Columbia River Gorge

   The headwaters of the Columbia are up in the Canadian Rockies. The stream grows into a mighty river, second in volume only to the Mississippi, as it flows south through Washington and then turns west to form the border with Oregon. In southern Washington, the Columbia is now highly respected wine country. As it approaches the end of its 1,200 mile journey it passes through a 60-mile-long canyon called the Columbia River Gorge. Numerous streams on the Oregon side leap over high cliffs as spectacular waterfalls. 
   The geology of the Pacific Northwest is dominated by volcanic mountains--Rainier, Baker, Hood and St. Helen's. Well, not so much St. Helen's since it blew its top in 1980. These are all worthy of side trips from the Gorge.
   The first white men to visit the area were Lewis and Clark with their Corps of Discovery. They spent the winter of 1805-6 at the mouth of the Columbia on the Pacific coast just west of Portland. It wasn't an easy trip. They built Fort Clatsop and stayed the winter. If you know anything about Portland weather, you can probably guess how much they enjoyed their stay. 
   Even so, settlers were attracted to the Oregon Country because there was rich, volcanic soil and plenty of rain for their crops. Yep. Plenty of rain. 
   Today the trip is somewhat easier. Interstate 84 passes through the Gorge just a few feet above the water. For a slower, more scenic trip you may want to take the Historic Columbia  River Highway from Troutdale that climbs through a series of switchbacks 700 feet up the side of the cliff. There are numerous pullouts where you can pause to enjoy the view.

We started our Columbia River tour in the wine country of southern Washington.   

2016 Washington State Winery of the Year

This egg is used to age unoaked wine at the Mercer Winery. Liz Mercer Elliot said there were no freebies for people claiming to be cousins. Usually winery folks are more agreeable.

So we visited the tasting room and felt compelled to buy a few bottles. The viognier is quite nice. Crisp. Fruity but dry. 

I-84 follows the river. We prefer the more scenic Historic Columbia River Highway that runs along the cliff.

Mainly because it goes to several rather impressive waterfalls in a 

six-mile stretch. This is Elowah.

Horsetail

You have probably seen pictures of Multnomah Falls, the most photographed attraction in Oregon. Benson Bridge, reached by a steep side trail, is limited to foot traffic. There is no road up there.

 

Nice visitor center at the base of the falls.

One of the more impressive of the 7,367 falls named Bridal Veil.

Crown Point Vista House sits near the edge of the cliff with great views of the Gorge.

Spent three days on Mt. Rainier with views like these.

Shirley finally convinced me to try the east side of the mountain. 

Somewhat more satisfactory.

So she checked the trail guide and we took another little walk in the park.

Winds off the Pacific gather speed as they are funneled into gorge. Wind farms take advantage.

It is only a short side-trip over to see Mt. Hood. When you can actually see it, that is. By late morning, it is often wrapped by clouds.

So we camped for the night and got an early start the next day.

At the mouth of the Columbia on the Pacific coast the National Park Service has recreated Fort Clatsop based on the journals of Lewis and Clark.

                 

Costumed docents explain what life was like for members of 

the Corps of Discovery.

Even Meriwether Lewis's Newfoundland dog Seaman is represented.

Talked with this fellow in 2009.

In 2016, he was still there. "Where you been?" he asked.