Plan Your Trip Pacific Northwest Road Trips - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 66

Why Go
Towering waterfalls, excellent hiking, unparalleled scenery, fruit farms and wineries -
what else could you want from a long weekend? Add snowcapped Mt Hood, and the di-
versity becomes surreal.
Starting in Portland, drive east on US 84 and take exit 22 to US 30 (the Historic
Columbia River Hwy). Soon you'll hit the Portland Women's Forum and Crown Point,
both with absolutely stunning views over the gorge. Staying on US 30, you'll pass vari-
ous waterfalls; Multnomah Falls is the most famous. Just to the east, Bonneville Dam &
Fish Hatchery are both fun and educational. And to stretch your legs, the beautiful Eagle
Creek Trail is the gorge's most popular - and moderately easy.
Now cross the Bridge of the Gods to Washington, where you can visit the Columbia
Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Further east, Dog Mountain is another popular hike,
but strenuous - and with amazing views. At White Salmon, cross back to Oregon and
stop at Hood River, a mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Its downtown is a pleas-
ant place to explore as well, and there are plenty of places to sleep.
Point your car inland now; you'll follow US 35 to US 26, then head west. At Govern-
ment Camp, drive up the road to Timberline Lodge, a great place for awesome views of
Mt Hood, along with food services and trailheads. There's plenty of camping and other
hikes in the area, so fill up on the outdoors before heading back to Portland via US 26.
When to Go
Early spring is best for gushing waterfalls and wildflowers. The gorge is known for its
cherries, which peak in early July, and apples and pears, best in the fall. Summer is great
for hiking.
The Route
From Portland your drive goes east on US 84, then onto the Historic Columbia River
Hwy. Back on US 84, you'll head inland via US 35, then back to Portland via US 26.