Columbia Gorge offers hikers many opportunities
stunning natural attraction lies on
Oregon’s (ront doorstep It is the 80
/\ mile-long Columbia River Gorge Try
to imagine a whisper as this article reveals
one ot Oregon’s greatest secrets
Variety is the perfect word tor the
Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, through
which runs the Columbia River, the largest
river on the Pacific coast of North America
The 253,000 acres of rugged land contain
beautiful mountains, groves, glens, beach
es, lakes, streams, and watorfalls (includ
ing the Multnomah Falls, one ol the highest
falls in the country)
Over this terrain roam Roosevelt Elk,
Black-tailed Deer, fox. weasel, rabbits,
squirrels, and even the occasional Black
Bear or cougar To round out the diversity
are thousands of varieties of trees, flowers.
WU SON CHAN ic< WW
A curious hiker feels
her place In the uni
verse at Multnomah
Falls
terns. moss,
herbs. and
grasses, some
ol which are
extremely rare.
"The only
thing that the
gorge does not
have is sand
dunes and
camels." joked
Jack Johnson, a
hiking enthusiast
from Eugene
The activities
that this area
has to oiler
almost match
the diverse
geography Hun
dreds ol hiking
trails crisscross
the gorge Many
ol these trails lot
ujw antrt'f 1,11113,
mountain streams, and the most amazing
waterfalls in Oregon, Some reach the top
ol mountains (Dog Mountain being one of
the most spectacular) or viewpoints that
offer a lofty look at the gorge. The coming
spring months will be especially good
times to visit the gorge s trails.
"I hiked Dog Mountain in late April last
year and if was incredible,” said Johnson.
"There were flowers blooming every
where.”
Trail guides can be picked up for around
$10 at most bookstores or outdoor stores.
Trails can also bo lound by |ust pulling oft
the highway at traithead exits
II there is one group ol people that know
the Columbia River Gorge well, it is wind
surfers Hood River, located some 60
miles east ot Portland, is the windsurlmg
mecca ol the Northwest From May to
November thousands ol devotees ride the
river with its 40 mph winds and eight toot
swells. A beginner can try his hand at the
sport for around $50 lor equipment and
lessons Since Hood River has around 40
windsurt related businesses, it will nol be
hard to find a place to rent equipment
The natural beauty, and
affordability of the Colum
bia River Gorge are secrets
worth knowing. So, if you
have never been there, it
might be time to pack up
the car for a trip.
II you would rather nof risk your neck on
the water. Mount Hood oilers skiing only a
hall hour's drive Irom Hood River
Other popular activities include riding
mountain bikes on old logging roads or
trails, rafting down the rapids ol Columbia's
tributaries, or lishing lor trout, smelt, pike,
chub, char, or one of the Columbia's live
native salmon species. The Fish and
Wildlife Department has information on
which fish are running and if a license is
needed
Camping accommodations can be found
in the Columbia Gorge area for next to
nothing The Ainsworth Campground,
located 37 miles east of Portland at Exit 35
off of Interstate 84. has campsites lor $14
There are many other campgrounds in the
gorge Motels are considerably more
expensive Rates at the Phoenix Inn in
Troutdale start at $50 lor a single The
price at the Hood River Hotel in Hood
River is $49 plus tax lor a single Prices do
fluctuate according to the season
One ol the best things about the Colum
bia River Gorge is that it does not cost a
fortune to get there Eugene residents
have front row seats with the hour and u
hall drive
The gorge can be reached by taking
Interstate 5 north to the Interstate ?05 exit,
then lollowmg I 205 to Gresham and taking
1-84 east There are two highways that fol
low the gorge. 1-84 is the new highway It
oilers easy access to the towns and tourist
sites of the gorge. There is also the Old
Scenic Highway that can be caught out
side of Gresham.
The scenic highway, built in 1915, is a
treat all its own. Narrow and windy at
times, the views will make travel down this
road all worth while. The Horsetail. Mult
nomah. Bridal Veil, and Wah-keena Falls,
as well as some great views of the gorge
can be found right olf the scenic highway.
"The Columbia Gorge is one of the
greatest things about Oregon," said Jean
King, who is now a travel agent for
Kingston Travel in Seattle "I used to drive
down the scenic highway about once a
month I just couldn't get enough ol it."
The natural beauty, and affordability of
the Columbia River Gorge are secrets
worth knowing So, if you have never been
there, it might be time to pack up the car
for a trip
Urn Moebtus
WILSON CHAHtw m« [ met ala
Multnomah Falls
(above) Is a very
popular destination
lor hikers and out
door enthusiasts.
The Columbia Gorge
(lelt) encompasses
253,000 acres oi
opportunities for get
ting dose to nature.
The Columbia River
Is the largest river on
the Pacific Coast of
North America.
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