With walking and picking trails along the Columbia River, there are magnificent views of Mt. Hood…read morestanding tall all along the way. I love the water so being able to walk on a nice paved path and take in these views energizes my soul. As you make your way, there are kiosks and touch and learn signage to educate in the birds, wildlife and history of this area. So many to spot along the way including blue heron, osprey, eagles and more. For those that want to kayak or canoe, there are non motorized launch areas, too. Views from down on the water give a different, equally beatitular vantage point. Along the way is the Natural Play Area, designed to blend in and represent nature with a hillside slide, log balancing beams, a boulder maze and of course, a Sasquatch named Egan. With a few picnic table scattered around, even some in the shade, it's a great place to take a walk, bike ride, kayak and then picnic.

They've been abusing us for 5 years now fly at academy flies over our house over and over again at…read morelow speeds almost hitting our trees and we've complained a few times to him but they just don't seem to take any action

Hands down, best view of the Columbia River Gorge! Expansive and breathtaking views of the Columbia…read moreRiver and the Vista House perched on Crown Point. It's truly spectacular! Also known as The Women's Forum for the women who raised finds to purchase than donate the land to Oregon Park & Recreation Department, I wrote a similar view under that heading. The drive along Scenic Highway 30 to get there is just as gorgeous! It's absolutely worth an intentional stop here, then continue on to the Vista House to take in more of this gorgeous scenery As you visit the waterfalls, hiking trails, Hood River, and all that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. There is a huge parking lot and while most people drive to the end where it's closer to the River, the best views are as soon as you enter. So park immediately to the right and take it all in. Then walk down to the end of the parking lot for additional vistas. There are informational placards that provide the history of this magical spot, including the history of the women who raised money to purchase this piece of land and then gifted it to the Oregon Park and Recreation Department. This is why this area is also named The Women's Forum With the name of the women memorialized on a placard. There are coin operated telescopes (coins required, cost 50 cents) at the end nearer to the river so you can get an up close view of the landscape, birds and wildlife. There are a few benches to relax and breathe in the beauty of this incredible area. Chanticleer Point is a place I visit often on my way through the Gorge. On a blue sky day, a day filled with clouds or even fog, a spectacular view is there to enjoy! It sometimes gets windy so be prepared; this is the Gorge!. When friends come to Portland for a visit, Chanticleer Point is always on the agenda. They are awe struck by the incredible beauty of this gorgeous vantage point. Plus it's the epic spot for a photo!

This is another good view point to see the Columbia river banks. The parking lot is adjacent. But…read morethe area is severely under maintained. The trees and bushes are high and all over, that blocks the view a lot. Other than the natural site and some historical plaques, there's not much to see or do here.

Crown point is the highest spot in the Columbia scenic driveway. There are plenty of parking lots…read moreall around the Vista house building. From the lot, you get to see a stunning view of the Columbia River and its surrounding landscape. The Vista house is a dome like structure, mostly made of stone like material. It is closed during middle of the week. The interior is a small space. To me, the view of the landscape much superior than the building itself.

Amazing views and the building itself is fun to go through. The espresso shop is generous in drink…read moresize but the gift shop is crowded and lacks a lot if its own identity. Bummed the top floor isn't always open but the outside still gives great vantage points.

The Bridge of the Gods... now that's a name that carries some weight…read more And it should because long before this steel beauty ever stretched across the Columbia River Gorge, there was something else here. A real, honest-to-God land bridge. A massive landslide hundreds of years ago choked the river and let people cross on foot until the river fought back and tore it apart. The Native legends say the gods themselves had a hand in building it... and destroying it. Fast forward, and now you've got this 1926 cantilever bridge about 1,800 feet of steel hanging out over the Columbia, standing roughly 140 feet above the water like it's got something to prove. Now here's where it gets personal. Years back little younger, little dumber, definitely more ambitious I ran a marathon. And by "ran," I mean I survived it with forward motion and questionable decision-making. But the moment I remember? Crossing this bridge. No crazy wind that day. Just... calm. Which is rare out there. You're up high enough to feel it, but not fighting it. Just steady. You look out, and it's cliffs, rock, river, and sky all layered together like somebody took their time building the view. And that's the thing about this bridge it sneaks up on you. From a distance, it's all structure. Steel, angles, purpose. But when you're on it? It's exposure. You feel the height. You feel the space. You realize real quick this isn't just a crossing it's a moment suspended out over something much bigger than you. There's history under your feet. Legends in the rocks. And yeah... maybe a little bit of your own story tied into it too. It's not flashy. It's not trying to be

Bridge of the Gods the name makes it sound grand but when you get to the place it is like any other…read morebridge that you probably have seen before. I didn't really think it was that special. But it was decent I guess, to say that I did come to a place named the Bridge of the Gods.

Ah! The last free viewpoint on the historic hiway 30 going east.As of yet still no parking fee…read moreunlike Vista House and others. Been coming here for decades and the view never disappoints. Plenty of hikes nearby. No amenities. And the viewfinder is gone. Needs a lil TLC but a lovely stop on Larch.

The state park website says, "No trip to Vista House is complete without a stop at the Portland…read moreWomen's Forum for stunning view of the historic landmark framed by the Columbia River Gorge." And I would tend to agree. I have always stopped here before heading over to the Vista House or Multnomah Falls, whether it was just by myself on a trip to the gorge or when I was showing visitors the area. It's not much more than a parking lot and lookout point, but it makes for a great view and great photos. It's a neat bit of history that women raised funds for this land. Their names are inscribed on a plaque here. You go girls!

We got our $2 timed parking pass online prior to parking, however, we saw many scanning the QR code…read moreto get one onsite. We arrived at 9:15am on a weekday so the crowds were small and the weather cool and comfortable. We did the Multnomah Wahkeena falls loop which was about 5.5 miles. The trail was well groomed and easy to follow. The two namesake falls were the most stunning but there were many beautiful falls, vegetation, and overlooks along the way. Lots of switchbacks but overall I'd rate the trail medium in difficulty. We ran into a few people along the way but it was not very crowded. The paths to both the falls are paved (but steep). Only one annoying, having-a-fit-kid seen along the way. Ha ha. Felt more sorry for the mom. People were friendly. Great experience.

Such a pretty sight to see! There's a good amount of parking, but it can definitely fill up fast,…read moreso I'd recommend getting here as early in the morning as you can. It's an easy trail to walk through to get to a good view point.

Cute little museum with some cool artifacts located in one of Fairview's lovely pocket parks. The…read moreoriginal Fairview jail is also located on the grounds. It's free to visit (check website in case this changes) and well worth popping by if you're in the area.

We visited the house for the Winterville holiday festival. Based on the website, it seems like 2016…read morewas the first year this took place, so it's a new event. Essentially, the event is only for two weekends in December. The house was decorated for the holidays a la Pittock Mansion. In one of the rooms they had amateur string players playing holiday music, and there were a few docents around the house providing historic information on the home. The house itself was decorated with Christmas lights, and they also had a sort of Christmas light garden out front. Outdoors next to the house they had a cute wooden sleigh with a decent Santa. Pictures with Santa (with your personal camera or phone) were included in the admission price. Next to that was a tent with concessions and live holiday music. They had alcoholic beverages for purchase as well as hot chocolate and non alcoholic cider for the kids. While we were there we heard choral music from what looked to be a high school choir. There was a vendor fair as well, but, frankly, it was terrible. Not sure if they normally have more vendors and no one showed up due to concerns over road conditions, but there were like three booths, and the tent was mostly empty. Parking was at the business center across the street, and there were volunteers to safely walk you across the road. Overall, this was a cute little event. The price was a little high for a winter event, in my opinion, but it was pretty reasonable considering the fact that it also included the tour of the historic home as well as all of the Christmas displays.

It's Portland Heritage and History!!! We should always seek out knowledge and what a great place to…read moregain a little history and knowledge. The house is a time capsule it's a little eerie, it's staged as if they went on Holiday and never returned. From the authentic period clothing on mannequins that can also be found in photos, to their Knick-knacks and memorabilia. It's like stepping back to the early 1900's. The house isn't Pittock Mansion Status, but it shows the working family farm life and the docets are very informative and point out little tidbits of history to watch for as you wander the property on a self guided tour. Total time in the house was about 30minutes and another 15 exploring the gardens and farm area. Pretty good activity on a cloudy day we took 2 teens and they found everything interesting. 4 stars because the building is in dire need of repairs.

Portlandia...I actually think I have heard of the TV show of the same name before hearing the…read moreexistence of this statue. But the statue definitely came prior to the show. The trident wielding woman is enormous and is awe inspiring and beautiful and perhaps to a certain kind of man perhaps intimidating but that isn't necessarily a problem there. This statue is on the Portland Building and if you simply wall by or near it's nearly impossible to miss. This is also an attraction where there is no fee to take a look at it as it can literally be seen quite easily from the public sidewalk. Yet another iconic downtown Portland landmark that is not to missed!

Using imagination Portlandia emerged from the sea - all copper - and crouches vigilant on the…read morePortland building. Watching us! Her captivating eyes draw you to a closer look. With one hand reaches out to us. In a way we are like her as we all emerged from the sea (water) from our mothers womb. She reaches for us to live as one in peace the way John Lemon wrote is his song "Imagine" - "Imagine all the people livin' life in peace." In the one hand Portlandia holds a trident, perhaps symbolizing protection for the city dwellers - for Portlandian's. Portlandia reminds me we are one city! One people! One earth! That's just my spin of this beautiful copper lady.