There are a few attractions in the Columbia River Gorge that locals generally avoid in the peak of summer. They are as follows:
a) Vista House
b) Multnomah Falls
c) Dog Mountain on the weekends
d) Downtown Hood River
These places are all totally fantastic, but because of their accessibility and obvious awesomeness, they are a bit crowded for folks who like rural living. We usually enjoy these sights when we have company visiting or during the off season when you can enjoy the scenery at a calm and quiet pace.
Vista House (or Crown Point) is one of the mile markers of my childhood.
Day or night, I would look for its crown of lights and know how much further we had to drive before reaching home. It is a beautiful building perched on top of a remarkable rock outcrop with vistas of the entire Gorge.
Peekaboo View.
Today's adventure started because, after running some errands in Portland, I asked Jonah what he would like to do. And, like a child of the mountains, he replied, "See waterfalls? Hiking?" He asks to see waterfalls or go hiking regularly, and I find it the most charming request. I could not be more pleased.
So we decided to play tourist and drive along historic hwy 30...
stopping to see waterfalls and go hiking.
Multnomah falls was very exciting!
Thanks for the suggestion, Jonah. I had a lot of fun with you.
xoxo
