Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Known as the Gateway to the Gorge, Troutdale is the first town you'll encounter when getting off I-84 to take the slower, more scenic Historic
Columbia River Highway through some of the best parts of the southern Gorge. It makes for a good stop to gather last-minute details about scenic
points along the way and fill up gas tanks and bellies on the way in or out.
Sights
If you can get the timing down just right, the Troutdale Historical Society (503/661-2164,
www.troutdalehistory.org
) runs an inviting trio of mu-
seums that it opens up on the third Saturday of each month between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. or by appointment. Built in 1900 by the son of Troutdale's
founder, the
Harlow House Museum
(726 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.) features period furnishings and several collections from local fam-
ilies that include vintage hats and ruby glass. The
Barn Museum
(726 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.) features a growing collection of old
farm equipment and other rotating exhibits. And the
Rail Depot Museum
(473 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.) displays over 100 years' worth
of train memorabilia, along with a Union Pacific caboose outside. In addition to the Saturday hours, this museum is also open 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
Tuesday through Friday. It's located right at Depot Park, a pretty little municipal green space with access to the Sandy River and Beaver Creek.
Entertainment and Events
No need to dust off the ol' tuxedo to order a cocktail at
Shaken Martini Lounge
(101 W Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/512-7485), but
be ready to drink it up Bond-style at this 007-inspired lounge. The drinks are named after various Bond girls, decor is done up in sleek reds and
blacks, and on Thursday nights the owner even shows Bond movies. If that sounds a might fancy for your tastes, head down the street to
Brass
Rail Tavern
(108 E Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/666-8756), a good old fashioned hole-in-the-wall that'll do right by you with a pool table,
plenty of pitchers to pour and a game on the TV.
The many pubs of
McMenamins Edgefield Resort
(2126 SW Halsey St., 503/669-8610,
www.mcmenamins.com
)
are like an amusement park
for drinkers. Click together the billiard balls at Lucky Staehly's Pool Hall, pay homage to the Grateful dead at the tiny Jerry's Ice House, and
check out the pipe sculptures and woodstove at the Distillery Bar, all of which are just a few of the drinking establishments set on the unique
property.
Shopping
Troutdale is also the gateway to shopping deals as the home to the
Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets
(450 NW 257 Way, 503/669-8060,
www.premiumoutlets.com/columbiagorge
, 10 A.M.-8 P.M. Mon.-Sat., 10 A.M.-6 P.M. Sun.), a huge high-roller outlet mall with stores such as
Calvin Klein, Gap Outlet, Eddie Bauer Outlet, and Adidas to choose among. All told, the complex hosts 45 stores.
Sports and Recreation
The trout in Troutdale is actually the king of trouts, the steelhead. The adjacent Sandy River, which dumps into the Columbia on the outskirts of
town, is known as one of the most bountiful steelhead fisheries in the entire state. If you're prepared to brave the icy waters during steelheading's
wintery season, try your hand at
Sandy River Delta Park
or
Dabney State Recreation Area.
Pick up tackle, gear and some tips at
Jack's Snack
N Tackle
(1208 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/665-2257,
www.jackssnackandtackle.com
,
8:30 A.M.-5 P.M. Mon.-Sat.). Or let a guide
handle the details so you can concentrate on reeling in the hard-fighting fish. The
Hook Up Guide Service
offers a full- ($175 pp) and half-day
($100) service that includes all equipment and licenses. All you need to do is show up.
Accommodations
Built over a century ago as the county poor farm and old folks' home, the estate at
McMenamins Edgefield
(2126 SW Halsey St., 503/
669-8610,
www.mcmenamins.com
)
charms guests with its whimsical play on the 74-acre property's history. Some of the farm land continues to
produce veggies and herbs to supply the Edgefield's signature restaurant, the main dormitory has been restored and kitted out as a comfortable
lodging house offering a range of European-style rooms, and many other original buildings have been transformed into unique watering holes
that serve McMenamins' signature ales. A bit of a theme park for big kids, Edgefield also features two par-three golf courses, a spa, and tons of
unique art to spice up a stroll around the grounds. The accommodations themselves are a lot more comfortable than the property's down-on-its-
luck history would lead you to believe, with soft beds and funky furnishings galore. Guests who want a bit more privacy can even choose between
a few suites with private baths. Solo travelers will also dig the option of laying up in one of the Edgefield's first-come, first-served hostel beds or
reservable twin bed private rooms. Designed to be a bit of an oasis from everyday life, none of the rooms are equipped with TVs or telephones.
But then again, given the choices for imbibing around here, the proprietors may well be saving you an embarrassing case of drunk dialing. If you
absolutely need it, there's free Wi-Fi in a number of the public areas.
