Troutdale First Friday Art Walk

Join Troutdale in their First Friday Art Walk this April 3rd, 2015. Starting at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m businesses, artists and the local community join together to create an amazing atmosphere in Historic Downtown Troutdale. Learn more about Troutdale's First Friday Art Walk below.

Created in 2001, the Troutdale First Friday Art Walk has become the destination event for all of East County and for many from all over the Portland area. Each month on First Friday, the Troutdale merchants host artists, wineries and musicians.

SRC: Stay updated on Troutdale First Friday Art Walk's by liking them at: www.facebook.com/TroutdaleFirstFriday

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

Columbia Gorge Wine April Passport

The Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association presents the Columbia Gorge Passport for April 2015. The passport provides exclusive offers, discounts and unique experiences at the 24 participating wineries. The Passport can also be used at the Grand Tasting in Portland, The Food and Wine Weekend, Gorge Grapes Weekend and the Barrel and Reserve Tasting Weekend. The Read which Wineries are participating in the Columbia Gorge Passport below.

Wineries participating in April Passport Month include: Analemma Wines, AniChe Cellars, Cathedral Ridge Winery, Cerulean Wine, COR Cellars, Garnier Vineyards, The Gorge White House, Hood Crest Winery, Jacob Williams Winery, Major Creek (at Gorge White House), Maryhill Winery, Memaloose / Idiot's Grace, Mt. Hood Winery, Naked Winery, Pheasant Valley Winery, Phelps Creek Vineyards, The Pines 1852, Springhouse Cellar, Stoltz Winery, Sunshine Mill & Quenett Winery, Syncline Viento, Waving Tree Winery, White Salmon Vineyard and Wy'East Vineyards.

SRC: Get Weekend Event Details and Purchase Your Columbia Gorge Wine Passport at: www.columbiagorgewine.com/passport-month.html

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

Register Now for the 2015 Gorge Ride

Help the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge Historic Highway with their 9th annual Gorge Ride. The Gorge Ride is the biggest fund raising event of the year for the Restore & Reconnect project of the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail. The Friends of the Columbia River Gorge are working on this project to create America's Best Scenic Bikeway, and you can be a part of it just by registering to ride. Read about this amazing bike riding event in the Gorge below.

The ninth annual Gorge Ride sponsored by the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway (FHCRH) will be held Saturday, June 20, 2015, beginning at the Gorge Discovery Center. The ride extends 19.25 miles along the historic highway and state trail west to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead, just east of Hood River, and then returns. The course opens at 7am, and closes at 4pm.

SRC: Register Today and learn more details about the 2015 Gorge Ride at: www.hcrh.org/2015-gorge-ride/

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

Spring Brew Fest at Mt. Hood Meadows

It's the perfect time to enjoy a Spring Brew Fest at Mt. Hood Meadow with the fresh powder that finally made its way to the mountain. The Spring Brew Fest is March 28th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the deck at Mt. Hood Meadows. Enjoy that fresh snow with your beer and learn more about this Spring Brew Fest on Mt. Hood below.

Mt. Hood Meadows proudly presents the Spring Brew Fest! Soak in the sun and taste fantastic beers. This event is open to 21 and older with a valid photo ID. There will be a raffle every half hour as well as other opportunities to win fun prizes.

SRC: Get your lift tickets and learn more about the Spring Brew Fest at: www.skihood.com/schedule-events/special-events/march1/spring-brew-fest

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

Gorge Artists 2015 Open Studios Tour

The Gorge Artists 2015 Open Studios Tour is back this April 10, 11 and 12th. The entire weekend is a free self-guided tour with a detailed map of where to visit the best artists The Columbia River Gorge has to offer. Learn more about this Gorge Artists 2015 Open Studios Tour below.

The tour includes 38 artists working in many different media including painting, drawing, jewelry, glass, sculpture, fiber, mixed media and much more. This year’s artists are located all over the scenic Columbia River Gorge; from Cascade Locks to The Dalles, and Parkdale, OR to Trout Lake, WA. Artists will have work available for purchase. All participating artists have been juried in. They represent the highest quality of work available in the region and a broad spectrum of media, styles and subject matter.
The Gorge region is not only a beautiful scenic area, famous for the dramatic views along the Columbia River, the waterfalls and hiking trails, the windsurfers and kite boarders. It is also becoming known as a great place to experience art. It can be reached from Portland within an hour’s drive, and the region also offers great food, hand crafted wine and beer, and lodging for those wishing to take in the entire weekend.

SRC: Learn more about the Gorge Artists 2015 Open Studios Tour at: gorgeculture.org/event/gorge-artists-open-studios-tour/?instance_id=56

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

Win an Ultralight Backpacking Kit for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Is backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail on your bucket list? With all that hiking you'll want to have this Ultralight Backpacking Kit before hitting the trail. Enter on Facebook for a chance to win, hurry the contest closes March 27th. Learn details about this Ultralight Backpacking Kit below.

It’s desert hiking season on the PCT, so this package is pretty primed for keeping you hydrated and comfortable. One lucky winner will win all of this:

• Platypus GravityWorks 2L System

• Platypus 2L Bottle

• Platypus Carbon Element

• Thermarest NeoAir Xlite

• MSR MicroRocket

• MSR Titan Kettle

• PackTowl UltraLite Towel

• Scarpa Rapid LT footwear

ENTER on Facebook for a chance to WIN 

SRC: Learn more about this contest at: www.pcta.org/2015/win-this-ultralight-backpacking-kit-from-pcta-and-platypus-hydration-27968/

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

Spend Spring Break Outdoors | 4 Ways to Enjoy The Gorge

During Spring Break the flowers are blooming, the air is fresh and there are several ways to get out there and embrace the outdoors this week. The Columbia River Gorge is known for its amazing hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and wildflowers that you just can't take your eyes off of. Read 4 ways to enjoy the Gorge during your spring vacation below.

1. WILDFLOWERS: Wildflowers have arrived almost two to three weeks early this season, and two places to enjoy them right now are Silver Falls State Park and the Columbia River Gorge.

2. HIGH MOUNTAIN RESORTS: If you're unwilling to give up on skiing and snowboarding so easily, four resorts across the state still provide a powder fix.

3. WHALE WATCH WEEK: Twenty-six locations on the Oregon Coast will have volunteers helping visitors spot migrating gray whales this week.

4. RIDE A BIKE: While blooming wildflowers make this a great time to go hiking, it's also an excellent moment to get out on two wheels.

SRC: Learn details and helpful advice about each of these outdoor spring activities to enjoy along The Columbia River Gorge at: www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2015/03/22/four-outdoor-adventures-spring-break/25098039/

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

Hard-Pressed Cider Fest in Hood River

Get ready for a great Saturday on April 11th, 2015 because it's Hood River's 2nd Annual Hard-Pressed Cider Fest. This Hard-Pressed Cider Fest begins at noon and lasts until 7p.m. providing a day of delicious cider tasting fun. Other fun activities will include a kids area, live local music, produce and arts vendors as well as local food venders to fill your tummy and your day. Learn more about this Hard-Pressed Cider Fest below.

With nine cideries and counting, Hood River Valley’s hard cider scene is exploding. These craft cidermakers source the apples, pears and other fruits from the 440+ local orchardists, creating make ciders that truly give you a taste of Hood River, and place the region at the forefront of the new national hard cider movement. Now in its second year, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest gives seasoned and novice cider drinkers alike the chance to sample cider from Hood River County’s very own cider makers, as well as a variety of additional Northwest cideries.

SRC: For a Full list of the 2015 Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest Participating Cideries visit: hoodriver.org/hard-pressed-cider-fest

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

Oregon Enduro Series 2015 Open Registration

The Oregon Enduro Series, the longest running enduro series in North America has opened Registration. The race starts in Bend on June 6th and 7th where there will be a variety of fun physical trails. The second race takes place in Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge on June 20th and 21st. The third race will be at Mt. Bachelor for this years in and out on August 22nd and 23rd. The Oregon Enduro Series finals take place at Mt. Hood on September 12 and 13th. Learn more about this outdoor biking sports event below.

Over the past four years, the Oregon Enduro Series has been a pivotal part of growing the sport of enduro in North America. The Oregon Series has invested years developing their timing system that provides instant, accurate (within a thousandth of a second), and live results on monitors at the finish of every stage as well as live accumulated times at the base area. OES is proud to be part of the founding group of the North American Enduro Tour and associated with the creation of the film The Rise of Enduro, the first feature documentary film about the sport of Enduro Mountain Bike Racing. 

Oregon Enduro Series is honored to work with respected companies in the industry that support mountain bikers, share their love for the sport, and strive to perfect mountain bike products. Santa Cruz has been inspiring mountain bikers from the beginning and makes top of the line bikes for any style of mountain biking. Bell Helmets has been keeping OES safe and looking good with their enduro helmet, the Super, and now with the Super 2R designed by enduro athletes for the needs of today's enduro-style aggressive riding. OES's love for the enduro format is also supported by Shimano, E13/The Hive, Ergon, Clif Bar, Yakima, Fly Racing,Thump Coffee, Pinkbike, and many more great companies that love mountain biking.

SRC: Learn how to Register for The Oregon Enduro Series at: www.pinkbike.com/news/oregon-enduro-series-opens-2015-registration.html

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

Day Trip to Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge

 

Only 16 miles east of Portland you'll find two magnificent natural wonders, Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge. Each of these one of a kind attractions can provides an entire weeks worth of entertainment and sightseeing but could visited in a day if your coming from Portland or somewhere nearby. Read some great ways to enjoy Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge below.

Mt. hood is the highest point in oregon, not so much a mountain as an active volcano and the crown jewel of the columbia river gorge, an area seemingly designed by.    The mt. hood loop day trip is an excellent way to experience the rugged wilderness, verdant farmland and charming small towns that lie just outside of the vibrant. Hood river winery tours is in the columbia river gorge, oregon and washington. providing custom/private wine tasting tours in hood river,.

SRC: Watch a Travel Guide to Portland video and learn more about a Day Trip to Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge at: people.coolhdx.com/tag/mt-hood-and-columbia-river-gorge-day-trip-from-portland-

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

The Columbia River in the 1800s

Do you love The Columbia River today with all it's beauty? We do, but have you ever wondered what it may have looked like in previous years. In the photo above, you can see what the Columbia River looked like before The Dalles Dam was built. Read about The Columbia River and how it was used in the 1800's below.

During the time period my books are set, the 1870s and 1880s, there was no highway through the Gorge—in fact, there was rugged territory that had to be transversed through the edges of the Cascade Mountains, and some of it could only be accomplished by boat. One of the largest hurdles to boat travel during that time period was Celilo Falls, a few miles above The Dalles, Oregon. I was only a few years old when The Dalles Dam was built and Celilo Falls flooded. It wasn’t so much a large dropping fall, as a series of small falls and rapids where the Native Americans had fished for generations. I remember my parents driving up there so my older sister and I could see it before it disappeared for the last time.

SRC: Explore more Columbia River Gorge History at: www.hhhistory.com/2015/03/travel-on-columbia-river-in-1800s-and.html

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

Waterfalls & Hiking in The Columbia River Gorge

Spring is in the air and for many that means planing a hiking trip to your favorite waterfall. Not sure which waterfall hikes are the best for spring? Check out three of the best waterfall hikes in spring below and remember to take a camera.

Take Some Photos at Latourell Falls

In the Columbia River Gorge, you’ll find the amazing Latourell Falls just a few hundred feet from the road; once you’re in the parking lot, the viewpoint for the falls is straight ahead of you. If you feel like, take the short trail off to the side — it’s only a few hundred yards long — and walk right up to the small pool at the base of the falls for some amazing photos. Be warned; you will get soaked. Learn more.

Insider Tip: Taking the side trail means you can explore behind the fall.  

Hike to Wahclella Falls

This accessible, out-and-back hike will take you a mile in to see Wahclella Falls. There’s a slight elevation gain, but don’t worry — at two miles total, this hike is easy enough that you’ll have plenty of energy to explore more nearby spots afterward. Make sure to bring your camera — you’ll want to take photos of the falls from every angle. Learn more. 

Insider Tip: Do lots of hiking in the PNW? Pick up a $30 Northwest Pass at REI and you won’t be paying any more entrance or parking fees.

Check Out Multnomah Falls

Looking for another gorgeous and easily accessible waterfall to visit in the Columbia River Gorge? You’re in luck; from the parking lot, it’s a short walk to reach Multnomah Falls’ main viewpoint. For a longer hike, take the 2.6-mile round trip hike to the viewpoint at the top of the falls, or the 4.9-mile round trip hike that leads you to see even more of the beautiful falls in the area. Regardless, try to arrive early; this spot can get crowded. Learn more. 

Insider Tip: The lodge and visitor’s center at the falls has a coffee bar, restaurant, and restrooms.

SRC: Discover 2 more great trips for Spring in The Columbia River Gorge at: www.7x7.com/play/spring-road-trip-hiking-and-waterfalls-portland

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

Pacific Northwest | Women in Wilderness

Oregon Wild Wednesday is presenting Women in the Wilderness on March 25, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Ruby McConnell will be discussing real and perceived barriers for women in the outdoors and much more. This FREE presentation is open for all ages and will be hosted at Base Camp Brewing on Oak Street in Portland, Oregon. Learn about speaker Ruby McConnell below.

Ruby is a writer, geologist, and dancer from Oregon. Ruby writes about nature, the outdoors, and the intersection of the environment and human experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences and Environmental Science from the University of Oregon and a Master's of Science degree in Geology from Northern Arizona University. In 2008, she became a State of Oregon Registered Geologist and a certified Wetlands Scientist. Ruby has worked in environmental education and advocacy for over 20 years, teaching earth sciences at Portland and Mt. Hood Community colleges and MESD Outdoor School. Her published works include professional geologic papers, personal essays, and her blog, Girl Gone Wild. Her book, A Woman's Guide to the Wilderness - is being published by Sasquatch Books in 2016.

SRC: Learn more about this Oregon Wild Wednesday Event at: orwild.org/events/oregon-wild-wednesday-portland-women-wilderness

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

Un-Cruise Adventure | The Columbia River Gorge

Un-Cruise Adventures takes you to The Columbia River Gorge and Snake River for views of natural wonders. The Columbia River Gorge provides opportunities to easily visit waterfalls including Multnomah Falls, the Bonneville Dam and breath-taking views of the earth split by the mighty river. Enjoy the Un-Cruise Adventures video featuring The Columbia River Gorge, read more about this Cruise below.

Un-Cruise Adventures' 88-guest S.S. Legacy, a replica coastal steamer, offers weeklong river cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Transit eight locks, take a speed boat into Hells Canyon, stand under towering waterfalls, and retrace the journey of Lewis & Clark. Included shore excursions to museums, forts and wineries uncover how agriculture, engineering and history has shaped this vast region. Stunning scenery unfolds on your journey from the verdant west departing Portland through the stunning Columbia Gorge on to the rolling hills of the Palouse and to Hell’s Canyon—North America’s deepest river gorge.

SRC: Book your Columbia River Gorge Cruise Today at: www.un-cruise.com/columbia-river-cruises

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

The Best of The Columbia River Gorge

Discover the best of The Columbia River Gorge with The Oregonian's Terry Richard. Terry provides The Best of...everything when it comes to the Gorge, even the Best Selfie Spot which is while Kite surfing at Rowena. Read what Terry's Best Buy and Best Day to Visit The Columbia River Gorge is below.

Best day to visit: May 1 is the peak of the spring wildflower bloom on the sunny easy side, around Mosier and Rowena. But cheat and go every day, from April 15 to May 15, if you can swing it.

Best buy this: Pick up a bottle of Cathedral Ridge barbera reserve and drink it in the winery's landscaped picnic area, with views across the gorge to Mount Adams (21 and over, please).

SRC: Discover the full article showcasing The Best of The Columbia River Gorge at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/03/columbia_river_gorge_one_of_7_1.html

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

A Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Dream Vacation

Plan your next Oregon vacation to visit Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge. In this video you will find many types of activities that you can plan for but you will find so much more when you arrive. When you visit Mt. Hood you become King of the world, at least that's how the mighty mountain makes you feel. Then when your in The Columbia River Gorge, one step on to a trail and you will feel as though you've entered a fantasy wonderland. Enjoy your Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Vacation.

Learn more about visiting Mt. Hood and The Columbia River Gorge at: traveloregon.com/cities-regions/mt-hood-the-gorge/

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

Top 7 Waterfall Hikes in The Columbia River Gorge

Hiking is great but hiking and finding waterfalls is amazing. The Columbia River Gorge is home to many waterfall hikes. Discover your perfect waterfall hike and then hike it. Read descriptions of the top 5 waterfall hikes in The Columbia River Gorge below.

Wachlella Falls ~ An easy, relaxing hike to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Gorge.

Eagle Creek ~ A Gorge classic which unfortunately brings large crowds during the summer.  Hike into Eagle Creek Canyon covered in lush green forests to iconic Punchbowl Falls passing Metlako and Lower Punchbowl Falls along the way.

Elowah Falls and Upper McCord Falls ~ A lovely hike to two beautiful, less visited falls

Wahkenna Falls to Fairy Falls ~ The trail climbs to the base of Wahkeena falls, continues up a steep climb to an overlook of the Columbia River Gorge, then up to Fairy Falls. Return the way you came, or follow the path above Fairy Falls to Multnomah Falls.

Dry Creek Falls ~ A beautiful hike along a well-maintained trail.  This hike has great fall color shows.

SRC: Discover the remaining two Waterfall Hikes at: hoodriverlodging.com/2015/03/07/7-wonderful-waterfall-hikes-in-the-columbia-river-gorge-one-of-oregons-7-wonders/

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

Guided Fishing at Chinook Landing on The Columbia River Gorge

If you enjoy fishing in The Columbia River Gorge you'll want to check-out North Oregon Guide Service. You can enjoy a fishing trip without a long drive to the coast by visiting Chinook Landing in Fairview, Oregon. Chinook Landing Marine Park includes easy access to the docks, restrooms and six launching lanes on the Columbia River. Learn about North Oregon Guide Service's Fishing Guide Bill Green below.

Oregon Fishing Guide Bill Green is a native to the area with over 25 years experience fishing the Columbia & Willamette rivers. Along with the Coastal & Gorge areas of the Pacific Northwest. Bill has devoted his life long passion for fishing into his career as a Oregon Fishing Guide and  enjoys putting  anglers of all experience levels on the fish. It has been said he enjoys watching people on his boat catch fish as much as he likes catching them himself. Bill is very friendly and a likable guy who enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors with his family and friends Hunting deer & elk, fishing, shed hunting, Snowboarding, biking & hiking.
Salmon are his favorite fish to pursue but he also enjoys the thrill of chasing the enormous Sturgeon of the Pacific Northwest as well as Steelhead and Shad. If you are looking for a Oregon fishing Guide You can be assured Bill Green will work hard to get you into fish! Catching fish is what he does & he does it good!

Read more about Oregon Fishing Guide Bill Green and how he networks with other guides at: northoregonfishing.com/oregon-fishing-guide/

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

Culinary and Wine Adventure in The Columbia River Gorge

Relax while you join us on a culinary and wine adventure in The Columbia River Gorge. This tour includes only a small taste of the dinning and winery options available along This Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Stops include The Riverenz, The Gorge White House, Marchesi Vineyards and Nora's Table. View HoodGorge's Culinary and Wine Adventure in The Columbia River Gorge video description below. Remember No excuses...Just go from Mt. Hood to The Gorge.

The beauty of Oregon's Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge region is legendary, and pairs nicely with the delicious food and outstanding wines. Taste and sample your way through the Hood/Gorge!

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

The First of America’s National Scenic Areas

The Columbia River Gorge was the first of America's National Scenic Areas. Running 80 miles long through the Cascade Mountains the Columbia Gorge is unlike any other destination in the world. This wonderland include volcanoes, waterfalls, mountains and lakes all with many hiking, camping and photography opportunities. The Columbia Gorge is home to many artists, businesses, environmentalists, brewers and more. Join the country in recognizing the significance of this area by visiting The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Read about Cascade Locks located along The Columbia River Gorge below.

West of Hood River, a segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway climbs along the nearly sheer basalt cliffs, which serve as a backdrop for the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America. The most spectacular of all is Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon and the second-highest year-round waterfall in the U.S. (after Yosemite Falls in California), with a total drop of 642 feet.
Riverboat cruises aboard the Columbia Gorge sternwheeler depart from the town of Cascade Locks, offering modern-day travellers a chance to see the river from the viewpoint of early pioneers. Lindblad Expeditions offers longer river trips on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard a 70-passenger boat departing from Portland, accompanied by noted historians and naturalists.

Learn more about The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area from Discover America at: www.discoveramerica.com/usa/experiences/o/oregon/the-columbia-river-gorge.aspx

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

2015 Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour

Join the 2015 Gorge Artist Open Studio Tour April 10th through April 12th, 2015. This artist tour is free and allows you to meet 38 artists in their natural habitats. Join this Columbia Gorge getaway for an entire weekend of artistic entertainment. Read details about the 2015 Gorge Artists Open Studios below.

Tour the Columbia River Gorge and meet artists in their studios during Blossom Festival. Thirty-eight Gorge artists will open their studios to the public, sharing their thoughts and processes with you. This year’s artists feature works in a variety of media including painting, drawing, jewelry, glass, sculpture, photography, textiles, fiber, and more!
Artists’ studios are located throughout the Mid-Columbia from Cascade Locks to The Dalles and from Parkdale, Oregon to Trout Lake, Washington. The tour is free and self- guided, with detailed maps available at www.gorgeartists.org and at area Chambers of Commerce, Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, The Dalles Art Center, and Big River Art and Crafts in Goldendale!

SRC: Find details about this Artist Open Studios Tour at: pdxpipeline.com/monthly-event-list/2015-gorge-artists-open-studios-tour-free/

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