Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

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.

Passport Month in the Columbia River Gorge

April 2nd, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

‘A World of Wine in 40 Miles’

That’s the motto for the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers.  Americas’ Most Unique Wine Region is located less than an hour East of Portland, Oregon.  Columbia Gorge Growing Region includes the fertile soils of both sides of the mighty Columbia River.  The Washington and Oregon grapes and wines of this unique region are a spectacular selection of sweet whites and luscious reds.

Passport Month in the Columbia River Gorge

A World of Wine in the Columbia River Gorge

The wineries span the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area through 40 miles of peaceful, open-roads running through double mountain views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.

The 7th Annual Columbia Gorge Wine Passport Month happens the Month of April and events, along with times, vary by winery. Your purchased Passport is your access pass to exclusive offers, incredible discounts and unique experiences at 24 Gorge wineries all April long, including three very special, wine-focused weekend events at participating wineries.Passport holders receive amazing deals at our Oregon and Washington wineries with deep discounts, food pairings, barrel tastings, reserve tastings, and more. Enjoy a relaxing day, memorable weekend, or multiple weekends touring around the wild beauty of the Columbia Gorge.

Rest a spell at a member inn of the Columbia River Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association.  A day can be spent in the Washington wineries, another in our Oregon wineries then complete your time in the Gorge at a downtown tasting Rooms in Hood River.  It’s a wonderful way to spend the month and discover the variety of wines from the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley AVAs and Columbia Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association

Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

February 24th, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

Hard-Pressed Cider Festival in the Hood River Valley

Hood River Valley’s hard cider scene is exploding, with nine cideries and counting. These craft cidermakers source the apples, pears and other fruits from the 440+ local orchardists, creating ciders that truly give you a taste of Hood River, and place the region at the forefront of the new national hard cider movement.  Now in its second year, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest gives seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from Hood River County’s very own cider makers, as well as a variety of additional Northwest cideries.  More than 20 cideries will be participating, with more than 30 ciders on tap.  The daylong event also features local food vendors, produce and arts vendors, a kid’s area and a line-up of local music, from bluegrass to classic rock – guaranteeing a great time for the whole family

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.

Hood 2 River Relay ~ Countdown on Events and Activities in the Columbia Gorge

February 22nd, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

Hood2RiverThe Hood 2 River Relay is an exciting spring time event that kicks off the summer recreational season on Mt. Hood and in the Columbia River Gorge. Two to six person teams quickly descend 6000 feet off of Mt Hood to the low lying elevations of the Columbia River Basin near sea level provides a unique opportunity for recreational enthusiast to enjoy a multitude of sports in the same day.  The Hood 2 River Relay consists of six Legs; Alpine ski, nordic ski, mountain bike, road bike, road run, boating (kayak/canoe/SUP) and a 500 meter sprint to the finish line after boating. Saturday, May 30, 2015.  Open to individuals and teams. No better time of the year for this opportunity than the late springtime.

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.

 

Second Saturday at WAAAM ~ Countdown on Events and Activities in the Columbia Gorge

February 20th, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

Jenny at WAAAMThe Second Saturday of each month The WAAAM Air & Auto Museum opens the doors to roll out and run some of its antique airplanes and cars. Visitors watch airplane operations up close and may get to ride in old cars too. Open 9-5. Activities 10-2. Lunch 11-1. Free parking. WAAAM is located three miles from downtown Hood River and 16 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast.

WAAAM has one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country.  The items on display at this museum are not only full of history, they’re full of LIFE!

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.

Fruit Friday at the Fruit Company ~ Things to do in the Columbia River Area

February 19th, 2015 by Gorge Lodging

9As much as I hate to admit it I think Spring is coming.  Might already be here. The reason I say this is because we’ve had a very warm springlike first couple of months of 2015.  Oh, it could still snow but I might as well accept it, I really like winter, and move on.

Every Friday of the Month The Fruit Company sets aside fruit that doesn’t make it into their high quality Gift Boxes.  This fruit is most of the time higher quality than you would find in the local grocers.  It just doesn’t meet the standard for what The Fruit Company calls ‘gift grade and is sold at reduced costs.  First come, first serve basis while supplies last.  No phone orders or preorders and orders cannot be shipped.  Good excuse to take a ride up into the scenic Hood River Valley

We get phone inquiries all the time that sound like this: We’re thinking about coming to The Gorge but was wondering, is there anything to do in the area?”  Well.  That list is pretty long.  I can almost guarantee something for every one.  And I will attempt to grab them all in these blog posts.

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