine, orange California poppy followed by the dainty blue and purple bachelor buttons. As the flowers fade and the sun beats down on the hills, the fields turn a golden brown which has it's own beauty.
For experienced hikers, the Catherine Arch Loop and the Dalles Mountain Ranch Loop are very popular hikes. For those like me who required paved trails, Catherine Creek is perfect. The wide path winds p up and down small hills as the two mile loop makes it's way down towards the river and then back up with plenty of benches along the way to rest or simply chill and enjoy the beauty.
Continue east past Lyle to Maryhill, the ride through the basalt cliffs and views over to Oregon are so pretty. Visit the orchards and vineyards (Cascade Cliffs, my fave; Jacob Williams, Maryhill Winery) and definitely stop at the replica of Stonehenge, built to resemble the original Stonehenge in England, to the exact measurements.
Even though this is technically the "end" of The Columbia Gorge, continue on to Goldendale and pass incredible views of the hundreds of ginormous windmills dotting the hills. When you reach Goldendale, if it's a clear day, you can see 5, yes, 5, mountains from one vantage point at the aptly named Five Mountain Ranch Viewpoint.
When friends come to Portland for a visit, they always want to see the coast and spend time in Willamette Valley Wine country, both gorgeous and fun places in their own right. Of course I take them there but I always insist on a ride through the Gorge, either the Oregon or Washington side, sometimes both! Leaving Portland I drive along the WA side and return via I-84 in Oregon so that the river is always on the right side for best views. They immediately fall in love with the area and are so grateful for the opportunity to experience so much natural beauty. read more