Finally at the Gorge!
7 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ 🌬 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 RiverLeggi altro
Hood River, our final home
7 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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, weLeggi altro
First falls of the day - Multnomah
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 weLeggi altro
Up to the top!
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ⛅ 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,Leggi altro
The Vista House
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 atLeggi altro
Latourel Falls
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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,Leggi altro
Shepperd’s Dell
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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!
Bridal Veil
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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.
Wahkeena Falls
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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, thenLeggi altro
Horsetail Falls - our last one
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Everyone was pretty exhausted by this last one, so just the parents got out and took some pics. It turned out to be an easy access falls, so wading in and cooling our feet was totally acceptable!
Bonneville Lock
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 watercraftLeggi altro
Bonneville Dam
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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.Leggi altro
Fish hatchery
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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.
Street tacos and the pool
8 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
After a busy hiking day (over 20,000 steps and 110 floors of ascent) we indulged in street tacos, our new family fave, outside our back door. And of course later, the pool!
Bridge of the Gods
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 beenLeggi altro
Skamania Lodge Zip Line Part 1
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 anotherLeggi altro
Skamania Lodge Zip Line Part 2
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
The whole adventure took about two hours, and we got plenty of pictures along the way, also some helmet hair as a souvenir!
OMSI in Portland
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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) wasLeggi altro
International Rose Test Gardens
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Our final stop in Portland before heading back to less populated areas was the famous Washington Park. Specifically we walked around and through the test gardens, enjoying the fragrances and colors ofLeggi altro
Dinner!
9 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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, weLeggi altro
Mount Hood Railroad Adventure
10 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 enjoyedLeggi altro
Top of the tracks
10 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 hadLeggi altro
Fruit Loop in Hood Valley
10 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 goodsLeggi altro
Slopes of Mount Doom! Er.. Mt Hood
10 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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,Leggi altro
Last evening in Hood River
10 agosto, Stati Uniti ⋅ ☀️ 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 sandwichLeggi altro