Columbia River Gorge – Washington/Oregon

Columbia River Gorge – Washington/Oregon – August 24

The Columbia River runs between the borders of Washington State and Oregon, and the Columbia River Gorge is a really scenic area to drive along, especially in a convertible sports car. Off we go…

We had been to the Columbia River Gorge on a previous trip when we drove in from the Pacific coast about 75-100 miles, but didn’t have the time required for a trip all the way down to The Dalles, so that was our goal for this day trip.

We had driven the Oregon side previously, and decided to try the Washington side so we could get the view to the south. This was not a smart decision since the view was almost non-existant. Mostly all we saw was treesbetween the road and the river. So after about 30 or so miles when we came to a bridge named "Bridge of the Gods' and crossed the Columbia at Cascade Locks, to stay on the Oregon side for the rest of the drive.

Before crossing over to Oregon we came to Bonneville Locks and Dam, and spent a while there checking it out.

Again as in most of the Pacific flowing rivers, special consideration must be made for the returning spawning salmon.  On the left side of this and the following picture is the fish run that will give the salmon a route to go back upstream where they were born to spawn and give life to the future generations that will return to this area to continue the species.

At the Oregon side of the 'Bridge of the Gods' at Cascade Locks we discovered a local fish outlet where mostly Native American women were selling freshly caught and smoked salmon, and fruits and berries. 

We bought one of the smaller salmon and got about 4-5 meals from it. The smoked fish was also delicious.

We made our way to The Dalles with only a few stops, planning to have better light for the return trip.

Here is a shot of Sylvia taking a picture back in my direction.

This is a picture of the hillside that was behind me.

The scenery of the Gorge is really spectacular from these cliffs.

Steamboats and Barges still work the river.

Back to the RV Park and another beautiful sunset.

Here is another sunset shot with the RV Park mailboxes in the foreground.

Worn out after another hard day of driving around taking pictures…. Now for a salmon dinner and some rest.