“The first thing that went through my mind was that it needed to be able to handle anything, because around Mt. Hood there’s lift-assist, free rides, full downhill… everything, even including all-day single-track rides through the wilderness,” he recalls. And that was perfect for him. “The core principal behind my designs has
always been to make something that could do anything and everything, so this was the perfect opportunity to put that into practice.”
And that’s what he’s done. His single-speed mountain bike incorporates all his favorite features, and still comes in at an astonishingly light 28 pounds. There are beefy 25-inch tires, a suspension front fork with 5 to 6 inches of play, and an adjustable-height seatpost for riding in a bike park or other extreme terrain.SRC: Learn more about the 7 Bikes for 7 Wonders: Mt Hood Bike at: rideoregonride.com/7-bikes-7-wonders-mt-hood-bike/
The bike, designed within a traditional road-bike framework, purposely doesn’t have a lot of specific elements that are only useful in one environment. It’s set up to accommodate 28cc tires and has disk brakes, but “there’s no compromise in any one direction – it’s not overbuilt for gravel so road riding isn’t fun, and it’s not too sketchy or unstable to take off the pavement,” Ben says. “It can take you to all the fantastic places in the Gorge, in a fast and fun way.”
The theme of variety extended to the bike’s finish, as well. The multi-color paint job on the bike accentuates the stark contrast of the landscape, going from the tan hues of the arid desert-like land out around The Dalles to the lush green of the Multnomah Falls area.SRC: Learn more about the 7 Bikes for 7 Wonders: The Columbia River Gorge Bike at: rideoregonride.com/7-bikes-7-wonders-columbia-river-gorge-bike/
"Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area" reunites Marbach with The Gorge magazine editor Cook for their fourth joint book project.
"We are grateful to Peter for the opportunity to show the high end production values of the Columbia Gorge Press," said Tony Methvin, general manager, in a statement released with the announcement of the book.
Marbach and Cook collaborated in 2011 on a special commemorative book on the 25th anniversary of the legislation that created the national scenic area. The book sold out in its first year. When the previous publisher went out of business, Marbach began a search for a new publisher.
"It is wonderful to be working on a product that is truly 100 percent made in the gorge," Marbach said. "Partnering with the Columbia Gorge Press has been a blessing and Janet and I are thrilled to keep the legacy going of our work to celebrate and honor the gifts of the gorge."SRC: Discover more about The Columbia River Gorge's Peter Marbach and Janet Cook at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/05/photographer_peter_marbach_rel.html
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
One 18th century tall ship replica and one interpretation of a typical early 19th century trading vessel from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, will set sail twice daily for two hour voyages on Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17, with pirate lovers on board. The ships will depart from the Port of Skamania County, which is just minutes from the Cascadian-style lodge and 45 miles east of Portland, Ore.SRC: Learn details at: www.sys-con.com/node/3333030
On Wednesday, with the help of conservation partners and local wildlife agencies, the turtles were returned to the wild in the Columbia River Gorge. In one study, scientists estimated that 95 percent of the turtles released back to sites in the Columbia Gorge survive annually.
Two decades ago, western pond turtles were on the verge of completely dying out in Washington, with fewer than 100 turtles left in the state. But since then, more than 1,500 turtles have been released thanks to the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project.
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1) EAGLE CREEK TRAIL
Blasted through steep basalt walls, this spectacular trail leads to one of the Gorge's most iconic waterfalls — Punchbowl Falls — and through a dense, temperate rainforest literally dripping with water throughout the season.
Even with the natural splendor, the highlight of trail might well be man-made. The recommended hike traverses the first 3.3 miles of Eagle Creek Trail to High Bridge, which spans a narrow rock chasm 120-feet deep and provides hikers a serous case of vertigo while staring into the churning water below.
The trail is the second-most popular in the Gorge, so expect some company while hiking. Also, be weary of children and dogs because the trail follows some very steep and narrow cliffs.
From the trailhead, the hike travels 2.1 miles to the first waterfall, Metlako Falls. Just beyond, a short side trail leads to a view of Punchbowl Falls.
Enjoy lunch at a nice overlook just across High Bridge and turn back around to complete a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike. (Eagle Creek Trail continues another three miles past High Bridge to dramatic Tunnel Falls).
Dogsmust be leashed. Steep cliffs make this a dangerous hike for dogs.
Directions: Follow I-84 east to exit 41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 0.5 miles to the end of the road. You will go past a footbridge (that takes hikers up to Wauna Viewpoint) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short ways to a large parking lot at the road's end. Coordinates: 45.63653, -121.91947SRC: Learn about each of the Top 5 "just right" hikes at: www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/hikes/2013/12/31/top-five-gorgeous-columbia-river-gorge-hikes/4264985/
Join the Gorge Chapter of Ice Age Floods Institute for one of two remaining Geology of the Columbia Gorge fieldtrips being offered in 2015. These bus and walking trips cover the central portions of the Columbia Gorge, exploring many interesting geologic features of the Gorge with emphasis on the impact of the Ice Age Floods through this area.SRC: Find your September Geology of the Columbia Gorge Fieldtrip Registration Form and more at: gorgefloods.org/event/columbia-gorge-geology-fieldtrip-2/?instance_id=102
We will meet-up and board the bus at the Cascade Locks Marine Park parking lot, and make a circuit covering both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Gorge with stops all the way east past The Dalles. There will be a number of drive-by and off-and-back-on the bus stops, as well as some stops with relatively short walks on good trails.
Spring salmon fishing has been keeping anglers busy on the lower Columbia River for some time now. Fishing has been very good this year both below Bonneville Dam and at locations above here, like off the mouth of the Wind River and at Drano Lake. It looks like the return is going to come in at over 200,000 fish, which is a very good run. Seasons have opened on two stretches of the Snake River. There is another area open to spring salmon fishing. The Yakima River is open to fishing for springer salmon through June 15th from the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser to below Prosser Dam. Another section of the Yakima, from the I-82 Bridge in Union Gap to below Roza Dam will open May 9th. Please refer to the news release on this season on the Department web site for the details and boundaries of this fishery. I just got word that we may see a spring salmon season on the Wenatchee River this year and the fishing could open on the Icicle River sometime in the third week of May.SRC: Read the Fishing Magicians full Columbia Gorge River Fishin' Report at: fishingmagician.com/Reports/2015/May/Friday-08.aspx
- Ahearne — Oregon Coast: This fat-tire beach cruiser will feel totally at home riding on wet or dry sand along the Oregon coast, especially if that ride ends at a beach bonfire party.
- Argonaut — Columbia River Gorge: Built for climbing and able to handle its fair share of gravel roads, this is the ultimate bike for the varied landscape of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Breadwinner Cycles — The Wallowas: This “29er” bike is custom-made to handle the wide open spaces of the Wallowas, with dual-purpose tires that can handle any surface as well as bags and gear designed for remoteness.
- Ingleheart Custom Frames & Forks — Painted Hills: This bike can handle all the adventure the Painted Hills area has to offer: camping, fishing, riding and, well, looking at beautifully colored sedimentary rock.
- Mike DeSalvo — Crater Lake: This lightweight road bike is built for one purpose: racing around the big elevation changes and varied road surfaces of the Crater Lake rim route.
- Vulture Cycles — Smith Rock: The “Smith Rocket” is purpose-built for the challenging trails around Smith Rock. And hey, if you’re doing that other sport that is popular in the area, there’s a rope bag on the front.
- Wolfhound — Mt. Hood: This mountain bike is good at exactly two types of riding that are found at Mt. Hood: remote back country single-track trails and lift assisted bike park riding.
Folks come from all over to step aboard the Gorge Sternwheeler and "Capt. Tom" makes sure the experience is spectacular! As he likes to say, "It's the most important part of my job!"
"There are no propellers, no bow thrusters so it's all about wind and current. The boat responds the way a paddlewheel boat would have in the 1800s," he said.
Tom Gramblett stepped aboard the Gorge Sternwheeler in 1982 just after it was built and delivered to Cascade Locks.
He worked his way up the ranks to become one of two skippers to guide the Sternwheeler on daily tours.
He said that sternwheelers arrived on the Columbia River in 1850 during a time when shipping goods and people on the giant waterway was the only practical means of transportation.SRC: Learn more about the History of Ships on the Columbia River at: www.kgw.com/story/travel/2015/05/08/grants-getaways-gorge-sternwheeler/27009289/
Best view: I supposed you could get cute and list the long hike to Nesmith Point or Indian Point, but really, does the view get any better than the one you can drive to at Crown Point. It's not a National Natural Landmark by accident.SRC: Learn the best of's for the other 6 Wonders of Oregon at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/05/seven_bests_for_each_of_7_wond.html
Best who knew: You've seen it a million times, but have you ever ridden the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler? It's amazing how many locals haven't. The river cruise out of Cascade Locks is one of Oregon's best visitor attractions.
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).
Best selfie spot: Kite surfing at Rowena, of course, though you may need special rigging for your Go Pro and a self timer.
Best hike: The Eagle Creek canyon not far from Bonneville Dam is best. Since everyone knows this, expect crowds.
Best nearby: Duh, go to the Washington side of the gorge. It may even be more beautiful than the Oregon side, since the vegetation is open and its gets more sun because it faces south (though it doesn't have quite as much public land). If you're looking to get out of the gorge but stay nearby in Oregon, head to the John Day River and the new Cottonwood Canyon State Park, but watch out for summer's heat.
Redefining Environmentalism
The Friends of the Columbia Gorge formed in 1980, fueled by concerns that urban sprawl would destroy the area’s wild beauty. The organization pushed for federal protection of the region, and in 1986, Friends succeeded with passage of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act — a complex plan that works to preserve the landscape while balancing the varying needs of everyone who lives, works and plays there.
When it comes to Hood River’s Latino community, which includes numerous farmworkers, Sonato says many are unfamiliar with the Scenic Act and its far-reaching impact. Language and cultural differences create barriers to awareness, Sonato says, but so does a narrow definition of environmentalism.
“The people I know in the Latino community may not be concerned about a wildflower going extinct because they have other, more pressing issues to deal with — bringing food to the table, working to provide for their children, paying for education,” Sonato says.
“But so many environmental decisions affect their daily lives. For instance, when coal trains pass through the gorge, the coal dust spreads out into in the air, and that air doesn’t discriminate in who it affects.”
Wahkeena Trail (#420) is also my favorite beginner trail. Even though there's a lot of climbing here, the surface is good, a lot of it recently paved. One of neat things about the Wahkeena Trail is that there's something cool every few hundred feet. It might be a Columbia River view, or it might be a cascading stream. Lots of rewards make it easier for people to challenge themselves. Every time I'm there, I talk to a new hiker and they tell me how tired they are. I encourage them to climb a bit further. Later in the day, I'm likely to find them 500-1000' higher, still tired, but happy and proud.SRC: Find more details about the Wahkeena Falls Hike in the Columbia River Gorge at: www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Wahkeena_Falls_Hike
The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. Make sure you're headed right here. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls. The trail climbs in one long switchback to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Expect a bit of spray on the trail here year-round. In winter, things can get really icy. A large log here was cut away to clear the trail after it fell down the falls. After the falls, look across the valley at the trail you just traveled and you'll see old stonework that's slid from the trail. A bench makes a good resting spot, or a turnaround if you're pressed for time.
From here, the trail starts up a pretty steep section, climbing about 400' in about half a mile. I have several guidebooks that reference 10 switchbacks, but I counted 12. There are beautiful rock walls, another bench cemented into a wall and better views the higher you climb. The most alert hikers will find a Lego cemented into one of the walls. At the top of this first climb, you'll crest a ridge. Follow the pavement out to the point, called Lemmon's Viewpoint. A plaque here commemorates a firefighter who gave his life fighting forest fires near here. The views from the point are really good up and down the river.
