Columbia River Gorge

When glacial floods carved out most of the Columbia River Gorge at the end of the last Ice Age, they left behind massive, looming cliffs where the river bisects the Cascade mountain range. The size of the canyon and the wildly varying elevations make this small stretch of Oregon as ecologically diverse as anyplace in the state. In a few days along the gorge, you can mountain bike through dry canyons near The Dalles, hike through temperate rain forest in Oneonta Gorge, and take a woodland wildflower stroll just outside of Hood River. At night you'll be rewarded with historic lodging and good food in one of a half-dozen mellow river towns. The country's first National Scenic Area remains one of its most inviting.