TravelTips24 :

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a 80 mile section of the Columbia river desginated as a National Scenic Area. It starts just outside Portland.

Culture and History

History

Lewis and Clark came along this route on their trailblazing journey in 1805.

Landscape

The gorge cuts through the Cascade mountain range which is made lagely of volcanic (basalt) rock. This leads to a number of spectacular cliffs. The bountiful presence of water on the west side of the Cascades leads to a number of very tall waterfalls which intersect the river.

Flora and fauna

Salmon run in the river almost year-round, but the fall is peak season. The Army Corps of Engineers has installed a fish ladder at the Bonneville dam which is a great place to see them.

Climate

The key distinguisher of climate in the gorge is Wind. Wind speeds are often upwards of 30mph. This is because the gorge is a wind tunnel from the warm/dry east end to the cooler/damp west end.

Travel to Columbia River Gorge & Visa Requirements

Easily accessible from Portland (Oregon).

Fees/Permits

Tours & Getting around Columbia River Gorge

If you are using a car, Interstate 84 is a great way to get around the gorge. It has frequent exits to interesting attraction. But be sure to get off on the side roads like "Old Columbia Highway". They are very pretty and reasonably paced.

Columbia River Gorge attractions and sightseeing

  • Bonneville Lock and Dam, [1]. The third highest hydropower project in the US, at about 1.2MWatts. You can visit this (after passing a friendly guard who will inspect your car). This is accessible via exit 40 on I-84.
  • Falls, Falls, Falls....
    • Horsetail Falls
    • Multnomah Falls, [2].

Columbia River Gorge city tours

  • Many windsurf on the Columbia River due to its consistent strong winds.

Columbia River Gorge souvenirs & shopping

Columbia River Gorge Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Columbia River Gorge nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Columbia River Gorge cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Lodging

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Get out

Didn't find what you were looking for.
Ask for help at the Columbia River Gorge travel forum

This page was last edited at 04:27, on 9 July 2007 by Wikitravel user Blaynew. Based on work by Wikitravel user(s) Wwc and Jonboy.

Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license