Archive for the ‘Columbia River Gorge’ Category

Don’t Pass Snowplows on the Right! DUH!

January 4th, 2022 by Gorge Lodging

DO NOT PASS SNOWPLOWS ON THE RIGHT
DUH!

A couple years back someone tacked this added message below the warning sign that really states the obvious.  Be prepared when exploring Oregon during the winter months.  And don’t always rely on that GPS.  Many forest roads, while beautiful alternatives from the main highways and freeways during the snow free months, are not maintained during the winter.

Travelers should be aware that even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck.  Winter storms can trigger unexpected rock slides, and falling limbs and trees; they can quickly change driving conditions on forest roads from passable to impassable in a matter of minutes.

Keys to safe winter driving: Plan for the unexpected.  Keep in mind that cell phones may not work in remote areas.  Check the latest road and weather conditions at TripCheck.com or dial 511 before heading out.  Always tell someone where you’re going and stick to that plan.   Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.  Travelers should be prepared to spend long periods of time in the car.  Blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothes, a snow shovel, water, food and other necessities are recommended as part of a complete vehicle emergency kit.  Always fuel up at the beginning of the trip.

Weather can change quickly, particularly in higher elevations. Good snow tires, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and chains are advised or often required, when driving in winter conditions.  As a general rule, always adjust your speed to current conditions and drive at speeds that allow you to stop in half of the visible road distance ahead of you.

ODOT and the County Maintenance Crews do an amazing job keeping our Highways and Interstates passable.  They plow, they de-ice and sand but it is our job to use a little common sense, stay on roads maintained during the winter months, and drive cautiously to make sure we reach our destination safely.

Catherine Creek Waterfall and Catherine Creek Recreational Area

February 14th, 2020 by Gorge Lodging

Bald Eagle
Catherine Creek Trail #4400
 is a one mile paved trail with great views of the Columbia River on the south side of WA14.  In the spring this is a premier location for Columbia Gorge Wildflowers and bird viewing.  No flowers yesterday but we anxiously await the Grass Widow which according to my Instagram feed were in full bloom around the middle of February last year.  We did see a few bald eagles, hawks, woodpeckers on this quiet winter day.  Parking is on the north side of WA14 where you can pick up trails for longer hikes and more great wildflower and bird viewing.

You’ll have stunning Columbia River Gorge Views pretty much the whole trail. Interpretive signs guide you through open grasslands, vernal ponds and oak woodlands. Take a break on one of the many benches along the trail, one being a the overlook of Catherine Creek and Catherine Creek Falls.

Chasing Waterfalls and Waterfall Wednesday. With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Seven Oaks Bed and Breakfast is only minutes from Downtown Hood River

October 11th, 2019 by Gorge Lodging

Seven Oaks Bed and BreakfastSeven Oaks Bed & Breakfast features two elegant bedrooms with private baths, plus a separate studio cottage with full bath and kitchenette for two. Additional rooms available with shared bath option. Beautiful and spacious dining and living areas serve as communal gathering spots while quiet reading rooms and nooks provide privacy and quiet.

The front porch offers a view of Mt. Hood and a shaded place to hang out on the porch swing. The rear deck is a sunny garden retreat with expansive views of the different garden areas.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Pony Tail Falls and Waterfall Wednesday in the Gorge

September 14th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Pony Tail FallsPony Tail Falls plunges through a crack in the basalt into a large pool and allows for hikers to walk behind the roaring water.  An moderate 1/3 mile hike from the trailhead, this 88 foot falls is a favorite for photographers, for shots looking out from behind the falls.

Chasing Waterfalls and Waterfall Wednesday.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon!  I’m guessing even more than that.  Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Lower Lewis River Falls ~ Waterfall Wednesday

July 18th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Lower Lewis River FallsThe Lower Lewis River Falls is a beautiful and quite powerful waterfall, fed by the glaciers on Washington’s Mt Adams, creates a nice plunge pool, perfect for swimming in.  Be sure to stay away from the falls however, considering this is a glacial river, and one wrong slip could end up sending a person into the powerful undertow beneath the falls, which would almost definitely be fatal. The falls are accessed from the Lower Falls Recreation area, a good starting point for exploring the numerous other waterfalls in the area.

Chasing Waterfalls and Waterfall Wednesday.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon! I’m guessing even more than that.  Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Punch Bowl Falls ~ Waterfall Wednesday

June 13th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Punch Bowl Falls in one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, the Columbia River Gorge

Punch Bowl FallsPunch Bowl Falls is one of the most photographed falls in the Columbia River Gorge, maybe even the Pacific Northwest.  But you’ll need to get your hiking boots on and trek in about a mile and a half along the Eagle Creek Trail.  Constructed in 1915 with pick axes and shovels, the cliffs have been blasted out so that the trail could bypass several deep canyons.   The entire Eagle Creek trail is 14 miles long with a minimum of 6 waterfalls along the way.

Chasing Waterfalls and Waterfall Wednesday. With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Multnomah Falls ~ Waterfall Wednesday

May 9th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah FallsMultnomah Falls is the most visited recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with 2 million stopping each year to take in the views, making it to where a visit to the falls can be challenging.   As a local innkeeper I suggest visiting the falls on either ends of the day and midweek to beat the crowds.  I also suggest taking the time to hike the 6 miles Wahkeena/Multnomah Falls loop so as to ‘discover’ 6 more waterfalls, if you indeed love to chase waterfalls.

Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, usually it’s highest during winter and spring. Multnomah Falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods.  Five flows of Yakima basalt are visible in the falls’ cliff face.   Geocache ‘What’s Behind Multnomah Falls’, GC14VG2, studies the different types of exposed basalt layers.

Chasing Waterfalls and Waterfall Wednesday.  According to Wiki there are at least 238 waterfalls in Oregon! I’m guessing even more than that.  Wouldn’t it be grand to witness the beauty of every one of them?  With 77 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge alone, we’ve set out to find them all plus those in the nearby Mt Hood National Forest, Washington and beyond. And when we do we’ll share our finds with you, our guests, so you too can set out to Chase Waterfalls.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Breweries in Hood River and the Valley Above

March 4th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

BreweriesInTheGorgeLogoWhat might you be doing this St. Patrick’s Day? Beer is serious business in the Gorge.  So serious that 12 Breweries in the Columbia River Gorge have united to create Breweries in the Gorge

Immigrants began to move into Oregon Territory in the 1840’s.  German brewer Henry Saxer arrived in 1852, tasted the clear, soft water and recognized the prime hop and grain potential.  He, along with fellow immigrant Henry Weinhard, began brewing and the rest is history.

Fact from Oregon Craft Beer Oregon had 234 brewing facilities operated by 194 brewing companies in 72 cities across Oregon.  Let’s focus on the brews in Hood River and the Valley above

Please ask your innkeeper their location so as to pre-arrange a designated driver if needed

Double Mountain  – Spacious brewpub serving up innovative beers, grub including awesome brick-oven pizzas & regular live music

Full Sail Brewery – Built in an abandoned cannery that had laid derelict for 15 years, Full Sail Brewing began brewing circa 1988.  Brewing three core brews along with a variety of seasonal and ever changing small batch beers

Big Horse Brew PubBrewery & restaurant with deck & views of the Columbia River Gorge serving pub grub and hand crafted brews

Pfriem Family Brewers Influenced by the great brewers of Belgium, but unmistakably true to their homegrown roots in the Pacific Northwest

Solera Brewery ~ Built in the historic Valley Theater Building the backyard beer garden offers a spectacular view of Mt Hood.  Right across the street and a few doors down from the Old Parkdale Inn

Stay tuned for information on SoLog Summer Fest 2018, happening in August in Parkdale’s Clear Creek Station.

Be sure to explore the world of craft beer and fine brew pubs.  And don’t forget the annual Hops Fest, last Saturday in September

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Christmas and Holiday Markets near Hood River, Oregon

December 3rd, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

Christmas and Holiday Markets in the Columbia River Gorge

Christmas, Holiday Markets and the Innkeepers of the Columbia Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association invite you to celebrate the season and festivities with us. Some of our innkeepers really deck the halls.  Some have a more subdued style.

Hood River, Oregon, becomes a snow globe, a true old-fashioned small town holiday spot. The historic and beautiful downtown is adorned with holiday lights, bows and cheer.

Mosier Country Christmas Fair is Dec. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Over 60 vendors, food and drink and tree sales.  Admission is $2 per person and 1 can of food ( human or pet).  Kids under 12 are free.  Photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  There is also a book and bake sale at the Mosier Library (2 blocks east of the school).

As a hush comes over the crowd, the Mayor and all the children will take a deep breath, then blow on the tree to magically bring it blazing alight.  This is THE community family event of the season in Bingen and White Salmon, so don’t miss enjoying the start of the holiday season with your family, friends, visitors,
and the rest of our community.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

Tundra Swans Return to Mirror Lake in the Columbia River Gorge

November 7th, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

For me the return of the Tundra Swans to Mirror Lake in the Columbia River Gorge, marks the beginning of Winter.

Mirror Lake is at the foot of Crown Point, visible from Interstate 84 just west of the Rooster Rock exit. The Lake can host upwards of 100 Tundra Swans, although as of yesterday only a few had arrived from their Arctic tundra nesting grounds.  The Scenic Colombia River Gorge is just one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders near the Old Parkdale Inn.  The other being majestic Mt Hood.

Tundra Swans dine on plant material, slugs, snails, insects and crayfish, and typically weigh from 10 to 18 pounds, averaging about 53 inches in length.  They mate for life and travel in family groups in roundtrip migrations of up to 3,725 miles.

Tundra Swans winter here and share space with Hooded Merganser, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Bufflehead, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Steller’s Jay, Black-capped Chickadee.

Look closely at the photo for Mallards, a Great Blue Heron and a Hooded Merganser.

The innkeepers of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association are eager to share their favorite spots and events for adventure and exploration in the Hood River Valley, Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, Mt Adams and Mt Hood.

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