Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Food
Set up just beyond the century-old Sandy River Bridge along the east bank of the river on the edge of town,
Tad's Chicken 'n' Dumplins
(1325
E. Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/666-5337,
http://tadschicdump.com
, 5-10 P.M. Mon.-Fri., 4-10 P.M. Sat.-Sun.) serves stick-to-yer-ribs
dinners that make a perfect end-cap to a day exploring the Gorge. With views of the Sandy River through windows draped in red-checkered cur-
tains, Tad's seats you in comfy red vinyl and wood booths. Upriver from that, a bit further outside of town,
Shirley's Tippy Canoe
(28242 E.
Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/492-2220,
www.shirleysfood.com
,
8 A.M.-8 P.M. daily) sports a huge patio overlooking the Sandy's waters
and a long menu of home cookin' served throughout the day.
The nicest restaurant at McMenamins Edgefield,
Black Rabbit Restaurant
(2126 SW Halsey St., 503/492-3086,
www.mcmenamins.com
)
serves beautifully presented dishes made with seasonal produce grown on the organic plots scattered across the property's 74 acres.
Information and Services
The
Troutdale Visitor Center
(226 W. Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/669-7473, 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.) is staffed with friendly and helpful
locals who can direct you to the best that the Oregon side of the gorge has to offer with a bundle of maps, brochures, and personal stories.
The sun-dappled blacktop curves that snake their way east from Troutdale are what the Gorge is best known for. This take-it-slow alternative to
I-84 runs parallel to the freeway but higher up on the Gorge's bluffs for unparalleled views. Vista points interrupt the lush canopy here at numer-
ous points along the way, as do a number of impressive waterfalls, including the second-highest year-round waterfall in the States.
Sights
VIEWPOINTS
The
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
(9 mi. east of Troutdale on Historic Columbia River Highway) presents the first breath-
taking view of the Gorge from the vantage of the Historic Columbia River Highway. In the foreground you can see Crown Point with the distinct-
ive Vista House at its tip, while in the distance the ribbon of river snakes its way through basalt walls. The air is redolent with blackberry fragrance
in the summer from the vines growing up the hillside here, and if you come in August, you might be able to pick a few to munch while taking in
the sights.
If the day is clear and you've got the time, about a half mile east of the Women's Forum overlook, the turnout to Larch Mountain Road will
take you 14 miles up to the jaw-dropping panoramic of
Sherrard Viewpoint.
At an elevation of 4,055 feet and with tons of unobstructed views
of the Cascades at the picnic area here, on a day with good visibility you can see Mounts St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson.
VISTA HOUSE AT CROWN POINT
Standing as a beacon of the historic highway on the promontory at Crown Point, Vista House (40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy., 503/
695-2230,
http://vistahouse.com
,
9 A.M.-6 P.M. daily) was conceived when the road was built as “an observatory from which the view both up
and down the Columbia could be viewed in silent communion with the infinite.” The vistas are definitely worth the stop, but the building itself
isn't too shabby, either. Constructed in 1918, this hexagonal Art Nouveau beauty features a beautiful marble rotunda and exterior rock work done
by the same Italian masons who crafted the picturesque retaining walls and bridges across the highway. The ruggedly elegant masonry is accented
by windows inlaid with green opalized glass and a green tiled roof that complements the palette of the river and surrounding vegetation. The
building is a great place to order a latte, make a restroom stop and check out the views from the second-story wraparound veranda before taking
on the highway's waterfalls.
the view from Vista House at Crown Point
