Posts Tagged ‘Columbia River Gorge’

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.

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.

Lemon Blueberry Biscuits

April 23rd, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

The Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast shares this recipe for Lemon Blueberry Biscuits which is sure to become a guest favorite using Hood River Valley blueberries.

Lemon Blueberry BiscuitsLemon Blueberry Biscuits are sure to be a sweet treat at our tables of the Columbia Gorge Bed and Breakfast Association.  Thanks to Sue, innkeeper at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast for sharing this recipe.

‘Lemon and Blueberries made such a fresh and flavorful combination in all kinds of baked goods, especially these sweet biscuits’  Taste of Home Test Kitchen

 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup lemon yogurt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp grated lemon peel
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

Preheat oven to 400°.  In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients.  In another bowl, whisk yogurt, egg, butter and lemon peel until blended. Add to flour mixture, stir just until moistened.  Fold in Blueberries.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 1 inch apart onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake 15-18 minutes or until light brown.

In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients.  Stir until smooth.  Drizzle over warm biscuits.  If using frozen blueberries, use without thawing to avoid discoloring the dough.  Makes about a dozen sweet and tangy biscuits.

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.

Dry Creek Falls ~ Waterfall Wednesday in The Gorge

April 20th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Dry Creek FallsThe hike to Dry Creek Falls is moderate to difficult, only because it is a slow 2 mile climb.  But oh, so worth it.  We hiked in on a very cold, 20° New Years Day, 2015, and found that the creek was flowing and the basalt covered with ice. Also some beautiful ice formations in the creek below 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.

Gorge View Bed and Breakfast Hood River

February 6th, 2018 by Gorge Lodging

Gorge View Bed and Breakfast in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River Oregon

Gorge ViewVisit Gorge View Bed and Breakfast and enjoy the oversized wrap-around front porch which provides panoramic views of the Columbia river and snowcapped Mt. Adams.  Your hosts are avid windsurfers and hikers and can provide tips on the local activities and up to the minute wind and sports reports.

After an in house prepared breakfast of Dutch Babies, signature Huevos Gorge View or Blueberry pancakes
walk downtown to the many shops, restaurants, wine bars and brew pubs of Hood River.  Gorge View supports local farmers and strive to use fresh Gorge Grown ingredients in all the serve.

Gorge View has 4 well appointed rooms with a variety of configurations for families or single occupancy.

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.

Extra Day to Geocache in the Columbia River Gorge

February 4th, 2016 by Gorge Lodging

GeocachingWhat excites a geocachers more than a First to Find? Having an extra day to find a FTF.  Once every 4 years an extra day is added to the month of February. And we all know what that means: an Extra 24 hours to Geocache!

Celebrate with two new geocaching souvenirs.  The first souvenir can only be earned on February 29 by attending a geocaching event, one happening that morning in Hood River.  The other souvenir can be earned all weekend long (February 27-29) by getting outside and finding a geocache.

The screenshot shows caches in the Upper Hood River Valley, where our inn, Old Parkdale Inn Bed and Breakfast is located.  The star signifies the cache we placed on our property GC4FH6G Parkdale Travel Bug Inn.

“Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.  Geocaching.com is the headquarters for the activity

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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