Oregon #1

Oregon #1

Posted: Jun 8, 2009 8:31 PM
Updated: Jun 8, 2009 8:31 PM

Driving Today: Legendary Drives

Oregon #1

For you city slickers who crave a little outdoor adventure on the weekends, the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge Loop is a "must see" scenic getaway. Encompassing the rich landscape just outside Oregon's largest city, Portland, this four-hour drive will take you to dizzying heights. Catch a panoramic glimpse of the Gorge at the Grotto as you leave the city on Sandy Blvd. Follow Rte. 26 to Sandy where you can test your palette at the Wasson Winery.

Proceed to Government Camp on Mt. Hood where five major ski areas are located, including the only alpine slide in the Northwest. The sheer size of Mt. Hood is enough to humble even the biggest of egos. The largest ski area is Mt. Hood Meadows, which offers lodging and a bite to eat at the Hoodland district. From here you can loop around Mt. Hood on Rte. 35, which showcases an abundance of plants and wildlife in this pristine ecosystem. Proceed over the summit of the Cascades through the Mt. Hood National Forest and back down into the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Continue on Rte. 35 to the Hood River at the foot of the valley. Here you can experience the Columbia Gorge Hotel and stroll down to visit the Mt. Hood Railroad Depot for a train ride to the foothills of Mt. Hood.

Head west from the valley on I-84 and experience the rich Indian and pioneer history of the Cascade Locks. Just a stone's throw west is the Bonneville Dam, home of the Bradford Island Visitors Center where you can learn about salmon migration, take a self-guided tour of the hatchery and check out the under-surface viewing room.

Continue west on I-84 to one of the most scenic areas of the trip, the Historic Columbia River Highway. Pass majestic waterfalls, overgrown bridges and tunnels before arriving at the famous lookout at Crown Point. Proceed to the town of Corbett to catch a breathtaking view overlooking the Gorge. Turn around and head back on the Columbia River Highway to where it merges with I-84 and stop in at Troutdale to visit the Harlow House Museum. The trip ends with a spectacular view of Portland as you return to the city.

Starting Point:
Starts in Portland on Sandy Blvd./Hwy. 26

Distance of Drive:
194 Miles

Must Eat:
Bread and Ink Café
3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-239-4756
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round.

Points of Interest on Drive:
Mt.Hood
Columbia River Gorge
Bonneville Dam
Cascade Locks
Timberline Lodge
Numerous panoramic viewpoints