Columbia River Gorge and Portland
Jan 24th, 2017, 04:37 PM
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Columbia River Gorge and Portland
Hi. Coming from Boston. After staying 3 nights at the Many Glacier Hotel in GNP this July we are thinking of driving to the Columbia River Gorge. We have a total of 7 nights. We have never been there. We are 60 years old and love easy to moderate hiking, beautiful scenery, nice resorts, and great food. We hear that Columbia River Gorge is beautiful. Plan on flying back to Boston from Portland. Would greatly appreciate some advice on where to stay, what to do, best routes, and any other helpful info. We realize it is a long drive from GNP so will look to stay overnight somewhere half way. Any suggestions? Since we have to fly out of Portland don't know whether or not we need to stay the last night in Portland. If so, that only leaves two nights at Columbia River Gorge. Again, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, W.
Jan 24th, 2017, 05:02 PM
#2
Turn in your Montana rental car where you rented it and then take the Amtrak Empire Builder overnight to Portland. Rent a car in downtown Portland to go see Multnomah Falls (Oregon's highest) and several other waterfalls along the old Columbia Gorge Highway. Spend at least 1 night in Hood River. There is no shortage of things to see in Oregon in your 7 days.
Plan on getting to the coast for at least 1 night as well.
It is possible to sleep in coach on an Amtrak train if you don't want to pay for a Roomette.
Plan on getting to the coast for at least 1 night as well.
It is possible to sleep in coach on an Amtrak train if you don't want to pay for a Roomette.
Jan 24th, 2017, 05:09 PM
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So it depends on what you like to do. One of the more attractive towns on your way is Walla Walla- but if you don't like wine, then probably not. If you like biking, maybe stop and bike the Hiawatha and then stay overnight in Spokane. That would be the option I'd pick because a) Hiawatha!!! And b) the Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane.
Two nights in the gorge is fine- stay in Hood River. Nicest town on the gorge. Or you could stay at mcmenamins edgefield (love their soaking pool and grounds), which would put you closer to Portland. If you stay at edgefield, you could probably do 3 nights. If you stay in HR, I think you'd want to do last night in Portland. We're not talking about huge difference in distance- HR is actually an easy day trip from Portland- it's just traffic can be annoying, both in the Gorge and in the city. And I don't know what time your flight is.
Best food by far in whole area will be Portland. So even if you stay at edgefield, which has a decent restaurant, go into Portland for dinner at least once. If you stay in HR, stay walking distance from the main drag. HR is pretty small- nearly everything is on that street.
Two nights in the gorge is fine- stay in Hood River. Nicest town on the gorge. Or you could stay at mcmenamins edgefield (love their soaking pool and grounds), which would put you closer to Portland. If you stay at edgefield, you could probably do 3 nights. If you stay in HR, I think you'd want to do last night in Portland. We're not talking about huge difference in distance- HR is actually an easy day trip from Portland- it's just traffic can be annoying, both in the Gorge and in the city. And I don't know what time your flight is.
Best food by far in whole area will be Portland. So even if you stay at edgefield, which has a decent restaurant, go into Portland for dinner at least once. If you stay in HR, stay walking distance from the main drag. HR is pretty small- nearly everything is on that street.
Jan 24th, 2017, 05:13 PM
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And no, don't do what tom suggests. You miss a beautiful drive in favor of a thoroughly irritating Amtrak schedule. I like trains, but not when you need a car again. That doesn't make any sense. And I love the coast, but not worth sacrificing time out of the gorge in this case imo.
Jan 24th, 2017, 06:06 PM
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The Gorge is cool, and you will love it. There are some good little hikes to waterfalls between Portland and Hood River. Stop at Hood River visitors center for lots of great info. We had fun on the Fruit Loop drive to orchards, fruit stands, etc., and really enjoyed walking around the beautiful and interesting old hotel on the mountain. Can't recall the name but it was used in some outdoor shots in The Shining movie.
Have fun!
Have fun!
Jan 24th, 2017, 07:43 PM
#6
You need to understand where tom is coming from: 1) he thinks any trip that doesn't include amtrak is a crime against humanity, and 2) sometime in his past he was severely traumatized by a rental car drop off fee 
Do not take the train for this itinerary and IMO you don't have enough time for the coast
I love the Gorge but if it was me I would stay one night in Portland and have a great dinner before flying out the next day.
Do not take the train for this itinerary and IMO you don't have enough time for the coast
I love the Gorge but if it was me I would stay one night in Portland and have a great dinner before flying out the next day.
Jan 25th, 2017, 06:26 AM
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As a local, I agree with everyone except tom.
The gorge is wonderful! We do a lot of hiking in the area, but I hate to make specific suggestions without knowing what your parameters are, so take a look at this website to help you decide what is right for you. www.oregonhikers.org and use the "find a hike" tab. You can filter to whatever you want. That said, the three biggest attractions are Portland Woman's Forum (odd name but great views), Crown Point Vista House, and of course Multnomah Falls. That said, there is one really easy hike further past Hood River at Rowena Crest, which has stunning views right from your car, but even better after the short hike. Not to scare you, but you do need to watch for rattlesnakes in that area. We had one cross out path right in front of me a couple years ago and I jumped higher than I knew I could
Go all the way past The Dalles to Biggs Junction, cross the river into WA and then visits sights along there while driving back west toward Hood River and/or Portland. Just after you cross the bridge, there is the Stonehenge Replica, then Maryhill Museum as well as Maryhill Winery, Horsethief Butte, petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park, and then way further down is Beacon Rock. I would also take a detour from Hood River over to Timberline Lodge. So that gives you a very quick overview.
Anyway, this is a beautiful area! Oh and Edgefield books up far in advance so try to get that booked now. If that doesn't pan out for you, take a look at Skamania Lodge on the WA side.
The gorge is wonderful! We do a lot of hiking in the area, but I hate to make specific suggestions without knowing what your parameters are, so take a look at this website to help you decide what is right for you. www.oregonhikers.org and use the "find a hike" tab. You can filter to whatever you want. That said, the three biggest attractions are Portland Woman's Forum (odd name but great views), Crown Point Vista House, and of course Multnomah Falls. That said, there is one really easy hike further past Hood River at Rowena Crest, which has stunning views right from your car, but even better after the short hike. Not to scare you, but you do need to watch for rattlesnakes in that area. We had one cross out path right in front of me a couple years ago and I jumped higher than I knew I could
Go all the way past The Dalles to Biggs Junction, cross the river into WA and then visits sights along there while driving back west toward Hood River and/or Portland. Just after you cross the bridge, there is the Stonehenge Replica, then Maryhill Museum as well as Maryhill Winery, Horsethief Butte, petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park, and then way further down is Beacon Rock. I would also take a detour from Hood River over to Timberline Lodge. So that gives you a very quick overview.Anyway, this is a beautiful area! Oh and Edgefield books up far in advance so try to get that booked now. If that doesn't pan out for you, take a look at Skamania Lodge on the WA side.
Jan 25th, 2017, 06:42 AM
#8
Here's a route I'd suggest: https://goo.gl/maps/zSihqrStLvS2
Features:
Glacier NP/Whitefish to Dayton, WA. This will be a longish day but not back-breaking. Dayton is a pleasant and historic farm town in the beautiful Palouse hills - covered with wheat and home of Appaloosa horses. Since you mention good food, the Patit Creek Restaurant in Dayton is one of the best in Eastern Washington. https://www.yelp.com/biz/patit-creek-restaurant-dayton
Dayton to Hood River via Maryhill. The Maryhill Museum is a real surprise - lovely grounds and fascinating collections (including a number of Rodin sculptures and the remarkable Parisian mannequins from 1946) set in a neoclassical mansion above the red rocks of the Columbia Gorge. Just down the road is a replica of Stonehenge, also worthy of a stop. www.maryhillmuseum.org (Stay on the WA side of the Columbia for the remainder of the drive - better views than along I-84.)
2 days based in Hood River. Drive the Hood River Valley "fruit loop" through orchards and vineyards (fruit stands, tasting rooms etc.) Watch the windsurfers on the Columbia at Hood River, or drive a short distance on the Washington side to White Salmon, with great views of Mount Adams from nearby. Drive up to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood (an hour's incredibly scenic drive.) Try some of the local artisan beers in Hood River. There's just no end of things to do in the area. http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
Then travel through the western Gorge (waterfalls, vistas) to McMenamin's Edgefield for your last night. Stop at Multnomah and/or Latourell Falls, Vista House and the Portland Women's Forum viewpoint. Maybe spend an hour at the Bonneville Hatchery to visit Herman the Sturgeon and feed the baby salmon.
The Edgefield is a terrific complex featuring lots of fun art, on-site brewery, winery, and distillery, several restaurants and umpteen bars, a movie theater, spa, pitch and putt golf, gardens... very fun place, and around 15 min. from Portland airport for your getaway day. http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield
Spectacular trip, trust me.
Features:
Glacier NP/Whitefish to Dayton, WA. This will be a longish day but not back-breaking. Dayton is a pleasant and historic farm town in the beautiful Palouse hills - covered with wheat and home of Appaloosa horses. Since you mention good food, the Patit Creek Restaurant in Dayton is one of the best in Eastern Washington. https://www.yelp.com/biz/patit-creek-restaurant-dayton
Dayton to Hood River via Maryhill. The Maryhill Museum is a real surprise - lovely grounds and fascinating collections (including a number of Rodin sculptures and the remarkable Parisian mannequins from 1946) set in a neoclassical mansion above the red rocks of the Columbia Gorge. Just down the road is a replica of Stonehenge, also worthy of a stop. www.maryhillmuseum.org (Stay on the WA side of the Columbia for the remainder of the drive - better views than along I-84.)
2 days based in Hood River. Drive the Hood River Valley "fruit loop" through orchards and vineyards (fruit stands, tasting rooms etc.) Watch the windsurfers on the Columbia at Hood River, or drive a short distance on the Washington side to White Salmon, with great views of Mount Adams from nearby. Drive up to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood (an hour's incredibly scenic drive.) Try some of the local artisan beers in Hood River. There's just no end of things to do in the area. http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/
Then travel through the western Gorge (waterfalls, vistas) to McMenamin's Edgefield for your last night. Stop at Multnomah and/or Latourell Falls, Vista House and the Portland Women's Forum viewpoint. Maybe spend an hour at the Bonneville Hatchery to visit Herman the Sturgeon and feed the baby salmon.
The Edgefield is a terrific complex featuring lots of fun art, on-site brewery, winery, and distillery, several restaurants and umpteen bars, a movie theater, spa, pitch and putt golf, gardens... very fun place, and around 15 min. from Portland airport for your getaway day. http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield
Spectacular trip, trust me.
Jan 25th, 2017, 06:57 AM
#9
However you get there, visit the Timberline Lodge.
http://www.timberlinelodge.com/the-shining/
My first visit to the area was with my parents when we went to the World's Fair in Spokane and then went through Portland on the way to visit relatives in California.
You do get a great view of the Gorge in the last hour coming into Portland on the train.
As of this week the two ski areas in Oregon with more than 100" of snow are Timberline on Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor outside Bend.
My next trip on Amtrak in May will save me over 4000 miles of driving.
http://www.timberlinelodge.com/the-shining/
My first visit to the area was with my parents when we went to the World's Fair in Spokane and then went through Portland on the way to visit relatives in California.
You do get a great view of the Gorge in the last hour coming into Portland on the train.
As of this week the two ski areas in Oregon with more than 100" of snow are Timberline on Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor outside Bend.
My next trip on Amtrak in May will save me over 4000 miles of driving.
Jan 25th, 2017, 11:34 AM
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I was admittedly ready to endorse much of Gardyloo's path there, because Dayton is a cute little place, but then I contemplated your being from the east coast, and that you should see as much as possible of the most unique sights in this area while you're here.
SO I would suggest going from Whitefish to Grand Coulee Dam, WA... and then following some of the path of the Columbia River south, and then westward toward the gorge.
The area called Grand Coulee itself (not the dam) makes for a scenic and unique drive, and you should visit Dry Falls, WA along the way.
Spots you can/should map, for this purpose, include:
Grand Coulee, WA
Coulee City, WA
(Dry Falls is nearby there, but don't 'map' it)
From Dry Falls to Richland you can take a number of paths, so whichever suits your fancy... (and there is nothing in particular that you need to see in the Richland area, so you could even take another path on the way to Maryhill, WA)
Richland, WA (maybe????)
Maryhill, WA
Hood River, OR
Oh, the outdoor music venue called "The Gorge at George", in central Washington State, is highly recommended, but the chances of finding a music act you'd want to see, during your tiny window, are slim.
One more thing... SINCE you'll be starting out in NW Montana, you might even consider reading up at glaciallakemissoula.org to better understand just what created the Columbia Gorge in the first place.
If you get to Missoula itself, you can take note on the canyon walls there, the unique marks which indicate the different water levels of the ice age lakes which formed there at different times long ago.
In spots along this path you will see dozens of enormous boulders strewn about right next to the highways, with no hills anywhere nearby, and that website will better underscore just how those giant rocks came to be resting where they are.
SO I would suggest going from Whitefish to Grand Coulee Dam, WA... and then following some of the path of the Columbia River south, and then westward toward the gorge.
The area called Grand Coulee itself (not the dam) makes for a scenic and unique drive, and you should visit Dry Falls, WA along the way.
Spots you can/should map, for this purpose, include:
Grand Coulee, WA
Coulee City, WA
(Dry Falls is nearby there, but don't 'map' it)
From Dry Falls to Richland you can take a number of paths, so whichever suits your fancy... (and there is nothing in particular that you need to see in the Richland area, so you could even take another path on the way to Maryhill, WA)
Richland, WA (maybe????)
Maryhill, WA
Hood River, OR
Oh, the outdoor music venue called "The Gorge at George", in central Washington State, is highly recommended, but the chances of finding a music act you'd want to see, during your tiny window, are slim.
One more thing... SINCE you'll be starting out in NW Montana, you might even consider reading up at glaciallakemissoula.org to better understand just what created the Columbia Gorge in the first place.
If you get to Missoula itself, you can take note on the canyon walls there, the unique marks which indicate the different water levels of the ice age lakes which formed there at different times long ago.
In spots along this path you will see dozens of enormous boulders strewn about right next to the highways, with no hills anywhere nearby, and that website will better underscore just how those giant rocks came to be resting where they are.
Jan 25th, 2017, 03:56 PM
#14
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Thank you all so very much for all of this wonderful information. I honestly didn't expect all this detail. My wife and I will digest it all and come up with our plan; again based on your great input. We are so looking forward to it.
We actually like to drive because that way we may do things at our leisure. However, I appreciate all comments even the recommendation of the train.
And yes, we love wine so Walla Walla sounds very tempting.
We'll start looking aggresively into the lodging. Edgfield sounds very tempting.
Our plan will be to stay the first 3 nights in GNP at the Many Glacier since I was fortunate enough to book that in advance. It is all sold out for the month of July. From there we will plan our drive based on the suggestions you all made. Have to figure out what is the best for us based on the different recommendations. I'm leaning towards 1 night somewhere on the way from GNP to Hood River. Maybe Walla Walla as mentioned above. Stay some combination of 3 nights in the HR area and then the last night in Portland before the flight home. We have not booked the flight yet but most likely it will be leaving in early afternoon.
The one other thing that someone could help with, if possible, is any recommendation of where we could fly into and spend a night prior to going to the Many Glacier. I realize that I may need some help from someone more familiar with Montana. As of right now, the best option to fly is from Boston to Seattle and then a connector to Kalispell. That seems strange to us that we have to fly past our first destination and then backtrack to GNP. Preferably we would find a place to fly in that isn't that far from GNP, stay the night, and then drive to the Many Glacier. This makes more sense to us if it is even possible. Also allows us to land, take our time, enjoy a dinner and the night and then get up nice and early and drive to the Many Glacier so that we would have that entire day to enjoy it especially since we have only 3 nights in Glacier. So, if anyone is able to offer a suggestion and don't mind, please do. It would be greatly appreciated. If not, we understand. You have all exceeded our expectations with all your input. Thanks again, W.
We actually like to drive because that way we may do things at our leisure. However, I appreciate all comments even the recommendation of the train.
And yes, we love wine so Walla Walla sounds very tempting.
We'll start looking aggresively into the lodging. Edgfield sounds very tempting.
Our plan will be to stay the first 3 nights in GNP at the Many Glacier since I was fortunate enough to book that in advance. It is all sold out for the month of July. From there we will plan our drive based on the suggestions you all made. Have to figure out what is the best for us based on the different recommendations. I'm leaning towards 1 night somewhere on the way from GNP to Hood River. Maybe Walla Walla as mentioned above. Stay some combination of 3 nights in the HR area and then the last night in Portland before the flight home. We have not booked the flight yet but most likely it will be leaving in early afternoon.
The one other thing that someone could help with, if possible, is any recommendation of where we could fly into and spend a night prior to going to the Many Glacier. I realize that I may need some help from someone more familiar with Montana. As of right now, the best option to fly is from Boston to Seattle and then a connector to Kalispell. That seems strange to us that we have to fly past our first destination and then backtrack to GNP. Preferably we would find a place to fly in that isn't that far from GNP, stay the night, and then drive to the Many Glacier. This makes more sense to us if it is even possible. Also allows us to land, take our time, enjoy a dinner and the night and then get up nice and early and drive to the Many Glacier so that we would have that entire day to enjoy it especially since we have only 3 nights in Glacier. So, if anyone is able to offer a suggestion and don't mind, please do. It would be greatly appreciated. If not, we understand. You have all exceeded our expectations with all your input. Thanks again, W.
Jan 26th, 2017, 09:14 AM
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From Logan you can fly to Kalispell via Salt Lake City or Minneapolis with Delta or via Denver or Chicago with United. We were just at Many Glacier this past September, great despite still under construction. Not luxurious by any means, but we love the old National Park lodges and their locations. Hope you have a lakeside room, could not get over those sunrise/sunset view s over the lake and mountains beyond. Couple of sunrise pictures here, one lakeside the other from the parking lot:. https://photos.google.com/album/AF1Q...t3xTrykFB6nR8G
As far as the gorge w e stayed one night Timberline two nights Hood River Best Western and thought both were good choices. Timberline has that old National Park lodge feel in a spectacular setting. Great public areas too with giant stone fireplace and big windows. Hood River a great base for exploring the gorge and some good places to eat. Go to the Bonneville Dam if you have time to view the fish ladder, hatchery, and see the giant sturgeon. Can’t help you with the drive from GN .
As far as the gorge w e stayed one night Timberline two nights Hood River Best Western and thought both were good choices. Timberline has that old National Park lodge feel in a spectacular setting. Great public areas too with giant stone fireplace and big windows. Hood River a great base for exploring the gorge and some good places to eat. Go to the Bonneville Dam if you have time to view the fish ladder, hatchery, and see the giant sturgeon. Can’t help you with the drive from GN .
Jan 26th, 2017, 09:47 AM
#18
I took a picture from this exact spot but the lighting was not the same. https://www.wdl.org/en/item/2722/
The Ansel Adams spot is about 100 yards from the door of the Lake McDonald Lodge.
The Ansel Adams spot is about 100 yards from the door of the Lake McDonald Lodge.
Jan 26th, 2017, 05:28 PM
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see, the thing is, Seatac is a western hub. I'm from Walla Walla, and to fly there, no matter where you're coming from, is through Seattle. So I'm not surprised Kalispell is the same way.
Sort of a crazy idea. And probably won't work for you. But you could fly into Seattle and take the empire builder Amtrak train to glacier. The ride is supposed to be scenic. But although I like trains (just not as much as tom) the schedule has never worked for me on that route, but it might appeal to you.
Walla Walla downtown has at least 27 winery tasting rooms and there's probably 4-5 times that number in the Valley. Just saying
Sort of a crazy idea. And probably won't work for you. But you could fly into Seattle and take the empire builder Amtrak train to glacier. The ride is supposed to be scenic. But although I like trains (just not as much as tom) the schedule has never worked for me on that route, but it might appeal to you.
Walla Walla downtown has at least 27 winery tasting rooms and there's probably 4-5 times that number in the Valley. Just saying
