Story by Mike Cheney
Over 30,000 years ago, a flourishing civilization lived and played on the Columbia River Gorge. Excavations show that humans have occupied this ideal salmon fishing site for more than 10,000 years. Just over 200 years ago, the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriweather Lewis and William Clark, traveled in a dugout canoe down the Columbia en route to the Pacific Ocean.
Their goal to find a Northwest Passage to the far east failed, but their discoveries, mapping, and a thorough description of the scenic Columbia River Gorge did not. They paved the way for commerce, recreationalists, and Road Trippers alike.
The damming of this river has left us with a wide crossing of water, ideal for the continued commerce up and down the rivers and the recreation that has made the region famous. Windsurfing is to this part of the state what rock climbing is to Smith Rock or powder days are to Mt. Bachelor. Day in and day out, a look down to the river provides the ever-present sail of the speeding windsurfer, dashing from shore to shore. Mingled among them, spectacular kite surfers defy gravity – and perhaps sanity – as they propel themselves up stream and down, strapped to a billowing parachute and a wakeboard.
LODGING: Though technically in Washington, Skamania shares the mighty Columbia River with Oregon and if you have 5-start intentions, this is the place to be. Looking for more modest accommodations: check in with the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association. http://www.crgva.org/lodging.htm
Skamania Lodge
http://www.skamania.com
Nearly 200 years after Lewis and Clark passed this way, a magnificent lodge was built (1993) with breathtaking views of the Columbia River, a golf course carved into the woods, and 5-star amenities—all just 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on the Washington side of the river.
Skamania Lodge Golf Course
http://www.skamania.com/portland-oregon-golf.php
The Skamania Lodge Golf Course sports 18 holes tighter than your uncle’s wallet a week before payday. Narrow fairways dense with menacing foliage wait to challenge you (and steal your ball). You’re more likely to see a herd of deer on the fairway than your own ball, depending on how straight you’re hitting. Hit is askance and you’ll brand your golf ball with the so-called Skamania logo: a rough patch of tree bark. If you’re lucky enough to be pair up with off-duty Skamania staffers, you might get the lucky “employee bounce” and find the ball in the fairway in spite of yourself.
Skamania Waterleaf Spa & Fitness Center
http://www.skamania.com/portland-oregon-spa.php
Spend the day getting pampered and rejuvenated from head-to-toe ; drop in for a relaxing body rock massage (or one of their many other luxuries treatments); or hit the gym to work off the all-you-can-eat buffet you enjoyed last night.
RECREATION:
The Columbia River Gorge is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Do you like: hiking, biking, golf, fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, windsurfing, kiting, waterfalls or wildflowers? Click here for a list of opportunities or to connect with guides and outfitters. http://www.crgva.org/directory.cfm#Recreation
The Fruit Loop
Ride your road bike or drive the 25-mile loop through Hood River Valley’s orchards, forests, farmlands and communities. You’ll see towering snow-capped mountain peaks and acres upon acres of fruit to pick and eat. Through October you can head to the lavender fields and bring home sweet smelling flowers. Apples, along with pears and cherries, are the most prolific fruit in the valley. www.hoodriverfruitloop.com
RESTORATION AND RESERVATION
Columbia Riverkeepers: Working to restore and protect the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. www.columbiariverkeeper.org
Friends of the Columbia Gorge: Vigorously protecting the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. www.gorgefriends.org
Oregon Wild: Works to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife and waters as an enduring legacy for all Oregonians. www.oregonwild.org
Pacific Rivers Council: Working to protect and restore rivers, their watersheds, and native aquatic species. www.pacificrivers.org
River Network: Leading a nationwide movement to preserve and restore clean and healthy waters, and working to protect the quality of all fresh waters and the health of all people and ecosystems dependent upon them. www.rivernetwork.org
View a complete list of non-profits working to preserve and restore Oregon’s lakes and rivers, wildlife and nearby riparian areas. http://www.oregonlakesandrivers.com/nonprofits
HISTORICAL SITES
Mary Hill Museum of Art includes exhibits of Native American baskets and stone tools as well as the current exhibit: The Good Life, featuring approximately 30 paintings, drawings and prints drawn from Maryhill’s permanent collections that depict gatherings, still life, and landscapes; all representing the good things in life. The exhibit continues through November 15. www.maryhillmuseum.org
Cello Park is the site of historic Native American fishing grounds. The Corps of Discovery portaged around these great falls, now underwater from the damming of the Columbia River. Also visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center www.columbiagorge.org.
Beacon Rock State Park is where the Corps first notes the tidal influence of the Pacific Ocean. View fish windows, river history, and trails at The Bonneville Dam visitor center and the Fort Cascades Historic Trail.
A fairly tame but certainly historic opportunity is to ride on the Sternwheeler http://www.portlandspirit.com/, aptly named “Columbia Gorge.” This famous riverboat makes its home in the Cascade Locks, one of the oldest communities in the Gorge.
WINERIES
Maryhill Winery
Goldendale, Washington www.maryhillwinery.com
Mt. Hood Winery
Hood River, Oregon www.mthoodwinery.com
Excerpted from an article that appeared in Cascades East in the Fall of 2006. Photo Courtesy of the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association
