Fall Festival of the Arts | Laura Koppes

Tough Wall To Climb by Laura Koppes

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Laura Koppes has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is a design by Laura Koppes, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock". Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction. Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.). Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Amy Machesic

The Family Tree by Amy Machesic

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Amy Machesic has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is a design by Amy Machesic, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock". Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction. Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.). Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Polly Malby

Bridal Gown Shade by Polly Malby

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Polly Malby has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is a design by Polly Malby, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock". Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction. Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.). Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at:www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Lary McKee

Original Into The Earth by Lary McKee

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Lary McKee has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is a design by Lary McKee, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see his "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock". Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction. Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.). Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html
Looking for lodging near the Columbia River Gorge? Check out Lodging Here

Fall Festival of the Arts | Ali Peret

ALI PERET DESIGNS & GALLERY

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Ali Peret has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is a design by Ali Peret, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see his "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Heather Soderberg-Greene

Silent Descent Heather Soderberg-Greene

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Heather Soderberg-Greene has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is Silent Descent by Heather Soderberg-Greene, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Betsy Soifer

Lion Taxidermy; Betsy Soifer

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Betsy Soifer has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is Lion Taxidermy by Betsy Soifer, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Paul Tapia

#2058; Paul Tapia

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Paul Tapia has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is #2058 by Paul Tapia, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see his "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Susan Thomas

Sheep In Fancy Hat; Susan Thomas

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Susan Thomas has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is Sheep In Fancy Hat by Susan Thomas, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Fall Festival of the Arts | Heather Wells

Dreams; Heather Wells

Join the 2015 Fall Festival of the Arts on Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th. This special event takes place in both Troutdale and Cascade Locks, along the Columbia River Gorge. The Fall Festival of the Arts includes an Art Challenge, this years Art Challenge theme is "Rock". Artist, Heather Wells has been chosen to participate in this Art Challenge. Above is Dreams by Heather Wells, join the Fall Festival of the Arts to see her "Rock" art submission. Learn more about the 2015 Art Challenge below.

The Art Challenge silent auction will take place at Glenn Otto Saturday from 11:00a to 6:00p, with artists offering original works based on the 2015 theme of "Rock".  Artists must use this year’s object/theme in their original work of art submitted for auction.  Rock can be incorporated literally, or “Rock” can be interpreted in any other way the artist sees fit (sculpture, painting, etc.).  Visitors will vote for their favorite piece to receive the 2015 People's Choice Award.

SRC: View the Fall Festival of the Arts Schedule at: www.fallfestivalofthearts.com/schedule.html

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

Biking Mount Hood | Easier Bike Trails for Beginners

Enjoy Mountain Biking? If you enjoy biking but you're not an advanced rider you'll want to visit Mount Hood for it's Easier Bike Trails for Beginners. Below are five great options for easy beginner mountain biking trails to try at Mount Hood, ride safe!

Easier Bike Trails for Beginners
These trails offer flatter, wider trails, some with shorter or longer loop options.

Maggie’s/Crosstown/Wally’s Loop: 1.7 miles
Crosstown (one way): 2.7 miles
Old Salmon River to Green Canyon: 3.8 miles
Summit Trail (one way): 2.0 miles
Government Camp to Trillium Lake: 2.8 miles

SRC: View different Mt. Hood Biking difficulty options at: www.mthoodchamber.com/what-to-do/best-bike-rides-mt-hood/

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

Biking Mount Hood | Intermediate and Loads of Fun

Enjoy Mountain Biking? If you enjoy biking you'll want to visit Mount Hood for it's Intermediate and Loads of Fun mountain biking trails. Below are three great options for intermediate mountain biking trails to try at Mount Hood, ride safe!

Intermediate and Loads of Fun
Timberline to Town is nearly all downhill at a steady grade that connects to Crosstown which offers numerous loops off it with ups and downs. Timothy Lake is longer and the sections on the north, west, and south have modest elevation gains. The section on the east side around the PCT (closed to bikes) is more challenging.

Timberline to Town: 5.7 miles
Summit/Crosstown/Camp Creek: 6.3 miles
Timothy Lake Loop: 14.2 miles

SRC: View different Mt. Hood Biking difficulty options at: www.mthoodchamber.com/what-to-do/best-bike-rides-mt-hood/

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

Biking Mount Hood | Downhill Flow and Lift Assisted

VIDEO of mountain biker on the Sandy Ridge Trail System in Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon

Enjoy Mountain Biking? If you enjoy biking you'll want to visit Mount Hood for it's downhill flow and lift assisted mountain biking trails. Below are three great options for downhill flow and lift assisted mountain biking trails to try at Mount Hood, ride safe!

Downhill Flow and Lift Assisted
The Sandy Ridge Trail just east of Zigzag is operated by the BLM and offers 13 miles of downhill riding with structures. Skibowl Mountain Bike Park has over 40 miles and 1,500 vertical feet of lift-serviced, adrenaline rushing, fee mountain bike trails.

Sandy Ridge Trail System: 13 miles
Ski Bowl Mt. Bike Park: 40 miles
Timberline Mt. Bike Park (proposed): 17 miles

SRC: View different Mt. Hood Biking difficulty options at: www.mthoodchamber.com/what-to-do/best-bike-rides-mt-hood/

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

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day | Cascade Locks

The Northwest Trail Alliance will be hosting a Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day in Cascade Locks at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3rd. Enjoy quality family time while learning new bike skill while explore nature's trails. View the extra-fun featured in this Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day event below.

Featuring:
Kiddy Kat Rally-trail ride and scavenger hunt
Riding skills instruction
Learn to run OUR trail building machine
Entertainment for kids and grownups.
Food, games and prizes!
Early registration onsite 3:30
Overnight Camping
Bonfire, conditions permitting

SRC: Learn more about the Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day at: nw-trail.org/events/TKMBD-2015/

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

Rebuilding the Mitchell Point Tunnel

Anyone who has ever taken a drive, ride, or walk along the Historic Columbia River Highway will be excited to hear about Oregon's plans to rebuild the Mitchell Point Tunnel. When I-84 was developed the tunnel was demolished. When the rebuilding of Michell Point Tunnel reconnects The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail there will likely be an epic celebration. Watch a video about the Rebuilding of the Mitchell Point Tunnel along the Columbia River Gorge, below.

SRC: Learn more about the Mitchel Point Tunnel at: greatergreaterwashington.org/post/27999/oregon-plans-to-rebuild-an-iconic-tunnel-for-bikes-and-pedestrians/

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

Happy Birthday Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls will be honored this Wednesday in a grand celebration. It has been 100 years since these waterfalls had been officially dedicated as a public park. Multnomah Falls is the most visited attraction in the Pacific Northwest and it will be the center of attention as the celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Learn more about this celebration below.

In 1915, Simon Benson provided $5,250 to the city of Portland to buy land at Multnomah Falls and combine it with land he had purchased at Wahkeena Falls. The area became known as Benson Park. At the celebration, Chet Benson will read the speech his great-great grandfather gave at the dedication ceremony.
Multnomah Falls is visited by an estimated 2 million people a year. It features the second highest waterfall in the United States. Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, usually hitting its highest rate during winter and spring.
The U.S. Forest Service says that the falls offers one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Are to study geology exposed by floods. Five flows of Yakima basalt are visible in the falls’ cliff face.

SRC: Learn more about Multnomah Fall 100th Birthday at:
www.mycolumbiabasin.com/2015/09/08/happy-birthday-multnomah-falls/

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

Columbia River Gorge | Fishing Report September 2015

Oregon is great place to live, especially for people who enjoy fishing on a regular basis. There is always a new spot to try out and with so many fisherman and women along the Columbia River Gorge you are sure to run into one another providing the perfect opportunity to exchange the latest fishing news. If you haven't made any connections lately, no worries the Columbian Outdoors Reporter, Al Thomas has shared September's hot fishing spots. Check out the Fishing Report for the Lower Columbia below.

Lower Columbia —Buoy 10 to Tongue Point, 317 anglers with 253 coho kept plus 256 fall chinook and 135 coho released. (ODFW)

Downstream of Puget Island, 51 boaters with 34 adult fall chinook, one jack chinook and two coho kept plus one adult chinook released; five bank rods with no catch. (WDFW)

Cathlamet, seven boaters with two adult fall chinook kept; 36 bank rods with six adult chinook kept. (WDFW)

Longview, 366 boaters with 131 adult chinook and one adult coho kept plus three adult chinook and one jack chinook released; 129 bank rods with 19 adult chinook, seven steelhead and one coho kept plus five steelhead released. (WDFW)

Cowlitz River mouth, 36 boaters with 15 adult chinook, two jack chinook and two steelhead kept plus one adult chinook released. (WDFW)

Kalama, 275 boaters with 92 adult chinook and two jack chinook kept plus one adult chinook released; 235 bank rods with 51 adult chinook and four jack chinook kept plus one steelhead released. (WDFW)

Woodland, 105 boaters with 37 adult chinook and one steelhead kept; 93 bank rods with 20 adult chinook and one jack chinook kept plus one jack chinook and one steelhead released. (WDFW)

Warrior Rock to Kelley Point, 94 boaters with 41 adult fall chinook kept; 102 bank rods with 26 adult chinook kept. (WDFW)

Tongue Point to Portland, 831 boaters with 294 adult chinook, two jack chinook, four adult coho and nine steelhead kept plus four adult chinook, one jack chinook, one adult coho and one steelhead released. (ODFW)

Davis Bar to Portland airport tower, 10 boaters with no catch; 32 bank rods with one chinook kept and two steelhead released. (WDFW)

Troutdale, Ore., 47 boaters with three adult fall chinook kept; five boaters with 22 walleye kept and two released. (ODFW)

Camas-Washougal, 34 boaters with two adult chinook kept. (WDFW)

North Bonneville, four boaters with one adult chinook kept; 35 bank rods with 12 adult chinook and one steelhead. (WDFW)

Columbia Gorge (downstream of Bonneville Dam), 10 boaters with eight adult chinook kept; 37 Oregon bank rods with 10 adult chinook kept. (ODFW)

SRC: Check out the entire Fishing Report for September 2015 at: www.columbian.com/news/2015/sep/03/columbia-river-fishing-report-september-2015/

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

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Dedicates Renewable Energy Exhibit

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center has opened a new Renewable Energy Exhibit. This exhibit was made possible due to a $50,000 grant provided by Google for the non-reflective solar panels and a $25,000 grant from Bonneville Environmental Foundation for an interactive exhibit in the museum to highlight renewable energy alternatives. Learn more about the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center's new Renewable Energy Exhibit below.

“The solar pavilion project will be used as a model for solar energy projects in the National Scenic Area. These panels do not impact the viewshed, make visiting the Discovery Center more interesting and exciting, and help reduce our operating costs,” said Carolyn Purcell, executive director at the museum. “We thank Google for helping us turn this idea into a reality.”

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center partnered with the Delta Energy Club, which is composed of renewable energy students at Columbia Gorge Community College, to design and manage the project. This partnership helped students gain valuable skills that can be applied in the renewable energy sector. The solar panels are also accompanied by an exhibit where museum visitors can learn first-hand how renewable energy works and how it helps to reduce carbon emissions.

“This is an excellent project that helps reduce carbon emissions, teaches students STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in a hands-on way, and educates the community on the value of solar energy. We are pleased to support such a great project,” said Dave Karlson, site manager at The Dalles Google Data Center. Since 2008, Google has given more than $9 million to Oregon nonprofits. 

SRC: Learn more about the Columbia Gorge Discovery Centers Renewable Energy Exhibit at: www.hoodrivernews.com/news/2015/sep/02/columbia-gorge-discovery-center-dedicates-renewabl/

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