Columbia Gorge Wine Weekend

Labor Day weekend the Columbia Gorge Wineries in Washington and Oregon will have Open Houses for fun activities, special releases, great discounts and wine tastings. More than 30 Columbia Gorge Wineries will be participating so plan your route ahead of time for the best Labor Day weekend excursion. Read what Mt Hood Winery has planned below.

Mt Hood Winery

Open 11am-5pm

Annual end of summer wine sale

Savor the long holiday weekend with a visit to Mt. Hood Winery. Sample current wine selections, including the new 2013 Estate Riesling.

Featured local artist is Elizabeth See.  Bring a picnic to enjoy on our scenic patio.

SRC: A full list of the participating wineries and their open hours is available at http://www.columbiagorgewine.com/labor-day.html.

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Windsurfing on the Columbia River Gorge

The video above is of Dale Cook at the Hatchery on the Columbia River Gorge. He is performing a windsurfing wave jump followed by a bailout. Choppy water, 45 mph winds and plenty of room for everyone is a recipe for summer fun. Read more about this jump below.

The swell allowed for wave sailing tricks, but Dale Cook was more into windsurfing jumps. And it happened when it had to happen. Cook found a ramp and got airborne.
Dale's breathtaking 4.5 second jump got everyone ecstatic. As he prepares the landing on choppy water, he opts to bailout in spectacular fashion.
"The Hatch" is located about four miles to the west of Hood River, in Oregon. Depending on the power of the stream, windsurfers can get up to eight-foot unbreakable waves.

SRC: Learn more about windsurfing wave jumps at: http://www.surfertoday.com/windsurfing/10810-a-thunderous-bailout-by-dale-cook-at-the-hatch

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Mike's Ice Cream in Hood River

The time to visit Mike's Ice Cream in Hood River is now, while the sun in still shinning and the kids are still on summer break. This is a local favorite but is only open from April-October so you must enjoy it while Mike's Ice Cream is available. Read about what they have to offer below.

Everything here is for real, no artificial flavors allowed. They have fantastic outdoor seating and a fun play structure for kids. If it’s too crowded, you can simply take your ice cream across the street to the park behind the library, enjoy your cone, shake, or sundae and people watch. Then you can go back for seconds. Seriously. I ate ice cream almost every day the first summer we lived here. It’s amazing. Mike’s Ice Cream is an absolute must! They are open late too. It’s the perfect late evening snack on a hot summer night.

SRC: Learn more about Mike's Ice Cream at: http://www.gorgeinthegorge.com/mikes-ice-cream/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge

This September Hood River and the Columbia Center for the Arts will be celebrating the 10th year of Plein Air in the Columbia River Gorge. The Plein Air exhibition will be held in the downtown Hood River art gallery. Each year artists and writers from around the country come to participate in this celebration of "En plein air" meaning "in the open air". Read about the kick off of this amazing celebration below.

The exhibition kicks off with a preview party and opening reception on Friday, Sept. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. Pat Haley and Friends will perform from 6-8 p.m. Works of art are available for viewing and sale during the reception and month long art show to follow.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, a variety of plein air writers will debut their freshly-written works at the Columbia Center for the Arts' plein air literary reading at 2 p.m.

SRC: Learn more about this Celebration of Art and Air at:  http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/08/columbia_art_gallery_celebrate.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

The Best of Steam Engines

Enjoy watching trains? If so the video link below is a great way to see amazing points of view of many types of steam engines in HD. Even better, the entire video is taken in along the Columbia River. Read below for The Best of Steam Engines video description.

SP4449 Highballs the tunnel in the Columbia River Gorge on its way home to Portland, Oregon and then you see Union Pacific 844 on the way to The Dalles and then to the Pendleton Round-Up a rodeo held in Pendleton, Oregon. The rest of the videos are SP4449 on it way in then out of the Gorge.

SRC: For more videos like the one above visit: http://www.diggvideo.com/hd-best-of-steam-engines-in-the-columbia-river-gorge_4fa6822b5.html

Vegan Cruise Planners

If you are a vegan and have gone on a cruise than you probably already know the limited options for food that are provided. Good news, you can cruise again. With Vegan Cruise Planners they will provide you with cruises that offer plenty of delectable vegan dining options, free of charge. Read more about this service below.

As Cruise Planners Destination Specialists, we don’t charge extra for our knowledge. We don’t work for the cruise lines, we work for you. We focus on your cruise experience, and work to find you the perfect match according to your wants and needs as a vegan. Not only do we know which cruise line will be the perfect match for you, we can offer recommendations on vegan dining options in all the ports of call you will be visiting while on your cruise.

 SRC: If Vegan and wanting to go on a cruise visit: http://www.vegancruiseplanners.com/


Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia River Fishing

If you fish it could be helpful to check into the 'Reel Time Northwest' fishing reports. These allow you to see where others are fishing, what they are catching, and learn of helpful tips on some sweet fishing spots or tactics. Read below last weeks overview of Salmon, Steelhead and Shad by Mark Yuasa.

On the lower Columbia this past weekend there were 286 salmonid boats and 82 Oregon bank anglers counted from Bonneville dam downstream to Tongue Point on Saturday’s (8/9) flight; and 804 Oregon boats at Buoy 10.  Anglers at Buoy 10 averaged 0.56 Chinook and 1.37 coho caught per boat.  In the gorge, boat anglers averaged 1.25 steelhead caught per boat, while anglers fishing the Portland to Westport area averaged 0.02 fall Chinook and 1.18 steelhead caught per boat.  In Troutdale, boat anglers averaged 0.26 steelhead caught per boat.  Bank anglers fishing in the gorge averaged 0.20 steelhead caught per rod, while anglers fishing the Portland to Westport area averaged 0.16 steelhead caught per angler.

SRC: Check out the full Fishing Report and others at: http://blogs.seattletimes.com/reeltimenorthwest/2014/08/14/oregon-fish-and-wildlife-columbia-river-fishing-reports-7/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Timberline Lodge Ski Lift

Mount Hood is a highly visited attraction even though it is an active volcano. A big reason for this is Mt. Hood has the longest skiing season of any ski hill in the United States. Currently there is only a small patch of skiing available where there is some permanent snow. Even if skiing is not the primary goal of visiting Mt. Hood it is well worth the trip for the beautiful view. Read some of the history of Timberline Lodge below.

It was built in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration, an effort by the US Government to support employment during the Great Depression.  It has some very interesting features, including a massive fireplace in the centre of its lobby, loosely reminding us of older Fairmont hotels such as the Banff Springs Hotel, although Timberline is not nearly as old or as grand as these castles.

SRC: Read more about the Timberline Lodge and Columbia River Gorge at: http://www.fourhitchednotts.com/?p=432

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Histories & Mysteries Hike Challenge

Don't miss your chance to participate in this free challenge. There are 20 items to find and less than three months to find all of them. The rules are not extensive but include: you must stay on official trails, park in official parking lots, and not disrupt any of the sensitive cultural or natural resources. Read more about this challenge from Friends of the Columbia Gorge below.

The Columbia Gorge has been home to forests, wildlife, and changing communities for thousands of years. Our Histories & Mysteries Hike Challenge invites you to take a closer look. You’ll learn about geologic and historic features hidden in Gorge landscapes. Between March 15 and October 31, try to find all 20 items listed.

To Register for the Histories & Mysteries Hike Challenge visit: http://gorgefriends.nonprofitsoapbox.com/upcoming-events/event/168

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

The Avett Brothers at Edgefield

Have you been to an Edgefield Concert on the Lawn this summer? If not, it is not too late. The Avett Brothers will be performing September 5th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are still available but can sell out quickly. Read about The Avett Brothers below.

The songs are honest: just chords with real voices singing real melodies. But, the heart and the energy with which they are sung, is really why people are talking, and why so many sing along.

SRC: Read more about The Avett Brothers and purchase your tickets at: http://edgefieldconcerts.com/events/avett-brothers/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Panic! At The Disco at Edgefield

Have you been to an Edgefield Concert on the Lawn this summer? If not, it is not too late. Panic! At The Disco will be performing August 31st at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are still available but can sell out quickly. Read about Panic! At The Disco below.

Panic! At The Disco has announced their biggest outing yet: The Gospel Tour. Hot on the heels of sold-out headline dates on their Too Weird Tour, the band will take their incendiary live show across the U.S. this summer starting July 18 in Magna, UT at The Great Saltair. Special guests, Walk The Moon, will perform on all dates during The Gospel Tour while Youngblood Hawke and Magic Man will join Panic! on select dates. Tickets are on sale starting Friday, February 28 through the local venue ticketing websites.

SRC: Read more about Panic! At The Disco and purchase your tickets at: http://edgefieldconcerts.com/events/panic-disco/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

The Head and the Heart at Edgefield

Have you been to an Edgefield Concert on the Lawn this summer? If not, it is not too late. The Head and the Heart will be performing August 30th at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available but can sell out quickly. Read about The Head and the Heart below.

With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonies, the Head and the Heart‘s music is for people who unabashedly sing and drum along on the steering wheel, and for those who appreciate a well-crafted collection of songs that build into something wholly beautiful. Formed in Seattle in 2007 and quickly signed to Sub Pop, The Head and The Heart hit the ground running: their first album was so successful local record stores could barely keep it in stock. The Head and the Heart released “Let’s Be Still” in 2013 and has kept their momentum going strong. 

SRC: Read more about The Head and the Heart and purchase your tickets at: http://edgefieldconcerts.com/events/head-and-heart/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

David Gray at Edgefield

Have you been to an Edgefield Concert on the Lawn this summer? If not, it is not too late. David Gray will be performing August 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are still available but can sell out quickly. Read about David Gray below.

David’s past includes the phenomenal success of “White Ladder” (seven million copies sold), one of three UK number one albums, with records that became ubiquitous and others that needed to be sought out to be heard. It’s a richness of terrain and experience over a duration that belies the traditions and expectations of popular music as surely as the songs themselves.

SRC: Read more about David Gray and purchase your tickets at: http://edgefieldconcerts.com/events/david-gray/


Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Tom McCall Point

Within one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, The Columbia River Gorge contains many mini-wonders. Tom McCall Point is one of those mini-wonders. This hike provides the sweetest smelling air due to so many wildflowers, you may just spend the whole day just taking in the aroma. Read more about the Tom McCall Point below.

This 1,722-foot grassy headland is reachable from Rowena Viewpoint, along the Historic Columbia River Highway east of Mosier. The upper trail is on Nature Conservancy land and is closed seasonally until May 1. Hike the lower trail until then, out on Rowena point.

SRC: Read more about The Columbia River Gorge at: http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/07/columbia_river_gorge_one_of_7.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Hood River Mountain

Within one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, The Columbia River Gorge contains many mini-wonders. Hood River Mountain is one of those mini-wonders. Anyone who truly enjoys the great outdoors, wither it be by foot, bike or kayak will fall for this location. Read more about Hood River Mountain below.

Accessible via the Old Dalles Road from Hood River, park in the saddle (you won't be alone) and take the well-beaten path southwest to the ridge for awesome views of Mount Hood and the Hood River Valley. This hike is on private timberland, which closes to public use during the fire season.

SRC: Read more about The Columbia River Gorge at: http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/07/columbia_river_gorge_one_of_7.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Indian Point

Within one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, The Columbia River Gorge contains many mini-wonders. Indian Point is one of those mini-wonders. This breathtaking view may get windy but it provides a sight you will never forget. Read more about Indian Point below.

A combination of trails leads from the trailhead at Herman Creek campground, near Cascade Locks, to a 30-foot high basalt outcrop that seems to hover directly about Interstate 84, about 2,700 feet below.

SRC: Read more about The Columbia River Gorge at: http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/07/columbia_river_gorge_one_of_7.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Eagle Creek

Within one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, The Columbia River Gorge contains many mini-wonders. Eagle Creek is one of those mini-wonders. This beautiful hike provides such amazing scenery you may feel like your in another world. Read more about Eagle Creek below.

The unquestioned gem of Oregon's side of the gorge, the trail begins between Bonneville and Cascade Locks. It is filled with gorgeous sights and sounds along the way. Make it six miles to Tunnel Falls, if you can.

SRC: Read more about The Columbia River Gorge at: http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/07/columbia_river_gorge_one_of_7.html

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Chanticleer Point Oregon

This beautiful viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge is known as the Portland Women's Forum Viewpoint. It is a great drive to get to and parking is free, well worth a visit this summer. Read more about this popular location below.

It is the first significant overlook as you travel east on the Columbia River Highway. After the Chanticleer Inn burned down in 1930 the property was purchased by the Portland Women's Forum and donated to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. Parking is free, but the telescope costs 50 cents.

SRC: View full article about Chanticleer Point at: http://www.easybranches.us/usa-columbia-river-gorge-from-chanticleer-point-or/

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Columbia Gorge in the first-ever Gorge Trivia Night!

Do you think you know all about the Columbia Gorge? Test your knowledge at the first-ever Gorge Trivia Night! Teams, prizes, food, and drinks what a great way so spend the evening, on Tuesday August 12th from 7 pm to 9 pm. This event is hosted by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge at Base Camp Brewing in Portland, Oregon.  Read more details below.

There will be thirty questions for your team of up to six people to answer. Our emcee for the evening will be Scott Cook, the author of wildly-popular Curious Gorge hiking guidebook. Raffle prizes will be awarded at intermission. At the conclusion of the event, a prize will be awarded to the winning team.

$10/person fee to play which includes a raffle ticket. This is a fundraiser event for Friends of the Columbia Gorge. All participants will receive a free decorative Historic Columbia River Highway poster.

SRC: For contact information and map visit: http://gorgefriends.nonprofitsoapbox.com/event-calendar/event/201

Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here