Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler Returns

The historic Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler returns to the Tri-Cities in April of 2015. The Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is offering two-hour lunch cruises, two-hour brunch tours and dinner cruises for a limited time from April 17 through April 26. The dinner cruise for April 18th is already sold out so hurry and get your seat reserved before it is too late. On a budget, no worries you can forgo the food and hop a ride for only $28 per person. Learn about a sight seeing cruise on the Colombia Gorge Sternwheeler below.

Longer sight-seeing cruises are scheduled April 21, 23 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Passengers depart from the Clover Island Inn and tour the Columbia and Snake rivers, passing through the Ice Harbor Dam and the Snake River Valley.
Sight-seeing cruises include a captain’s narration, continental breakfast, lunch buffet, dessert, coffee and hot tea service. The full package costs $88 per adult and $80 for children.

Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/01/28/3382882_sternwheeler-cruises-return-to.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

SRC: Times and prices for the above mentioned cruises are available at: www.tri-cityherald.com/2015/01/28/3382882_sternwheeler-cruises-return-to.html?rh=1

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Is Nestlé Coming to Cascade Locks?

Cascade Locks City Council unanimously voted to approve a key step towards the proposed opening of a Nestlé water bottling plant. This was just one of many steps taken in the last six years of working to bring the Nestlé company to Columbia River Gorge. While this can be an exciting venture for many participating channels, it's not without concern. Learn about the anticipated concerns and benefits of having this water bottling plant brought to Cascade Locks, Oregon below.

Environmental groups claim Nestlé will misuse Oregon’s public water supply, but local residents are eager to combat the city’s 16 percent unemployment rate with the 50 jobs (pdf) the plant is projected to provide. The council vote approved a water rights application, which is estimated to cut Nestlé’s wait time in half. 

SRC: Learn more and post your opinions about Nestlé building a water bottling plaint in the Columbia River Gorge at: ijpr.org/post/application-brings-nestl-one-step-closer-oregon

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

Sheppard's Dell Hike

Sheppard's Dell hike is a great way to start preparing your body for spring hiking season. Although it is still technically January it sure hasn't felt that way here in the Columbia River Gorge. The sun has been shining so if you can handle a little wind there is no reason not to be out hiking the gorge. If you are looking for a family friendly, short and easy hike for this weekend give Sheppard's Dell Hike a try. Learn more about Sheppard's Dell Hike below.

Sheppard's Dell isn't as much a hike, as a leg stretcher. There are honestly a half dozen more challenging spots within a couple of miles, but Sheppard's Dell deserves mention for it's stonework, if nothing else. The entire 3/10 of a mile is cut from the cliffs and protected by a stone wall created by the masons working on the nearby Columbia highway. Young Creek flows down a series of falls into a deep canyon. When looking at the historic bridge, consider that, despite being built in 1914, it can handle the droves of summertime RVs in the present day!
The trail is paved, although rough in spots. It's perfectly suitable for children and the infirm, but there is a bit of pesky poison oak on the trail, near the highway. A few stairs block the first few feet of the path, making it inaccessible to wheelchairs. There appears to be another falls below the bridge.
It's possible in the late summer through early spring to see the upper tier of the waterfall from the use trail viewpoint at the north end of the parking pullout. 

SRC: Find more information and photos for Sheppard's Dell Hike at: www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Sheppard%27s_Dell_Hike

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Stay in Hood River, Ski Mt. Hood Meadows. And Save Big!

Three different Ski Deals available when you stay at one of the participating Hood River and Gorge area lodging facilities. There are No black-out dates and these offers are available from November 2014 through April 2015. Take a look at the three different offers below, the Ski Package includes 3 lift passes, 3 lessons and free rentals each day.

3-out-of-5 Day Adult Lift Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$99*
3 Time Learn to Ski Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$99*
Single-day Adult Lift Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$49*

SRC: View all participating Lodging Facilities for these Ski Deals at: hoodriver.org/ski-hood

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

Increased Hiking of the Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail Association has reported more web traffic and more long-distance hiking permits requested with the release of the movie Wild. The Pacific Crest Trail starts near Campo, California near the Mexican border then travels 2,650 miles to Washington's Pasayten Wilderness at the Canadian border. The movie, Wild stars Reese Witherspoon, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in her role as Strayed. Strayed was the real version of the woman who travel 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail while recovering from drug abuse, divorce and the death of her mother. Learn more about the Pacific Crest Trail below.

Hikers hoping to do the whole trail typically start in April or May and end in September, walking more than 20 miles a day for five months, with a day off now and then to recuperate and re-supply. Timing is critical: Start too early in the spring and you face flooded creeks and snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains. End too late in the season and you'll hit snow in the Northern Cascade mountains.
In addition to endurance and careful planning, long-distance hikers also need to think about money. A through-hike can easily cost $6,000, including the flight to San Diego, food for five months and gear like maps, backpack, sleeping bag and tent. "People who head out with $3,000 often find they're running out of money," Haskel said. Through-hikers also typically wear out four or five pairs of trail-running shoes, which are the preferred footgear these days, rather than the boots that caused Strayed agony when she hiked the PCT in 1995.
But you don't have to hike long distances to enjoy the PCT. You can go for a few hours, a day or an overnight. The PCTA website recommends many popular, accessible options, including Mount Baden Powell near Los Angeles; Mount Rainier and Goat Rocks near Seattle; and the Cascade Locks and Bridge of the Gods near Portland, Ore., where a scene in the movie was shot.

SRC: Read full article at: www.tampabay.com/features/travel/movie-wild-lures-more-people-to-hike-pacific-crest-trail/2215284

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Cascade Locks Ale House Opens Taps

Shelly James co-owner of Cascade Locks Ale House
Photo by: Julie Raefield-Gobbo

What was once known as the Pacific Crest Pub and Hostel is now the Cascade Locks Ale House. New owners, new name but the same historical spirit remains in the old building upstairs. While the new owners do not have plans of intruding on an established ghost who resides upstairs the main floor is fresh with specialty pizza and beer on tap. Learn more about the new Cascade Locks Ale House below.

James would rather focus on the present and plans for the future.

“Our current specialty is pizza. We make our dough fresh along with the sauce,” she said.

James notes that plans are in the works to start a small brewery at the site within the next year or so, but a good selection of tapped and bottle beer is already available. The Ale House also sells a zippy, bottled horseradish sauce — a patented recipe — which is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

“We ship cases of this all over the country,” James said.

SRC: Learn more about the historical spirit living upstairs at: www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2013/jan/15/cascade-locks-ale-house-opens-taps/

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The Columbia River Gorge Welcomes the Eagles Back

The Columbia River Gorge and Oregon in general is on the migration route for bald eagles coming from Alaska, Yellowstone, Arizona and more. One of the best places to view these eagles is The Dalles Dam Visitors Center, look out the window you'll likely see one while you're parking the car. It is a beautiful sight to watch these majestic birds in the wild, but please remember to respect them. It is illegal to kill, harm or trap any bald or golden eagle. Learn how close to extinction these eagles came below.

In the 1950s and 1960s seeing a bald eagle was extraordinarily rare. By 1963, mainly because of the widespread use of DDT, bald eagle populations had fallen to just 500 breading pairs in the entire lower 48 states.

But a book written by Rachel Carson in 1962 saved the bald eagles from extinction. “Silent Spring“ put the spotlight on the culprit decimating the bird population, DDT, one of the most widely used pesticides in the U.S. In 1972 the Environmental Agency took the unprecedented step of banning manufacture or use of DDT.

In 1963 there were only 500 breading pairs of bald eagles in the entire continental USA excluding Alaska. In 1973 they were listed as an endangered species, except in Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, where they were listed as threatened.

With DDT banned, the eagle populations grew. By 1995 their numbers were high enough that they were upgraded to threatened in all the lower 48 states. As of June 28, 2007 their numbers had risen to just over 10,000 breading pairs and bald eagles were removed from the endangered and threatened list.

SRC: Learn more great places to view these Eagles from Skip Tschanz's personal experience at: www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2015/jan/24/eagles-are-back/

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Celebrate Winter in Oregon

Photo credit: Mt. Bachelor

Discover fun new ways to embrace Oregon in the winter with Travel Oregon's 9 ways to Celebrate Winter. Start with a ranger-guided tour at Crater Lake then relax at Crystal Crane Hot Springs near Burns. You could always watch a winter storm at the coast or take up some fishing in the Columbia River. Whichever activities you choose to enjoy in the winter be sure to take a friend with you for safety.

SRC: Find more ways to celebrate winter in Oregon at: traveloregon.com/trip-ideas/oregon-stories/9-ways-to-celebrate-winter-in-oregon/


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

Valentine’s Day Dance

Join the Corbett Grange for a family Valentine's Day Dance on February 14th. Doors open at 6 pm for Valentine's desserts and visiting, from 7-9 pm there will be dancing and kids crafts. Corbett is a beautiful place with a significant place in history along the Columbia River Gorge. Read about Corbett, OR history below and enjoy the Valentine's Day Family Dance.

This community on the Historic Columbia River Highway between Sandy River and Crown Point was named for Senator Henry Winslow Corbett, one of Oregon’s prominent pioneer citizens,  for many years a resident of Portland. In 1885, Mr. Corbett purchased a nearby farm from Ervine J. Taylor, who had moved down to the Columbia River about the time the railroad was  built in 1882.For many years there was a station named Corbett on the Union Pacific Railroad at the base of the bluff below the community. The station is gone, but there is a small commercial cluster where Corbett Hill Road leaves 1-84 and climbs the hill to connect to the historic highway. The first post office at what is now Corbett was Leader, established in July 1881. The name of this office was changed to Taylor in 1882 and moved down to the river by Ervine Taylor. Corbett post office was later established December 20, 1895, with William H. H. Reed first postmaster.  Reed Island on the Washington side of the Columbia River  was named for Reed who lived there until washed out by the  1894 flood, after which he moved up to Corbett.

SRC: Find more details for the Valentines' Day Dance in Corbett at: corbettoregon.com/news/grange-valentines-day-dance/ & Learn more about Corbett's History at: corbettoregon.com/history-of-corbett/

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Columbia Gorge Wine and Chocolate Valentine’s Weekend

In three weeks Valentines day will be upon us so plan ahead to ensure a wonderful experience to remember forever. This year more than 20 wineries will be extending their Valentine's Day weekend through Monday, which is also President's Day. This is great new because you have more time to enjoy the Columbia Gorge Wine and Chocolate Valentines Weekend, which offers many discounts on wines, lodging and provides many wine tastings. Get swept away for the weekend in the beautiful Columbia Gorge Wine and Chocolate Valentine’s Weekend February 14th - February 16th. Read about what specific wineries will be providing for this big weekend below.

“We will be celebrating our new tasting room and the official release of our 2011 Merlot on this very special occasion,” John Haw, winemaker at Jacob Williams Winery, said in a news release.

Also, Mt. Hood Winery will be releasing their much anticipated 2013 Pinot Noir paired with chocolate dipped fruits.

Rachael Horn, winemaker and owner of AniChe Cellars in Underwood, Wash., said, “We are excited to offer our very special food pairing of the weekend, chocolate, candied-bacon cupcakes. And, of course, every one of our handcrafted artisan wines will be open for your tasting enjoyment!”

Discounted accommodations are being offered for lodging at partner properties all along the 40-mile corridor that makes up the Columbia River Gorge wine country. The luxurious Columbia Cliff Villas are offering a special package for the weekend that includes discounts of up to 50 percent on room rates. 

Learn more about the Columbia Gorge Wine and Chocolate Valentine’s Weekend at: www.greatnorthwestwine.com/event/columbia-gorge-wine-and-chocolate-valentines-weekend/

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

Cheryl Strayed's Wild Journey

Cheryl Strayed, the author of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail will be appearing on the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show in Rosemont to discuss her memoir. If you're interested in watching Cheryl Strayed on the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show, she will be speaking at 12:15 p.m. on January 17th, 2015. In anticipation of Cheryl Strayed's appearance Chicago called her up and discussed her experiences and her travel tips. Read Cheryl Strayed's response to the question "You said that you felt changed after being on the trail after your first eight days. Do you believe others can find that same sense of change in just a week or even a weekend?" below.

Of course. Obviously that sense of change deepens profoundly over time. I think everyone does deserve at least one time in their life when they take a longer journey because it does have its own accumulative power. But absolutely, I can get away for a day and feel like ok, that was great, I needed that. Even the small journeys, like deciding to take a walk by yourself, can be incredibly restorative.

SRC: Read Cheryl Stray's entire interview at: www.chicagomag.com/travel/January-2015/Cheryl-Strayed-Has-This-Wild-Travel-Advice-for-You/


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The Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta presents “The Bold, the Brilliant, and the Beautiful.”

Join the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta when they present "The Bold, the Brilliant, and the Beautiful" at The Dalles Civic Auditorium this February.  This program will be performed from 7:00 pm -8:30 pm on Friday February 20th, 2015 and from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm on Sunday February 22nd, 2015. Learn details about this program presented by The Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta below.

Come experience the power of great orchestral music, as the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta presents “The Bold, the Brilliant, and the Beautiful.” The program includes the Oregon premiere (and only second performance worldwide) of Grammy-winning composer Austin Wintory’s “Banner Saga Suite,” stirring, Viking-inspired music with a cinematic flair. Dimitri Shostakovich’s rarely performed Second Piano Concerto will feature local soloist Corin Parker. The concert concludes with Johannes Brahms’ lyrical masterpiece, Symphony #2.

SRC: Contact the Columbia Gorge Arts & Culture Alliance for more information at: gorgeculture.org/calendar/

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

Oregon the Relocation Destination

Oregon has topped the list as the most popular place to move to for the second year in a row. Oregon being a desired location for living is contributed several factors. The first likely reason people are moving to Oregon is the outdoor recreational space available for camping, hiking, hunting, and so on. Another big reason is the cost of living is lower in Oregon than the average in America, lower by 1.2 per cent. Also, in 2013 Oregon was one of the top 3 states for job growth, reasonably attracting more people to this state in the great northwest. Read more about what is pulling people to Oregon below.

Economist Michael Stoll, chairman of the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, said the figures reflected the overall trend in migration towards southern and western states.However, it is Oregon's 'unique amenities' which he believes push it to the top of the pile. These include outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment activities, and green space - which the mountainous state has plenty of. Travel Oregon, the state's tourist board, lists its own 'seven wonders' - including the Columbia River Gorge, to Crater Lake and the Wallowa Mountains.

SRC: Learn where new Oregon residence are coming from at: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2903105/The-modern-day-Oregon-trail-Pacific-northwest-state-tops-list-people-moving-cross-country-thanks-green-spaces-affordable-living.html#ixzz3OdF1pmEV

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Paraglide Rope Swing over the Columbia River Gorge

Some things people do in the Columbia River Gorge are just amazing. Here we see Matthias Giraud and friends who have spent two years organizing and constructing an adventure of a lifetime. The team of friends constructed a tandem paraglide rope swing for riding in the wind over the Columbia River Gorge. Learn about the Bend, Oregon resident who put this Paraglide Rope Swing idea into action below, and embrace the Columbia River Gorge in your own way everyday.

The 31-year-old, of Bend, Oregon, took to the sky with his friends before unstrapping himself from one paraglider and launching himself off on a swing attached to the other.
Mr Giraud, also known as Super Frenchie, is a professional skier and BASE jumper who previously completed the first ski BASE jump off the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

SRC: Enjoy more of this Paraglide Rope Swing Adventure over the Columbia River Gorge at: web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Daredevil_swings_from_paragliders

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

Hike to Bald Mountian

Hiking to Bald Mountain may look intimidating but the trail is actually classified as Easy and Family Friendly. For a round trip the total distance is 2.0 miles with only 550 feet in elevation gain. With convenient rock outcrops at the viewpoint that you can sit in and enjoy before heading down there is no reason not engage with your inner hiker at Bald Mountain. Learn more about Bald Mountain for your future trip below.

This hike begins at one of the more crowded trailheads, but quickly moves to one of the most forgotten spots on the mountain. At the summit of Bald Mountain, you'll not only be treated with a stunning view of Mount Hood, but will also see traces of an old fire lookout that stood here in the 1940s. You'll likely have the summit to yourself.
From the Top Spur Trailhead, climb through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one-half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right and immediately arrive at a confusing junction of four trails and Mount Hood Wilderness registration box. In 2010 new signs were been posted at this junction, making it slightly less confusing (albeit missing basic mileage and directional arrows). The trail to the right, and downhill, is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail (#2000) and is marked with a sign to Timberline Lodge. The route to the left is the northward section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to Cairn Basin. The trail straight ahead, and uphill, is the southbound section of the Timberline Trail (#600), with a sign to the Muddy Fork, and is the route to Bald Mountain.  

SRC: Find more photography and helpful information for planning your trip to Bald Mountain at: www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Bald_Mountain_from_Top_Spur_Hike

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

Mount Defiance Trail

Want to hike to the highest point in the Columbia Gorge? Looking for a challenging 7.2 mile Hike? Try the Mt. Defiance Trail for the ultimate workout in the Columbia Gorge. Take a map and plan ahead when taking on challenging trails. Read details about the Mount Defiance Trail below.

Mt Defiance is the highest point in the Columbia Gorge at 4,960 feet. This challenging 7.2 mile trail begins at Starvation Creek Rest Area (55 miles east of Portland, OR on Interstate 84) and ends at Mt Defiance south trailhead (south of Mt Defiance).  The hike to the summit of Mt Defiance is 6 miles one way from Starvation Creek Rest Area.

SRC: Learn more about the Mount Defiance Trail at: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29950&actid=50

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Jonsrud's Viewpoint

Jonsrud's Viewpoint is off of Highway 26 in Sandy Oregon. Jonsrud's Viewpoint provides a location where all Oregonians or visitors can take in a view of a lifetime. This location provides a quiet private spot to take photographs and observe the natural beauty that surrounds you. Read more about Jonsrud's Viewpoint below.

On the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, pull over off Highway 26 for a scenic look at Mt. Hood and be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Barlow Trail route over the mountain. T. G. Jonsrud and his wife Kari settled west of Sandy in 1877. Interpretation provided for the Devil's Backbone section on the Oregon Trail Historic Trail, also part of the historic Barlow Road.

SRC: Check out Jonsrud's Viewpoint on a map and learn more about the area by visiting: www.mthoodterritory.com/jonsruds-viewpoint

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Native American Art of Oregon

Have an interest in learning about Native American Art of Oregon? On January 7th, 2015 Dr. Tracy Prince will be presenting the history of Oregon's Native American Art. This Native American Art of Oregon lecture will be held at the Columbia Center of the Arts in Hood River, OR. The admission is only $8 for this presentation that will began at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. Read details about this Native American Art Lecture below.

At this dynamic conversation and slideshow, learn forgotten moments in Oregon’s Native American history and how Oregon’s Native art differs from that of British Columbia and Alaska. Gorge Owned (GO!) welcomes Dr. Tracy Prince, a Scholar in Residence at PSU’s Portland Center for Public Humanities. She will explain the history of tribal decimations faced by Oregon and Columbia Gorge tribes and how Native American cultural and artistic expressions have survived those decimations. Learn how tribes in Oregon and the Columbia Gorge have expressed artistry via basketry, canoes, longhouses, burial platforms, rock art, beadwork (on clothing, necklaces, headdress and cradleboards), and contemporary artists whose sculptures and paintings are internationally renown.

SRC: Register to attend this Native American Art of Oregon Lecture by visiting: gorgeowned.org/programs/sense-of-place/

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Iconic Timberline Lodge

The season of skiing, snowboarding or just drinking hot cocoa while admiring the snow is upon us. Mount Hood is Oregon's highest mountain at 11, 245 feet where Oregonians or visitors can come to experience the season of snow. The Iconic Timberline Lodge is ready and waiting for you to come visit this winter wonderland that is Oregon's Mount Hood. Learn more about this perfect winter vacation destination below.

Iconic Timberline Lodge, a national historic landmark built in the 1930s, stands at the 6,000-foot level of the mountain. Two thousand feet downhill, the village of Government Camp is the gateway to Mount Hood SkiBowl, the country’s largest night-skiing area. Skiers also enjoy Mount Hood Meadows on the peak’s eastern slope.

SRC: Find more Northwest Weekend Getaways like the Iconic Timberline Lodge at: www.bendbulletin.com/lifestyle/2723461-151/northwest-travel-2015-weekend-getaways#

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Movie Night at The History Museum

Help the Museum and see a movie for just $5 by joining The History Museum for a movie night. Movie night at the museum will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on January 16th, 2015. The money raised from movie night will help support the repair to the paddle wheel and bonus points for children 10 and under are free. Find out what movie will be playing below and we hope to see you at the museum movie night.

Do you want to help save the History Museum’s most iconic artifact? Do you love movies? On Friday January 16, The Hood River County History Museum will be showing “Maverick.” The movie features Mel Gibson as Brett Maverick, a gambler in need of money for a poker tournament. He encounters many comical mishaps and challenges including facing a charming female thief played by Jodi Foster. It also features James Garner who played Maverick in the 1950’s television series.

SRC: More details for Movie Night at The History Museum are available at: gorgeevents.com/movie-night-at-the-museum-hood-river-jan-16/

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