Monday, August 20, 2012
As we left Portland and headed towards our friends in Washington we traveled east along the Columbia River Gorge. It was hard to make decent time because I felt the need to take in the National Scenic Area. We stopped numerous time including Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet and is the largest falls in the state of Oregon. We then headed towards Hood River stopping along the Bridge of the Gods and Mitchell Point. Hood River is a small town with just over 7,000 residents. The town is home to numerous breweries and wineries including Full Sail Brewery and Naked Winery. It is also one of the premium spots for wind surfing and parasailing along the Columbia River. As we pulled out of Hood River we continued along the Historic Columbia Hwy. a little further away from the river which provided gorgeous views. As we crossed into Washington the sun started to set and clouds started forming for a fairly large lightning storm which you can see in yesterday’s post.
Pear trees provide a picnic backdrop at McMenamins’ Edgefield Winery and Distillery in Troutdale, Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Pears grow on trees at McMenamins’ Edgefield Winery and Distillery in Troutdale, Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
A sunflower glows in the light at McMenamins’ Edgefield Winery and DIstillery in Troutdale, Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
The base of Multnomah Falls along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
The sun shines through the Bridge of the Gods as it spans across the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
An elevated view of Mitchell Point along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
A surfer is picked up out of the water as they parasail along the Columbia River on Monday, August 20, 2012.
An elevated view of Mitchell Point along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
A surfer parasails up the Columbia River on Monday, August 20, 2012.
A surfer parasails up the Columbia River on Monday, August 20, 2012.
An elevated view of Mitchell Point along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
The Columbia River flows along the Columbia River Gorge on Monday, August 20, 2012.
The Columbia River flows along the Columbia River Gorge on Monday, August 20, 2012.
A barn sits in a field along Historic Hwy. 30 along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon on Monday, August 20, 2012.
The sun sets in Washington on Monday, August 20, 2012.