Columbia River Gorge
 

Trying to figure the best driving route from Yakima,WA to Portland,OR.(we are coming to Yakima from Mt. Ranier.) Our goals in Yakima area include a couple of wineries and then we want to drive the most scenic route from there to Portland taking in the Columbia River Gorge. Route 97 shortcuts down from Yakima to river. Then either 14 or 84 along the gorge to Portland.? One better than another? Any special things to do or see on the trip? Also looking for a nice B&B before Portland. We're first timers to the great NW. Want to see it all ! Thanks Fodor Friends, Carol

On the Oregon side - 84 - you get an upfront and personal view of the 7 main waterfalls - including the longest/highest one in Oregon - Multnomah. http://www.multnomahfallslodge.com/

We did this drive the opposite way you are considering, and you can cross over the mighty Columbia several places, and enjoy the Gorge just as long as you cross over to the Oregon side somewhere around Hood River.

You might also enjoy Maryhill - on the Wash side - a gorgeous estate - which has a great history - as well as art, etc.

http://www.maryhillmuseum.org/Visit/gettingHere.html

And while it's a resort - vs a B & B - our favorite is the Timberline Lodge - on the "other"/south side of Mt. Hood - about an hour's driving time or less from Hood River, and about an hour away from the Portland Airport - which is on the east side of Portland. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/

BTW - a very fun/upbeat family (whose "kids" went to school down here at USD) - started their own winery years ago - and it's very good. Check out Hedges winery - and bid Bonjour - to Anne Marie. :) http://www.hedgesfamilyestate.com/

Follow US 97 to the river, then stay on the Washington side (WA 14) as far as either Hood River or Stevenson/Cascade Locks. On US 97, keep an eye peeled for fabulous views of Mount Adams to the west; IMO it's the visual equal of Rainier, but gets little comment.

Be sure to visit the Stonehenge memorial and Maryhill Museum near the junction of US 97 and WA 14 - a remarkable little culture blast in the sagebrush. http://maryhillmuseum.org

Downstream a couple of miles from Cascade Locks is the Bonneville Dam complex. If there are kids with you, a stop at the fish hatchery at Bonneville is virtually mandatory; generations of kids (and their elders) have marveled at the giant sturgeon at the hatchery.

Then a little ways downstream from the hatchery (maybe a mile) follow the "Historic" Columbia Gorge Highway when it splits off from I-84. It's <i>this</i> road that goes past the waterfalls, not the freeway. Heading west be careful not to miss the vistas looking back east, particularly around Crown Point and the "Portland Women's Forum" view area - where you can see the view of Crown Point itself - http://gardyloo.us/20100509_5a.JPG

If you like wine (also beer and spirits) and have a sense of whimsey consider staying at McMenamin's Edgefield in Troutdale, just at the west edge of the Gorge scenic area. http://www.mcmenamins.com/54-edgefield-home The Edgefield is the crown jewel in the McMenamin's group of fun and innovative hotel/winery/pub/brewery/etc. properties, most of which are built in older structures or complexes adapted to their current use. Another one that might be of interest is the Kennedy School in Portland itself. Tour the city, then come back and have a glass of wine or a beer (or two) and take in one of the (free for residents) movies on the property, then go to your classroom/bedroom (most with a blackboard still on the wall) for a comfortable night. Great fun. http://www.mcmenamins.com/KennedySchool

Oh, wanted to mention... keep your eyes sharp for one of the coolest junkyards in America, just off the east edge of US 97 south of Toppenish (before the road starts climbing toward Satus pass.) Nothing but cars and trucks from the 20s and 30s, e.g. http://gardyloo.us/Sunroof.jpg Not easily accessed from the highway, but an interesting photo-op as you pass.

<i>Follow US 97 to the river, then stay on the Washington side (WA 14) as far as either Hood River or Stevenson/Cascade Locks.</i>

Great advice. Access the Historic Columbia River Highway at Multnomah Falls and continue on the two-lane road to enjoy other waterfalls and the incomparable view at Crown Point. Depart the historic highway at Corbett and take I-84 into Portland.

HTTY

Just an FYI: Highway 14 on the Washington side is a two-lane, winding road. I-84 on the Oregon side is a four-lane interstate highway, much easier to drive.

On the Oregon side, in Hood River, is The Gorge White House, where supposedly you can taste the wines from all the wineries in the Columbia Gorge.

http://www.thegorgewhitehouse.com/

We were, unfortunately, not able to stop there, so if you do, please come back and tell us about it.

<i>Highway 14 on the Washington side is a two-lane, winding road....</i>so you won't have to share it with loads of trucks and you will have expansive views of the gorge and Mt Hood that you won't have driving the same stretch on I-84.

HTTY