Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6.
Trillium Lake
Named for the three-petaled wildflower that flourishes in these woodlands, Trillium Lake
lies two miles south of Rte. 26. Stands of evergreens surround the lake, whose surface
forms a mirror for reflections of snowcapped Mt. Hood. Visitors come to this pleasant
alpine retreat to hike, swim, fish, and boat.
7.
Bennett Pass
The next leg of the journey through the Cascades follows Rte. 35, which soon climbs to
4,674feetatBennettPass.Onceoverthecrest,theroadcurvesalongsidetherushingHood
River, hemmed in by canyon cliffs that rise steeply from its banks. The descent continues
throughforestsofbirchesandpinestothefieldsandorchardsthatspreadlikeaquiltacross
the lower Hood River valley.
8.
Panorama Point
Panorama Point offers one of the most startling views to be found along the drive to the
Columbia River Gorge. A short detour on East Side Road leads to the lookout, where the
panorama takes in the high volcanic peaks found to the north in Washington, the river val-
ley, the forest-covered foothills, and the omnipresent crown of Mt. Hood.
9.
Hood River
ThecityofHoodRivergrewfromandaroundthetimberindustry.Aftermuchofthearea's
old-growth forests had been felled, however, the land was given over to farming, and thou-
sands of fruit trees were planted. Today the harvest includes apples, pears, and cherries.
Besidestheorchards,manyneighborhoodsarealsobedeckedwithroses,petunias,forsythi-
as, and other flowers.
Inrecentyearstheareahasbecomeamagnetforwindsurfers,whofindidealconditions
for their sport in the Columbia River Gorge. Winds often whip steadily through the gorge,
and small waves on the river add to the excitement. For a glimpse of the windsurfers' col-
orful sails, stop at Columbia Gorge Sailpark, where a small sandy beach abuts the river.
The sport—a relatively new one—lends a jauntily modern counterpoint to the city's many
historic buildings, one of the most notable being the Columbia Gorge Hotel.
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