Visiting the Bonneville Lock and Dam

The Bonneville Lock and Dam is located near Cascade Locks in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The Bonneville Lock and Dam allows visitors to learn about and view two of the Nation's largest hydroelectric powerhouses. While touring this Dam you can also watch migrating fish travel upstream in the underwater viewing rooms. This is an excellent location for family trips, sight-seeing, student field trips and is also a great location to take some majestic photos. Learn more about visiting the Bonneville Lock and Dam below.

The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long. Late spring, summer and early autumn bring the best chance for clear, sunny days and bring moderate temperatures.

SRC: Find more details about the Bonneville Lock and Dam at: traveloregon.com/see-do/natural-wonders/bodies-of-water/lakes-reservoirs/bonneville-lock-and-dam/

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

Pacific Crest Trail Days | August 28th, 29th and 30th 2015

The 9th Annual Pacific Crest Trail Days are almost here! Overnight camping is available on Thunder Island for a small fee, other than that PCT Days are free to attend in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Where else can you attend a family-friendly festival that includes hiking, biking and camping? The PCT Days are at Marine Park in Cascade Locks on August 28th-30th, 2015. View Saturday's full schedule for the Pacific Crest Trail Days below.

8:30 am – 9:00 am:  Bridge Walk on the Bridge of the Gods.             
Do you enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and explore what it’s like to cross the Bridge of the Gods as a hiker on the PCT?  The Pacific Crest Trail Association will be hosting the 3rd Annual Pedestrian Bridge Walk.  After the walk is over, head down to the Marine Park for PCT DAYS!  Volunteers are needed prior to the event, and the day of the event, so if you can help, please contact Denise Gehrke / 360-901-6532 / crimsongry@hotmail.com or Bub Theus / btheus@pcta.org.  (Volunteering for the Bridge Walk is separate from volunteering at PCT DAYS.)

10 am – 7:00 pm: PCT DAYS Gear Fair.
Check out the latest and greatest products from our sponsors at the largest gear fair in the Pacific Northwest! If you want to learn about backpacks, tents, hiking poles, shoes, clothing, stoves, water purification systems, etc…..it’s all going to be here! (Some sponsors will have products for sale and a select few will be making gear repairs for PCT thru-hikers.)

10 am – 7:00 pm: Osprey Packs – The Osprey Anti-Gravity Challenge.
Swing by the Osprey booth anytime on Saturday, 8/29, try on one of our their award-winning, revolutionary, newly-designed Atmos AG or Aura AG technical backpacks and you will automatically be entered to win one to call your very own! Osprey is giving away an Atmos and Aura AG 50 as well as an Atmos and Aura AG 65(4 packs total!) Also, don’t miss free Osprey Packs Sizing’s, Fittings, and Expert Advice! Osprey Packs will provide free pack sizing’s, fitting and usage advice with the experts at their booth. Just swing by the booth anytime and the Osprey team will be ready to help…whether you need to know your proper torso/hip size, need a pack recommendation for an upcoming trip, or want to know where we pack our bear resistant food container when needed in The Sierra!

10:00 – 10:30 am:  Class Session 1 – “Hiking the Backcountry with your K-9 Companion” with Whitney “Allgood” LaRuffa of Allgood’s K-9 Adventures.
Whitney will demonstrate a wide range of knowledge that will enable you and your dog to maximize the enjoyment of your next outing. The class will explore all aspects of getting your dog out on trail to help both of you have an enjoyable time out in the back country. Leave No Trace, Food, Training, Dog Gear, and Ultra-Light backpacking principles will be shared along with tales from his times thru-hiking with his dogs.  Whitney is the President of the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West (ALDHA-West), a Leave No Trace Master Educator, and an expert at backpacking with dogs. “Allgood” has hiked the Appalachian Trail, The Allegheny Highland Trail, John Muir Trail, Wonderland Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Chinook Trail, and various other sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.  For info on Allgood’s K-9 Adventures, visit:  http://www.allgoodsk9adventures.com/

10:30 – 11 am:  Class Session 2 – “Leave No Trace” with the Subaru/LNT Traveling Trainers.
The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will be offering a class on Leave No Trace skills and techniques to reduce the impact of outdoor activities.  For more info on LNT, please visit:  https://lnt.org/

11am – 12 pm:  Class Session 3 – “Get Out More Tour Backpacking Clinic” with Backpacker Magazine.
Whether you are new to hiking & camping or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of outdoor gear and practices, attend this clinic! For more info on the Get Out More Tour, visit: http://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/events/get-out-more-tour-2015/

12 pm – 1 pm: PCT DAYS Raffle #1:
As a warm up to the main raffle later in the day, there will be a LOT of great products to win, ranging from tents to backpacks to clothing to shoes to, well…you get it! Scott “Squatch” Herriott and the PCT DAYS Event Director, Jason “Nabor J” Waicunas will MC the activity, which is always a fun time. Raffle tickets are $3.00 each for 1-5 tickets. After purchasing 5 tickets, they are $2.00 each. (5 tickets are $15, 10 tickets are $25, 20 tickets are $45, and so on.) It’s not uncommon for people to buy as many as 30 tickets, so be sure to bring plenty of cash to increase your chance to win! All proceeds from raffle ticket sales go to the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West.

1-1:30 pm:  Vasque – Bean Bag Toss
Check out the Vasque booth to participate in a Bean Bag Toss! Each participant gets a limit of 30 seconds between 1-1:30 to score as high as possible within their 5 tosses. All participants who get the top 10 scores in 5 tosses get put into a raffle for a pair of Vasque Inhalers.

1:30-2 pm:  USFS – Infomercial Contest: Making the Lowest Impact
Stop by the USFS booth to play an interactive role playing game for Leave No Trace principles. The booth will be easy to find, just look for the 8′ tall Smokey the Bear!

2-2:30 pm:  ALDHA-WEST – Mini Hiker Olympics
Visit the ALDHA-WEST booth to test your skills and knowledge against others to see if you have what it takes to stand atop the podium and claim the honor of being the trashiest of hiker trash.  Activities will test your knowledge of all things trail, your ability to eat, and a surprise event.  Prizes to the top 3 winners.

2:30-3 pm:  Klean Kanteen – Water Pong
Visit the Klean Kanteen booth to play water pong!   To enter your name in the drawing, a participant must land a ping pong ball into one of the 10 provided pint cups.  They will get three throws each and winners will be determined by drawing a name.  Winners will receive a new 20oz insulated classic Kanteen!

3-3:30 pm:  Granite Gear’s Trivia, Toss, and WIN
Question: Where is everyone a winner (while supplies last)? Answer: At the Granite Gear booth! Stop by their booth, answer a trivia question correctly and you’ll move on to play Toss N’ Topple. If you have a solid toss, you win one of their Minnesotough products. Up for the challenge?

4-4:30 pm:  Icebreaker – Kiwi Horseshoes
Visit the Icebreaker booth to play Kiwi Horseshoes!  You haven’t heard of Kiwi Horseshoes? We’ll you’re not out of the loop since we made up the name  Kiwi Horseshoes gives a generous nod to the game also known as Polish Frisbee, Beersbee, French Darts or Frisbeener. The game is played with 4 people (set in teams of two), involves a Frisbee, two steaks and two bottles. The first team tosses the Frisbee, aiming it towards a glass bottle that is placed on top of the stake opposite them. Then the other team throws the Frisbee at the first team’s bottle. Points are scored when the Frisbee hits the stake or the bottle, when the bottle is knocked off the stake and hits the ground, or when the receiving team fails to catch the Frisbee.

4:30-5 pm:  PCTA – Crosscut Saw Demo
Stop by the PCTA booth and get your lumberjack on! Old-fashioned crosscut saws are the tool of choice for tackling fallen trees on the trail in designated wilderness. Come and see how spirited volunteers and forest service partners do it.

5:30 – 6:30 pm:  PCT DAYS Raffle #2:
If you missed the first raffle or didn’t win and want another chance, there will be a LOT of great products at the second raffle, which is the last event of the afternoon! Scott “Squatch” Herriott and the PCT DAYS Event Director, Jason “Nabor J” Waicunas will MC the activity, which is always a fun time. Raffle tickets are $3.00 each for 1-5 tickets. After purchasing 5 tickets, they are $2.00 each. (5 tickets are $15, 10 tickets are $25, 20 tickets are $45, and so on.) It’s not uncommon for people to buy as many as 30 tickets, so be sure to bring plenty of cash to increase your chance to win! All proceeds from raffle ticket sales go to the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West.

8:00 – 9:30 pm:  PCT DAYS Event Party!
Join us at the stage area to celebrate PCT DAYS…it’s not uncommon for a dance party to take place, so save your energy and end the day at the Event Party!

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

SRC: View Friday and Sunday's Pacific Crest Trail Days schedule at: www.pctdays.com/schedule/

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

Best Day Hikes Along PCT | Paradise Park

According to Terry Richard travel author for The Oregonian, one of the top five best day hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in northern Oregon is the Paradise Park Loop. Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, the Paradise Park Loop is a gorgeous location for hiking,camping, flower identifying and more. Learn why  Paradise Park made top top five best day hikes along the PCT below.

Paradise Park: Hiking the PCT west and north of Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is likely the most beautiful section of the national scenic trail in Oregon. Make a 10-mile loop from the lodge by circling the wildflower meadows of Paradise Park for above-timberline views of Oregon's highest mountain.

SRC: Explore more great day hikes along the PCT at:www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/08/pacific_crest_trail_in_north_o.html

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

Best Day Hikes Along PCT | Dry Creek Falls

According to Terry Richard travel author for The Oregonian, one of the top five best day hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in northern Oregon is to Dry Creek Falls. Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, the Dry Creek Falls is a gorgeous location for hiking, waterfall photography, picnicking with the family and more. Learn why Dry Creek Falls made top top five best day hikes along the PCT below.

Dry Creek Falls: The trailhead for this short hike begins at the day use park on the south side of the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks. It's interesting to see how the PCT crosses under Interstate 84 and weaves through the only incorporated city located directly on the 2,650 miles of the trail. Hike two miles on the PCT, then take a short side path to Dry Creek Falls. Despite the name, it's another gorgeous gorge waterfall. Back at the trailhead, take time to walk across Bridge of the Gods. The roadway isn't very wide, so stay along the railing and face traffic. Do this during daylight only. The view is amazing, much better than when driving across.

SRC: Explore more great day hikes along the PCT at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/08/pacific_crest_trail_in_north_o.html

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

Best Day Hikes Along PCT | McNeil Point Hike

According to Terry Richard travel author for The Oregonian, one of the top five best day hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in northern Oregon is the McNeil Point Hike. Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, the McNeil Point area is a gorgeous location for camping, hiking, photography, flower identifying and more. Learn more about why McNeil Point made top top five best day hikes along the PCT below.

McNeil Point: From the Top Spur Trail on the west side of Mount Hood, hikers cross and use only a snippet of the PCT before heading off toward the mountain on the Timberline Trail. Don't tell anyone, but the 40 miles of the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood pack nearly as much scenic punch as the 460 miles of the PCT in Oregon. This is more a compliment to the Timberline Trail than a snipe at the PCT. Case in point: The Timberline Trail here leads directly toward McNeil Point and the Sandy Glacier for views of Mount Hood exactly like you get in Portland, only 45 miles closer.

SRC: Explore more great day hikes along the PCT at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/08/pacific_crest_trail_in_north_o.html

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

Best Day Hikes Along PCT | Timothy Lake

According to Terry Richard travel author for The Oregonian, one of the top five best day hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in northern Oregon is Timothy Lake. Located in the Mount Hood National Forest, Timothy Lake is gorgeous location for swimming, fishing, camping, biking , boating, hiking and more. Learn why Timothy Lake made top top five best day hikes along the PCT below.

Timothy Lake: Hiking 13 relatively flat miles around this reservoir in the south Mount Hood National Forest is an absolute delight. Begin near the campground at Little Crater Lake and include about three miles of the PCT on the east side of the circuit.

SRC: Explore more great day hikes along the PCT at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/08/pacific_crest_trail_in_north_o.html

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

Fairview on the Green Festival | Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Wings Challenge

Join this year's Fairview on the Green Festival on August 22nd, 2015 for their 9th Celebration. This year's Fairview on the Green Festival will include a Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Wings Challenge. There will also be a cruise-in hosted by the festival and Rapport Fitness will be hosting the 5K run/walk and kids 1K run. Join the fun, live music, free children's area or stop by to try some island themed food in the beer garden. Find something fun for everyone in the family at this year's Fairview on the Green Festival. Take a look at the Festival Schedule below.

Festival schedule:
8am - Vendor/ Cruise in setup open
10am - Street cleared
10:15 - Rapport Fitness 5K run
11am - Festival is open
11.15 - Rapport Fitness 1K run
Noon - Chalk the Walk
12.30 - Blazin Wings challenge
1.30 – Scott Tom – Water balloon toss
2:00 - 3:00 Elvis
3.00 – Scott Tom – Hula Hoop challenge
3.30 - Blazin Wings challenge
4.00 - Cruise In Trophy
4.30 - Chalk the Walk winners
5.00-7.00 Touchables
6.00 – Vendors released
7.00 - Festival ends - Break down, clean up 

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

SRC: Find more details for the Fairview on the Green Festival at:www.fairviewonthegreen.com/

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

PCT DAYS | Family-Friendly & Free to Attend

The 9th Annual Pacific Crest Trail Days are almost here! Overnight camping is available on Thunder Island for a small fee, other than that PCT Days are free to attend in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Where else can you attend a family-friendly festival that includes hiking, biking and camping? Learn more about the PCT Days at Marine Park in Cascade Locks on August 28th-30th, 2015 below.

Don’t miss the 9th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days (an event produced by Outdoor Viewfinder), where you can check out the latest outdoor recreation gear from exhibiting sponsors, participate in free classes & activities, win awesome products at the raffles, enjoy local food and beverages, participate in a trail work party, go for a hike or a bike ride, spend the weekend camping under the stars, and enjoy the beautiful setting in the Marine Park of Cascade Locks, Oregon.  PCT DAYS is family-friendly and free to attend, with a small fee for overnight camping on Thunder Island.  All raffle proceeds are donated to the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West.  Don’t miss out on being a part of a great time for a great cause!

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

SRC: Discover more of the Pacific Crest Trail at: www.pcta.org/about-us/events/pct-days/

Fairview on the Green Festival

Join this year's Fairview on the Green Festival on August 22nd, 2015 for their 9th Celebration. This year's festival will be hosting a cruise-in and Rapport Fitness will be hosting the 5K run/walk and kids 1K run. Join the fun, live music, free children's area or stop by to try some island themed food in the beer garden. Find something fun for everyone in the family at this year's Fairview on the Green Festival. Take a look at the Festival Schedule below.

Festival schedule:
8am - Vendor/ Cruise in setup open
10am - Street cleared
10:15 - Rapport Fitness 5K run
11am - Festival is open
11.15 - Rapport Fitness 1K run
Noon - Chalk the Walk
12.30 - Blazin Wings challenge
1.30 – Scott Tom – Water balloon toss
2:00 - 3:00 Elvis
3.00 – Scott Tom – Hula Hoop challenge
3.30 - Blazin Wings challenge
4.00 - Cruise In Trophy
4.30 - Chalk the Walk winners
5.00-7.00 Touchables
6.00 – Vendors released
7.00 - Festival ends - Break down, clean up 

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

SRC: Find more details for the Fairview on the Green Festival at: www.fairviewonthegreen.com/

Oregon Day Trips

The Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood both made the list of Oregon Day Trips noted in an article published by the Los Angeles Daily News. Read what the article had to say about these two beautiful scenic areas below.

Columbia River Gorge: This is an excellent spot for hiking with a spectacular array of waterfalls right off the historic Columbia River Highway’s scenic byway, which begins just beyond the Troutdale exit on Interstate 84. Many of the falls can be seen from the byway, including the majestic 620-foot-tall Multnomah Falls, the fourth tallest in the U.S. For a spectacular view of some of Oregon and Washington’s largest peaks, go right at Crown Point on the scenic byway onto Larch Mountain road. It meanders 14 miles to a parking lot from which you climb a long wooden stairway to Sherrard Scenic Viewpoint. Mornings are best to minimize cloud cover. Also consider visiting the Bonneville Dam and the Bridge of the Gods. For more information, www.crgva.org.

Mount Hood: Take the Mount Hood scenic byway, a 65-mile loop around Mt. Hood, offering panoramic views and magnificent geologic formations. For information, www.MtHoodTerritory.com.

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

SRC: Learn the other Oregon Day Trips listed in Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Day trips at: www.dailynews.com/lifestyle/20150817/oregons-willamette-valley-day-trips

Best Beach for People Watching Along The Columbia River Gorge

According to the Columbia Riverkeeper the best beach for people watching along the Columbia River Gorge is in Troutdale, OR. Specifically, on the Sandy River's beach at Lewis and Clark State Park. Read about the Columbia Riverkeeper's top beach pick for people watching along the lower Columbia Gorge, below.

Best People Watching: On a hot summer day you'll find great entertainment watching flocks of fellow swimmers enjoying the Sandy River at Lewis and Clark State Park near the confluence with the Columbia.

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

SRC: Read more Best Pick Beaches from Columbia Riverkeeper at: www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/08/columbia_rivers_best_beaches_a.html

Pacific Crest Trail Days | The Osprey Anti-Gravity Challenge

The Pacific Crest Trail Days or PCT Days are almost here! August 28th-30th, 2015 at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon will be the 9th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days. PCT days packed full of fun through free classes & activities, raffles, local food and beverages but there is so much more. PCT Days also offers hikes, bike rides and weekend camping along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Learn about The Osprey Anti-Gravity Challenge below.

10 am – 7:00 pm: Osprey Packs – The Osprey Anti-Gravity Challenge.
Swing by the Osprey booth anytime on Saturday, 8/29, try on one of our their award-winning, revolutionary, newly-designed Atmos AG or Aura AG technical backpacks and you will automatically be entered to win one to call your very own! Osprey is giving away an Atmos and Aura AG 50 as well as an Atmos and Aura AG 65(4 packs total!) Also, don’t miss free Osprey Packs Sizing’s, Fittings, and Expert Advice! Osprey Packs will provide free pack sizing’s, fitting and usage advice with the experts at their booth. Just swing by the booth anytime and the Osprey team will be ready to help…whether you need to know your proper torso/hip size, need a pack recommendation for an upcoming trip, or want to know where we pack our bear resistant food container when needed in The Sierra!

SRC: Check out the Full 3-Day Schedule for the 2015 Pacific Crest Trail Days at: www.pctdays.com/schedule/
Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Pacific Crest Trail Days | Bridge Walk

The Pacific Crest Trail Days or PCT Days are almost here! August 28th-30th, 2015 at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon will be the 9th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days. These PCT Days packed full of free fun classes & activities, raffles, local food and beverages and so much more. PCT Days also offers hikes, bike rides and weekend camping along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Learn about the Pacific Crest Trail Days Bridge Walk on the Bridge of the Gods below.

8:30 am – 9:00 am:  Bridge Walk on the Bridge of the Gods.             

Do you enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and explore what it’s like to cross the Bridge of the Gods as a hiker on the PCT?  The Pacific Crest Trail Association will be hosting the 3rd Annual Pedestrian Bridge Walk.  After the walk is over, head down to the Marine Park for PCT DAYS!  Volunteers are needed prior to the event, and the day of the event, so if you can help, please contact Denise Gehrke / 360-901-6532 / crimsongry@hotmail.com or Bub Theus / btheus@pcta.org.  (Volunteering for the Bridge Walk is separate from volunteering at PCT DAYS.)

SRC: Check out the Full 3-Day Schedule for the 2015 Pacific Crest Trail Days at: www.pctdays.com/schedule/

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

Old McDonald's Farm in Corbett

Did you know Old McDonald's Farm is along the Columbia River Gorge in Corbett, Oregon? Old McDonald's Farm, Inc. is located on 68-acres with over 30 farm animals, providing a fun place for children to learn first hand about animals, agriculture, gardens and natural resources. Read about Old McDonald's Farm Duck Day Package below.

The Duck Day Visit Program package was developed to give young children their first exposure to the farm. This program is designed for preschool children that are 4-5 years of age or really, large groups or folks with time constraints. Great, hands-on opportunities to meet and greet some of our 30+ resident farm animals are available. Learn of different body coverings, colors, sounds the animals make, how they are named, how to act around the farm animals and more. We really pack an awful lot into an hour.
Plus, children will enjoy seeing the entire farm site and sitting on an antique tractor. This program is approximately 1 hour in length. To run the Duck Day Visit Program package, the minimum number of students required is 15.

Learn more about Duck Day at Old McDonald's Farm in Corbett at: www.oldmcdonaldsfarm.org/childrensPrograms/duckDayPackage.htm

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

Pacific Crest Trail Days | About PCT Days

The Pacific Crest Trail Days or PCT Days are almost here! August 28th-30th, 2015 at Marine Park in Cascade Locks, Oregon will be the 9th annual Pacific Crest Trail Days. These are days packed full of fun through free class & activities, raffles, local food and beverages as many event are but there is so much more. PCT Days also offers hikes, bike rides and weekend camping along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Learn more about the Pacific Crest Trail Days in Cascade Locks, below. 

PCT DAYS is an annual three-day event that promotes outdoor recreation and the products of exhibiting sponsors, with a focus on hiking, camping, and backpacking gear.  PCT DAYS takes place in the Marine Park of Cascade Locks, Oregon, located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge.  Attendees are able to check out the latest outdoor recreation products of exhibiting sponsors at the gear fair, participate in free outdoor classes & activities, win products at the gear raffle, explore one of the regional trails or bike paths, camp onsite and enjoy the beautiful setting in the Columbia River Gorge.  PCT DAYS is a family-friendly event and free to attend (with overnight camping available for a small fee.) Whether you decide to immerse yourself in the event’s activities or take a relaxed approach, don’t miss out on a great time at the 9th annual PCT DAYS!

SRC: For more information about the 2015 PCT Days visit: www.pctdays.com/about/

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

Visit Multnomah Falls

One of many attractions in Oregon is Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is the highest waterfall in Oregon and the second highest in the nation. While visiting the Multnomah Falls you'll have the opportunity to hike up to the top of the waterfalls, take in the view from Benson Bridge or you can stay at the bottom and enjoy the view from the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Multnomah Falls Lodge is the place for dining if you're looking for a place to eat with fresh local Northwest style cuisine. Read a Yelp review of Multnomah Falls below.

“Waterfall Magic”
Breathtaking views. The waterfalls are so beautiful. The mist was spraying so much when we visited that it was amazing. I enjoyed walking up to the varying levels of viewing-points. Be prepared to take a light sweater at cooler times of the year, and also be prepared for a lot of people. It may take you a couple tries when it comes to finding a parking spot. But it is worth it - especially Multnomah Falls!

SRC: Read more Yelp Reviews for Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge at:  www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g52024-d116954-r295839348-Columbia_River_Gorge_National_Scenic_Area-Portland_Oregon.html#

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

Bridge of the Gods | Half Marathon and 10K Run

Join the Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K Run on Sunday, August 16th in Cascade Locks, OR. This Half Marathon and 10K Run crosses 4 bridges, creeks and with thick shaded canopy covering parts of this scenic pathway participants will stay cool under the hot August sun. Read details about this Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K Run below.

Packet Pickup Locations. We are excited to announce three packet pickup locations for this year's Bridge of the Gods Run. Our partners The North Face and Thunder Island Brewing will be hosting packet pickups at their locations. First packet pickup will be Friday August 14th from 3-8PM at The North Face Portland location at 1202 NW Davis, Portland Oregon 97209. Second packet pickup will be on Saturday August 15th between 4-7PM at Thunder Island Brewing located at 515 NW Portage Way, Cascade Locks, Oregon. Day of race packet pickup will be in front of the Cascade Locks School between 5:30-7 AM at 300 Wa Na Pa Street, Cascade Locks, Oregon. We are less than three weeks from race day. More updates coming this week. We are so excited!

SRC: Learn how to register for the 2015 Bridge of the Gods Half Marathon and 10K Run at: bridgeofthegodsrun.com/

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

45th Anniversary of Vortex I | A “biodegradable festival of life.”

Celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Vortex I, the only state sponsored rock festival in U.S. history on August 8th, 2015. Vortex I: A Biodegradable Festival of Life, took place at a state park near Estacada in 1970. Learn how Vortex was different than a counter-culture music event below.

Entry was free. Private businesses in Portland contributed much of the food, supplies and building materials. Law-enforcement officers kindly escorted hundreds of young people to the festival location at McIver State Park. Yet no laws were enforced on the park grounds themselves. And all of this was endorsed and underwritten with state money and services by the Republican governor, Tom McCall.  

OPB’s “Vortex I” portrays the political environment which spawned the festival and shares many stories from the people who were there. 

SRC: Learn more about this history of Vortex I at: www.opb.org/television/programs/oregonexperience/segment/vortex-i/

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

2015 Melges 24 US National Championships

Drive over to Cascade Locks for the 2015 Melges 24 US National Championships on August 7th, 8th and 9th. This Columbia River regatta is open to all boats that meet the obligations of the Melges 24 Class rules and USMCA rules, including class membership. Registration is still open if your available for a great time on the water in Cascade Locks on August 7th, 8th and 9th. Learn more about the 2015 Melges 24 US National Championships, below.

The 2015 CSR Marine Melges 24 National Championship is almost here and in anticipation of what is going to be one of the most fun regattas ever, the Corinthian Division is steady growing. Already ten teams have cleared the qualification process. Many, many more are expected to join the ranks of what potentially will be the largest ever all-amatuer Melges 24 National Championship fleet on the North American continent this year.

SRC: Register for the 2015 Melges 24 US National Championships at: www.regattanetwork.com/event/9441#_registration

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

World War II Stories on the Columbia River

Join the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum on August 20th for Oregon Transformed: World War II Stories on the Columbia River. The Oregon Transformed event is free to the public with an optional pre-program dinner (only $15 per person) including Jerked chicken sliders, cole slaw, corn on the cob, potato salad and peach pie. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the WWII Stories on the Columbia River begins at 7 pm on August 20th, 2015. Read details about this event below.

Oregon Transformed: World War II Stories on the Columbia River, takes a look at the impact of WWII on the communities and landscape of the Columbia River Gorge area. This is a panel discussion with speakers Dr. Linda Tamura, Dr. William Lang, and Dr. Carl Abbott.

The “Oregon Transformed” series considers long-term impacts of World War II in local regions around the state within broad thematic frameworks. Presenters in The Dalles will address the themes of “consent and dissent” and “revisions to the landscape” by discussing subjects including the return of Nisei Japanese-American soldiers after the war; the commitment to USACE “Main Control Plan,” leading directly to The Dalles Dam, the environmental challenges to post-war aluminum industry over fluoride emissions; and Hanford and Richland “planned communities.” Panelists will offer prepared presentations, leaving plenty of time for audience questions and discussions.
Questions about her family heritage led Linda Tamura, author and Professor of Education Emerita at Willamette University, to write about Japanese Americans during World War II and how her community responded. Carl Abbott is Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University and the author of several books on the history of the American West. Dr. William L.  Lang is Emeritus Professor of History at PSU and a member of Oregon Historical Society’s Board of Trustees.

This program is presented in association with the Oregon Historical Society’s exhibit WWII: A World at War, A State Transformed and is presented in partnership with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum.

The program is free and open to the public

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

SRC: Reserve your seat for Oregon Transformed: World War II Stories on the Columbia River at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum at: www.gorgediscovery.org/discover/featuredevent/event-calendar/