Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals

If your family is looking to take a winter vacation at Mt. Hood this year you're in luck because there are some great deals for you to check out.  Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals has different Vacation deals for you to choose from including Discounted Lift Tickets, Car Rental Discounts, and more. Read about Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals Midweek Ski / Snowboard Specials below.

MIDWEEK SKI / SNOWBOARD SPECIALS Start creating your winter memories with Mt Hood Vacation Rentals' Mid-week Ski/Snowboard Lodging Special. Stay in a Mt. Hood Vacation Rental Sunday – Thursday nights, then get the third night half price and the 4th night is FREE. Plus each person in your party can ski or ride three out of five consecutive days for $99 per person at Mt. Hood Meadows. Valid November 30 - December 13, 2014 and January 5 - March 19, 2015 excluding January 18 & February 15.

SRC: See these specials and View Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals at: www.mthoodrentals.com/site/Specials/4041/Specials.aspx

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

Three Lifts Open at Mt. Hood Meadows

For the last two weekends Mt. Hood Meadows has had three ski lifts open for preview riding. Plan your visit to Mt. Hood Meadow to get your chance on the snow with friends or family. Read more about what Mt. Hood Meadows has been doing to create an amazing ski experience for you below.

Meadows received 8 inches of new snow from Saturday's storm (and it's still snowing), bringing the base to 16 inches. Crews are harvesting parking lot snow to build lift ramps and supplement the base. Sunday will be the chance to get some early season runs in, with a $29 lift ticket.
The Meadows parks crew is setting rails, something similar to last weekend with a few twists.

SRC: Read more about these Lift Previews at Mt. Hood Meadows at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2014/11/mt_hood_meadows_has_three_lift.html#incart_river

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1950's Bonneville Dam

This is the 1950's Welcome to the Bonneville Lock and Dam video. This video will educate you on the purpose and amazing history that has been built into the Bonneville Dam. Not only will you see how different video was in the 1950's but you might also notice how much of the Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam have not changed over the years. Take the family on a visit to the Bonneville Dam to learn more and enjoy this video.

SRC: This video was posted by OSU at: vimeo.com/109067964

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The Resort At The Mountain | All-Inclusive Winter Resort Package

The Resort At The Mountain is offering amazing All-Inclusive Winter Resort Packages at great prices. The Resort At The Mountain provides you with an amazing view, skiing, a golf course, a luxurious spa, family fun sports, on-site activities and great food. Read about their Make Tracks Now package described below.

Make Tracks NowCheck out this all-inclusive ski aficionado’s package – two nights in a crazy, comfortable Fireside guest room, two single day adult lift tickets to Timberline or Skibowl, one night’s dinner for two in Altitude (including two entrees with two non-alcoholic beverages), breakfast for two each morning (including two breakfast entrees  with two coffee or juice) as well as two 50-minute spa treatments. What are you waiting for? Make your reservation, then make tracks to The Resort!

SRC: Find this All-inclusive Ski Package and more like it at: www.theresort.com/special_offers.php


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Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club

The Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club is providing public shows of the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad on November 29th and November 30th, 2014. With a 5,000 foot route from one end to the other it takes a model train more than 25 minutes to travel along the Columbia River Gorge. Don't worry you won't have to wait half an hour to see a train go by, they typically have 8 trains running at the same time. It is only $6 for adults and $2 for kids from ages 3 to 11, and will provide hours of entertainment. Read more about the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad below.

It's a breathtaking sight to walk into the building on N. Vancouver Avenue and immediately become immersed in the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. The layout, which has been built upon since the building's construction in 1982, depicts scenes from a 1950s Portland and beyond, complete with a miniature Union Station built off of the 1893 building's actual blueprints.

SRC: For more information about the Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club visit: www.oregonlive.com/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/11/a_model_railroad_tradition_in.html

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Double Mountain Horse Ranch

Horse back riding is good for your health, it is fun and it provides a way to see sights you never would have seen otherwise. Double Mountain Horse Ranch is located in Hood River where they provide guided group tours. Read about their 'Above the Columbia River Gorge Tour' below.

This horseback riding tour stages in a private meadow on the far west side of the Hood River Valley. Starting below the forest, our trail gently climbs steadily upward. We’ll enter the deep shade of mature trees, moving along fern grottos and cascading streams, to views high above the Columbia River Gorge. Weather permitting we’ll ride the TeePee trail, a now private forest trail once traveled by Native American pioneers.

Wrangler’s Note – We’ll get your photo with the Mitchell Point Overlook from up high! Cowboy up, we’ll bring loaner boots and riding helmets if requested in advance.

SRC: Check out the other tours offered at Double Mountain Horse Ranch at: www.ridinginhoodriver.com/Rates___Reservations.php

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Celilo Restaurant and Bar

Celilo Restaurant and Bar is located in Hood River, Oregon. Their menu features Pacific Northwest cuisine made with fresh and local ingredients. They also provide full catering services for weddings. If you have not tried this elegant restaurant why not treat yourself for a nice dinner this winter in Hood River. Celilo Restaurant and Bar also provides cooking classes at their restaurant, read about the next class below.

Homemade Soup: Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Time: 5:30PM – 8:30PM, including dinner of food prepared during class Class size limit: 12$85 per personCall (541) 386-5710 to register, or visit the restaurant. Tickets are non-refundable. Learn the basics of homemade soup preparation. Pick up hints on creating both purées and hearty soups as well as learn the secrets of Celilo menu soups.

SRC: Sign up for a cooking class or check out Celilo's menu at: www.celilorestaurant.com/events/

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Requiem of Ice

The Mt Hood Cultural Center & Museum is excited to show the premiere of "Requiem of Ice" a timelapse film exploring the Ice Caves of Mt. Hood. This event will takes place November 18th. Stay updated for this "Requiem of Ice" by liking www.facebook.com/MtHoodMuseum and www.facebook.com/UncagetheSoulProductions.

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HIKE IT BABY

A parents group called HIKE IT BABY provides opportunities for new parents to get back outdoors with their new family member. These hikes allow for parents to bond, exercise, minimize the baby blues, and expose their new babies to the world to the great outdoors. These group hikes are located all over, just visit hikeitbaby.com/find-a-hike/ to find a hike near you or near where you like to hike. If you live near the Columbia River Gorge, a reoccurring hike at 1000 Acers Dog Park is coming up this November 26th. Read details about this Hike in Troutdale below.

1000 Acres Dog Park Trail Hike
November 26 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Hike is flat and is usually pretty muddy. This is a huge off leash dog park with multiple channels and water for swimming or fetching. Could be a little chaotic with all the dogs running around but a great place to exercise the four-legged friends and mamas at the same time!
Details
Event Categories:
    Fast Paced Walks, Trail Hike
Hike Leader
    Amy Gibson
Phone:
    503-314-0091
Email:
    Gibson.amyg@gmail.com
Other
Level of Hike
    Blue (carrier/stroller)
Length of Hike
    3.5 miles
Toddler or new walker friendly
    No
Any baby/child hazards we should know about?
    Dogs, mud, water
Specific parking information?
    Free parking in lot
Are there any signs, large rocks around, mountains, signs, buildings that can help us find the meetup easily?
    Meet by restrooms in parking lot
Bathrooms Available?
    Yes
Changing Table/Station Available
    Unsure
Additional Gear Suggestions
    Rain gear
Dogs Allowed
    Yes 

SRC: Sign up for this hike or others for you and your baby at: hikeitbaby.com/hike/1000-acres-dog-park-trail-hike/2014-11-26/

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The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association

Christmas with VOCI and Friends is coming to Wy'east Middle School in Hood River this December. Performances with be on held Sunday, December 7th at 7:00 pm and Monday, December 8th at 8:30 pm. Although attendance is free, a donation of $10 is recommended. The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is presenting this performance of Christmas with VOCI and Friends, read more details of who to expect below.

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association presents the Voci Choir, Gorge Brass Ensemble, Vocal Quartet and more for two evenings of beautiful seasonal music by such composers as Ola Gjeilo, Morten Lauridsen, Stephen Paulus, Gustav Holst, and more!

SRC: Find information for Christmas with VOCI and Friends at: gorgeculture.org/calendar/

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

Kiyokawa Family Orchards

The Kiyokawa Family Orchards is located in Hood River Oregon, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Kiyokawa Family Orchard grows many fruits and provides many ways to engage with the orchards. This video was put together by the Oregon State University and they have done a wonderful job of capturing the natural health and beauty of what an Oregon Orchard can provide. Read details about the Kiyokawa Family Orchard below.

The Kiyokawa family has been farming in the Hood River Valley since 1911. A third-generation orchardist, Randy took over the orchard from his father in 1988.
“I kind of knew in the back of my mind this was what I would do, but as a kid I wanted to be a policeman or a DJ,” Randy says.
Instead, he studied agricultural engineering at Oregon State University, and worked in Portland for several years before it was time for him to come back home and take over the farm.
Under Randy’s leadership, the orchard has focused on direct marketing to customers through fruit stands, farmers markets and U-pick orchards. He says that direct marketing saved the orchard when the apple market collapsed and his business was struggling.
“The farm-direct side has really taken off. I love dealing with the customers,” he says. “The local and sustainable movement has been a big plus.”       

SRC: Watch another video featuring the Kiyokawa Family Orchards at: sites.oregonstate.edu/beaver-nation/everywhere/gorge/

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The Adventure Leadership Institute of OSU

If these are the leaders of tomorrow, then we all have some amazing things to look forward to. These young passionate people are embracing everything the world has to offer and shouldn't we all? The director of the Adventure Leadership Institute has the right idea in his philosophy that "Having adventures makes us all better leaders". With places like the Columbia River Gorge we can all become better adventures and leaders. Read more about the Adventure Leadership Institute of OSU below.

Tourists by the thousands come to the Columbia River Gorge for fun and adventure. And for some, it’s a unique learning experience, too.Josh Norris directs the Adventure Leadership Institute at Oregon State University. Among the adventures he leads for students and other participants are canyoneering trips to Metlako Falls, below the better-known Punchbowl Falls. The falls are roughly a mile and a half down the Eagle Creek Trail, the trailhead for which is about 45 miles east of Portland. Josh believes adventure can be a transformative learning experience. Through activities like canyoneering, hiking and climbing, students learn to work together, stay calm under pressure and succeed no matter what life – or nature – throws at them. “We’re not just facilitating fun adventures for these students,” Josh says. “We want to make them better people, and better at whatever they end up doing in life.”

SRC: Find more about OSU's Adventure Leadership Institute at: sites.oregonstate.edu/beaver-nation/everywhere/gorge/

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

Columbia River Gorge by Oregon State University

The Oregon State University released this video and in an instant you can see why the Columbia River Gorge is a must see destination. The beauty of the Gorge is undeniable, the opportunity for adventure is limitless and the inspiration to engage in this environment is addictive. Read a description from the Oregon State University below, and do not cheat yourself out of viewing this amazing video.

The Columbia River Gorge is full of magic. The roughly 80-mile canyon — stretching east from the mouth of the Sandy River in Troutdale to the confluence of the Deschutes River just east of The Dalles — forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington. The scenery — with the mile-wide river, multiple waterfalls, towering Mount Hood and a landscape that transforms from lush forests to dry grasslands as you travel east — can take your breath away, even if you’re just driving through. Lewis and Clark passed through on their transcontinental journey in 1805, and today the gorge attracts visitors from around the world, including wind surfers and kite boarders who take advantage of its strong, steady winds. Agriculture was — and is — a cornerstone of the economy, with hundreds of family-owned apple, pear and cherry orchards, plus a burgeoning wine industry and craft-brewing community. But the gorge is also fast becoming a center of industry, including aerospace, high tech and energy.   

SRC: See what else OSU is doing at: sites.oregonstate.edu/beaver-nation/everywhere/gorge/

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

Veterans Day Sales in Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets

Plan ahead with this weekends Veterans Day Sales in the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets. Most of the stores in the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets will be participating in some major sales for this holiday weekend. Get that holiday shopping started early this year and you'll be grateful when you see those crazy lines build up. Some of the deals include: ADIDAS November 5-11th will have 30% off Store wide and Eddie Bauer Outlet November 7-11th will have 40%-70% off entire store. Not sure what stores are located in the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlet? We have provided you a list below, happy savings.

Designer Fashions & Sportswear
    Adidas
    Christopher & Banks NEW
    Destination Maternity Outlet
    Eddie Bauer Outlet
    Gap Factory Store
    Jockey
    Jones New York
    L'eggs Hanes Bali Playtex
    Lane Bryant Outlet
    Levi's Outlet Store
    Loft Outlet
    Maidenform
    Pendleton NEW
    Rue21
    Tommy Hilfiger
    Van Heusen
For Children
    Carter's
    Gymboree Outlet
    OshKosh B'gosh
Shoes
    Adidas
    Clarks Bostonian
    Famous Footwear Outlet
    G.H. Bass & Co. - Footwear
    Naturalizer
    Rack Room Shoes NEW
    Vans
Fine Leather & Luggage
    Coach
    Coach Men's
    Samsonite
Accessories & Jewelry
    Claire's
    Coach
    Coach Men's
    Zales Outlet
Housewares & Home Furnishings
    Kitchen Collection
Gifts & Specialty Items
    Book Warehouse NEW
    Christian Outlet
    Go! Calendars & Games NEW
    Harry & David
    Perfumania
    Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
    Tools & More NEW
    Toys"R"Us Express NEW
    Uniform Destination
    Vitamin World
   Food
    Hickory Farms NEW
    Subway

SRC: View more store specific Sales & Events for the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets at: www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/sales.asp?id=28

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2014 Columbia Gorge Marathon Finish List

The Columbia Gorge Marathon & Half Marathon was an amazing success. The 2015 Columbia Gorge Marathon & Half Marathon is already open for registration, so no excuses for lack of time to prepare, you have an entire year. The 2015 Columbia Gorge Marathon will be held October 25th. Take a look below to view the Top 10 Males and Females who finished the 2014 Columbia Gorge Marathon.

Male Participants 1. Danny Connolly 2:53:47 2. Joshua Monda 2:55:27 3. Francisco Maya 2:58:02 4. Taylor Halverson 3:01:56 5. Kris Cohen 3:08:35 6. Joeseph Pitt 3:13:37 7. Shane Land 3:15:38 8. Jonathan Seiber 3:16:18 9. Aaron Wheelock 3:17:19 10. Eric Kelso 3:22:47

Female Participants 1. Jax Koudele 3:09:53 2. Jane Rudkin 3:15:38 3. Maya Lovlien 3:22:26 4. Monica Lawrnce 3:33:30 5. Ally Bray 3:33:42 6. Annarose Pandey 3:37:06 7. Lorrie Chinn 3:37:26 8. Maryelizabeth Breton 3:40:46 9. Angie Eastman 3:42:13 10. Heidi Hagman 3:45:35

SRC: Looking for a specific Participant? Find out how they did at: onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=44285&submit_action=Refresh+Leaders&num=10&split=TIME#racetop

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Chinook Salmon Heading Home

The Chinook Salmon is also known as the King Salmon. The Chinook Salmon are the largest Salmon found in the Columbia River. The average adult is 22 pounds but at the Bonneville Dam these fish weighing 40-50 pounds can be viewed in the fish ladders. Chinook Salmon are passing the lower Columbia River through the dams from August to November, if you hurry to the Bonneville Dam you can catch a glimpse of the last Salmon travelers of the season heading home. Read some distinguishing characteristics of the Chinook Salmon below.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Large Size

• Oval Body

• Silver in color until close to spawning when the males turn a dark "dirty" maroon hue or red color.  The females become darker silver to almost black

• Spots on the upper portion of body and on the tail or 'caudal fin'

• Crescent shape end tail

• Black gum line

SRC: Learn more about the Chinook Salmon at: www.columbiarivergorge.info/fish.html

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How to Prepare for a Hike in the Forest

In the Photo above is Skip Tschanz in search of the newest greatest hiking trail. He spent his summer hiking in the forest roaming the trails in the Columbia River Gorge and the Mount Hood areas. When someone spends that much time out hiking they are sure to have some helpful advice for inspired hikers. Check out his helpful suggestions below of how to keep your hikes safer and more enjoyable.

On the trail: Stay found, know where you are. Check your map at every fork in the trail. Walk a few paces in your new direction and look behind you so that you will recognize the trail you came in on.
As a matter of habit, every once in a while I’ll take a look back in the direction I am coming from. Here is another mistake that beginning hiker can make: Often hikers take a lunch break at their turn around point. They sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery, food and good company. Then they repack their stuff; and head off in the wrong direction; hiking away from their car, not towards it. More than a few folks have spent a cold night in the woods because they were busy gabbing, not busy thinking. If you get turned around in the Gorge; find Trail 400, it will always take you back to the highway.
Here goes the end of my random thoughts. Forgot your compass? An analog watch will make a workable substitute. Point the hour hand at the sun, and then draw a line between that and the 12 o’clock mark. That line will point north. If you have a digital watch just draw an analog watch on a piece of paper. Adjust your watch for standard time if it is set for daylight savings time.
How long will I have daylight? Stretch your right arm out, holding your hand horizontal so that your pointer finger is just below the sun.
You will have about 15 minutes for each finger between the sun and the horizon.

SRC: Find more helpful tips for preparing for a Hike at: www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/oct/25/wandering-forest-roads-hunt-greatest-hiking-trail/

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New Website for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Museum has received a major face-lift for their website and soon their membership cards and everything else that follows. The new look is a reflection of their historical association with Lewis and Clark, as stated in their about us web page "The area includes one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in North America (over 11,000 years), immediate proximity to one of the largest rivers on the continent, and access to the Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trails." This is a fun and beautiful new website for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, read more about this new website below.

The rebranding was undertaken by WebRock Design, a Pacific Northwest-oriented branding and website design company. “We were particularly excited to give the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum a profile boost because it’s part of our own community,” says founder Alexa Shuman. “We’re proud to encourage more ‘PNW natives’ and visitors learn about this amazing region’s history and ecology.”
The organization’s offerings remain the same, with interactive multimedia exhibits, outdoor activities, and daily live Birds of Prey shows. “Over the coming months, all of our marketing collateral will be updated, starting with our website,” says May. Members’ cards will similarly be updated to reflect the new brand. “We owe thanks to the Paul Allen Family Foundation for the generous grant that funded this project,” notes Carolyn Purcell, Executive Director. “It’s really about continuing to offer the most memorable interpretive experience possible.”

SRC: Read more about the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum's new website at: www.prweb.com/releases/2014/10/prweb12278533.htm

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