Portland, OR and the Columbia River Gorge Area

In August, 2009, we traveled inland after leaving the Oregon Coast. We drove through the fertile lands of the Willamette Valley, where we visited Amity vineyards, the home of some of the world's best penoir noir. From our home base in Portland we explored the nearby Columbia River Gorge. We traveled the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge Loop, taking us past the spectacular waterfalls along Scenic Hwy 30 and past majestic Mt. Hood. We also took a thrilling 8 mile white water rafting trip over the class III-IV rapids of the White Salmon River.

Amity Vineyards of the Willamette Valley

There are many vineyards in the Willamette Valley. One of them is Amity, renowned for its penoir noir, as well as other fine wines.
Amity Vineyard overlooking the Willamette Valley

We had a picnic at Amity Vineyards on my birthday, August 11th. This was the view. It sounds idyllic, but we had forgotten about the bees. Vineyards have to have bees. We ate our lunch quickly. Amity needs a screened porch!
Amity wine tasting and sales shop

We spent part of the afternoon in this quaint building, tasting the wines and making selections to celebrate my birthday.
Historic Highway 30 runs through the Columbia River Gorge

Old Highway 30 runs seventy-five miles through the Columbia River Gorge between the cities of Troutdale and The Dalles, Oregon. Built between 1913 and 1922, it was the first planned scenic roadway in the United States. The two lane road creeps along the cliffs of the gorge, through forests of fir trees, and past several wonderful waterfalls.
The Columbia River

A scenic view of the Columbia River
Rich lands of the Colombia River Valley

Fertile fields border the Columbia River.
Clouds lie over the Columbia River Gorge

This view is from Vista House, one of the scenic overlooks along old Hwy 30.
Picture perfect Multnomah Falls

About twenty minutes east of Troutdale is majestic Multnomah Falls. The falls drop 620 feet and is the second largest year round falls in the United States.
Standing in front of the falls

Lou and I are standing in front of Multnomah falls. It was raining, and we were wet!
Another view of Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the United States.
At the bottom of the falls

Lush greenery, mosses and ferns grow all along the gorge.
Columbia River near the city of Hood River

This is near the bridge that passes into the state of Washington.
Sailboat on Columbia River

This shot was taken from our moving car, crossing the bridge into Washington state, where we went white water rafting.
A view of Mt. Hood

This view of Mt. Hood was outside Hood River as we continued on the scenic Columbia River Gorge/Mt Hood loop.
A scenic view over the mountains

The views near Mt. Hood were spectacular.
Mt. Hood in the clouds

Clouds cling to the top of Mt. Hood.
Wildflowers near Mt. Hood

Many wildflowers grow along the roadway.
Another roadside view

Stunning views were around every bend of the road.
A big boulder at the foot of Mt. Hood

Wildflowers, rocks, trees, and mountain make for a lovely picture.
At the foot of Mt. Hood

In August there is still snow on the sides of Mt. Hood
A view of Portland from Mt. Tabor

Good views of Portland can be seen from from Mt. Tabor Park inside the city.
Beautiful trees at Mt. Tabor Park in Portland

Great fir trees grow on top of Mt. Tabor.
Cable car in Portland

The Portland Aerial Tram was built to connect the min campus of the Oregon Health and Science University on the hill to facilities down below by the Willamette River. With great views of Portland, it is also a popular tourist attraction.
Cable structure

I like the artistic view of the cables as the tram climbs the hill.
View of Portland from the top

This is a view of Portland and the Willamette River from the top of the hill at the Oregon Health and Science University.
White water rafting on the White Salmon River

Lou,my three sons, and I went on an eight mile white water rafting trip on the White Salmon River in Washington state. Lou, Josh, and I got out of the raft at the end before Husum Falls, but Sam and Mark elected to take the plunge.
On the edge

These photos were taken by the Wet Planet rafting company as my sons went over the falls.
Hang on!

Lou, Josh and I watched from a nearby bridge as the raft plunged over the falls, a drop of about twelve feet.
At the bottom of the falls

For a moment the raft was completely swamped with foamy water.
Up for air!

The raft shoots into the air after hitting the river at the bottom of the falls.
We made it

We all were breathing a sigh of relief as everyone came out intact and still in the raft.
Success!

It was a great trip.