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Oregon in August ’26
  • Duane Richards
  • Duane Richards

Oregon in August ’26

Last vacation before the new school year kicks off - trying something new! Read more
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  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Finally at the Gorge!

    August 7 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 93 °F

    After three hours of driving and some of the most desolate landscape we’ve ever seen, not to mention the gray sky from all of the fire smoke in the area, we finally arrived at the Columbia River again! We were able to take a quick tour of The Dalles Dam visitor center and take a few pictures before heading into Hood River.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Hood River, our final home

    August 7 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    We finally arrived at our hotel right on the river’s edge. It was great to see the scenery and finally unpack the car again. After doing some quick grocery shopping and grabbing some dinner, we checked out the pool and enjoyed the evening air.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    First falls of the day - Multnomah

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Our first full day In Hood River we had intended to go hang out at Mt Hood, hiking and enjoying the high natural beauty. However, we woke to a smoke filled Columbia River gorge and hotel room, so we headed west and took our chances at getting to the most popular falls in Oregon early, hoping to have no issues with parking or admittance. It worked! We were able to get right in and see the tallest falls in the state (now we had seen the top two!)Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Up to the top!

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    In spite of not being on our hiking itinerary, we decided to hike to the top of the falls, a two mile round trip. Aiden was not happy about it, and we hadn’t brought along our snacks or our water, but the cool morning, shady path under the tall pines, views of the gorge, and the payoff at the end were all worth it! It was so beautiful, and even peaceful at the top, you could easily forget the tumultuous roar of the water below the drop off.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    The Vista House

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    After our first falls hike, we got to visit the famous Vista House built on a point overlooking the gorge with some amazing views. We also happened to catch a wedding party taking photos up there at the time.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Latourel Falls

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We almost didn’t stop for this one, after all, what is it to miss one waterfall? But we were sure glad we did, we loved getting more up close and personal with the water, enjoying the spray, climbing behind, and loving the lush scenery! Another winner in our book!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Shepperd’s Dell

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Just a quick stop of the side of the road, it was a unique falls with a quick twist at the top. We couldn’t get into the water here, but not bad for a five minute stop!

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Bridal Veil

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Definitely one we had committed to hiking, this one was great for getting into it up close and personal. Plenty of people there, but still some great family photo opportunities for us.

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Wahkeena Falls

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    This one is part of the famous pair, including Multnomah, linked by a trail close by. However, by the time we got here, we were pretty tired. The boys ended up scrambling on the rocks below, then waiting as the parents went to the top, where the actual base of the falls was. Only .2 miles, it was still pretty steep, but we were glad we made the trek.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Bonneville Lock

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Stopping here on the way into and the way out of the Bonneville Dam, we got to learn about the locking system that’s been used since the 1800’s. Coming in, we actually saw a personal watercraft being lowered to come towards the west. On the way back we actually got to see a gigantic barge being lowered, and we were able to see them open the gates to let it through.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Bonneville Dam

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    One of the coolest kinds of renewable energy, this dam was full of fun facts. We got to learn about fish ladders, fish counting, migration, lamprey eels (actually fish), and hydroelectric generators. It was really cool to learn how they developed technology to aid and protect the natural order of fish, both downstream migration and upstream spawning. One of the more educational visits of our trip!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Fish hatchery

    August 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Not quite as interesting as the dam, with many of the pools empty due to the time of year, we still got to see Herman the 11-foot sturgeon, which was pretty cool.

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Bridge of the Gods

    August 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    On our way to the forest adventure of the day, we got to cross the famous Bridge of the Gods. Apparently a long time ago there was a natural bridge there that the natives used and has since been replaced by this man-made one. Still pretty cool though.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Skamania Lodge Zip Line Part 1

    August 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    This cool lodge on the Washington state side of the river has all kinds of fun activities available, but we had only signed up for one, the zip line. With seven lines, one over 1000 feet, and another allowing travel at almost 30 mph, all while being high up in the pines, it was an adventure! There was even one platform we had to simply step off into the air and trust a rappelling rope to lower us safely down. Great fun!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    OMSI in Portland

    August 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    From our forest adventure, we were heading further west out of the gorge into the city. One of the higher rated attractions in downtown Portland, the OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) was on our list of things to do. When we got there after fighting real city traffic for the first time on this trip, we were excited to find out that the Titanic exhibit was there, and headed straight for it. There was a ton of information, and for the boys this was all new. Unfortunately, the rest of the museum had very little to hold our attention, so we moved on.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Dinner!

    August 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Spending a lot of our day on the road, having driven through Portland, walked the museum and the rose gardens, we thought we would grab dinner before heading back up the gorge. After much debate, we settled on Mongolian barbecue, which ended up being a great decision!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Mount Hood Railroad Adventure

    August 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    For our final full day in Hood River, we started with a very unique adventure, riding battery assisted pedal rail cars from the town up into the high fruit valley. Our guide was fun and we enjoyed pedaling a little, but mostly just used the throttles, which was much more relaxing and enjoyable, especially when you want to enjoy the scenery and take lots of pictures and videos!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Top of the tracks

    August 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    As we approached the fruit farms in the high valley and the end of our “out” leg of the journey, we stopped for pictures of Mt Hood and some shopping at a local fruit grower. Once the crew had turned our cars around, we got to enjoy a 5 mile downhill run like a well controlled roller coaster. It got a little cool in the shade at 17 mph, but it was a lot of fun.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Fruit Loop in Hood Valley

    August 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    One of the most idyllic valleys we’ve ever seen, we cruised through field after field of farms with fruit trees, berries, and vines. Stopping at a few open fruit stands, we got to enjoy fresh goods and treats, including huckleberry shakes, cookies, and jams. It was a lot of fun, and we enjoyed just taking in the constant presence of Mt Hood.Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Slopes of Mount Doom! Er.. Mt Hood

    August 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Convinced we could off-road a bit in our rental Bronco, we headed up the slopes of Mount Hood, like Frodo and Sam on their quest to Mount Doom. We were worried that the payoff might not be that great, but we got a great view of multiple peaks, the current grasshopper fire and even a waterfall. It was amazing up there!Read more

  • Duane RichardsOregon in August ’26Traveler

    Last evening in Hood River

    August 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    It’s always a little sad thinking that we are ending our vacation, but always a bit happy to be going home. We spent the evening eating Hawaiian bbq, where Eric ordered a habanero steak sandwich (not knowing it was super spicy), fun to watch him sweat, and later enjoying pineapple whip ice cream. Then we cruised back to our hotel and enjoyed the amazing weather at the pool and on the lawn playing our family dice game, finally topping it off with a movie in our room together. A nice end to our family vacation!Read more