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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2008)
JUST OUT TRAVEL s the cost of gas rises with rhe thermometer, reasons to play. Price hopes more Portlanders come Fkxxl—3,000-year-old ice dams in present- the summer is an excellent time to discover to appreciate the breathtaking views this coveted day Montana, melting and ripping out the your own back yard. yet convenient spot has to offer. Columbia 15,000 years ago. A Closer than some may imagine, the Columbia Whether you’re a professional windsurfer or a Or keep your clothes on at the west River Gorge offers rich views and opportunities at first-time camper, the following list of fun-filled end of the park. The park offers a chal a fraction of the cost that you may have spent on gorge activities will suit even the least butch lenging disk-golf course and a variety of a road trip. among your bunch. Complete with views from picnic areas and shelters, trails exit numbers from Interstate 84, throughout and river access for boaters descriptions and experience level, this guide should save you gas, tune ■ I and stiff muscles. Even if your idea and windsurfers. T”; 1 of camping includes a hairdryer Wahkeena Trail and Falls (Exit 28) and HBO, Price says, “There’s Experience Level: moderate to difficult something here for everybody.” Length: 4.8 miles through the trail, 6.4 miles to the waterfalls Time: 4 to 5 hours, depending on experience Nestled quietly on the Columbia River Historic Highway, one of the most visually dense roads in the gorge, this hike promises a lot—and delivers. Summer-bkxtming wildflowers and wild game are out and about in this remote location. Some parts of the hike are strenuous but worth the workout. The morning hours give visi tors a more solitary opportunity to take in flora and fauna. The Vista House (Exit 22) Experience Level: none Length: a beautiful 10-minute drive off 1-84 on the Historic Highway Aptly allied the “million-dollar rest stop,” the Vista House is the best place in the gorge for a pit stop. Built in 1918, the fancy wayside cost $100,000 to build—and was restored to the tune of $1.4 million. This may sound opulent for such a stark spot, but this prime location on Crown Point is a- tribute to the Historic Highway’s engineer, Samuel Lancaster. Even the parks department’s Price, who beholds views from the Vista House daily, insists Kevin it’s his very favorite place on the river. W. Price, assistant area m a n a g < • r t (> r 111 c O r c g c > n Be sure to bring a camera for this gem. On a clear day, views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hrxxl .¿’'--M $ Parks and Recreation and miles of the Columbia River, with its jagged Department, has seen striations and mammoth landscape, are visible and breathtakingly photogenic. © 25 years of change in state parks but nothing quite as dramatic as the east end gorge itself. Inhabiting 97,000 acres, 500 miles of is as far as you need to venture for a European ex Oregon State Ranger and freelance writer W est hiking trails and countless ways of enjoying them, perience. Also exposed is the view of the gorge as D uncan can be reached in the woods somewhere or the state parks in the gorge offer plenty of ways and it bends through gaping walls made by the Brentz at www.myspace.com/west_of_here. www.skydiveoregon.com Specializing In: Honeymoon & Romantic Getaways Destination Weddings Cruises & Land Packages Group Travel 888-650-9990 www.RainbowPrideTravel.com Group Discounts Gift Certificates DOG PARK Large Modern Aircraft 1717 SE Umatilla • (503) 230-1109 LARKS VATERSTONE "Provided. StOe Seroiceo r4 diuioioft oj Sdifrt/acatioao tout SruwZ« Day Care 8 Boarding fo Dogs and Boarding for Cats fa I »'T V ■HI,.,. . i. I EXPIRES 9/01/08 I I mvi Proud member of the 35 t/eati UTA ./ -V .... * Wer.« . , D avs ■RUSCH BRUHCH HISTORIC tltGANCE • DOWNTOWN CHARM • LASTING MEMORIES 1 Create your own I personal retirât at 1 Waterstone Spa in 1 - SeroiuQ trooelm fart <5S n 7 Ore« 7 SIXA the heart of 1 downtown Ashland >34 f. Mi II*. A i M m P OR wata<ti»n»8aa cam • »41*11017» A European-style Boutique Hotel M j / nfteZ/rrer/. 1-888-795-4545 Creating Memories since 1925 AshlandSpringsHotel.com 212 E. M ain • A shland fWfftfr/j, ffffJr^rrtf/t/irrs. I 5Ï Restaurant locatst 1 st ths Ashland Sptinys Hets< • SV 1« 1S5»
