How long should I allow for to see the Columbia River Gorge/waterfalls+weather in late Ausust
 

I'm planning a trip to Oregon for the end of August and anticipate driving the Columbia River Gorge as I'm a waterfall fan. Can I make the trip to appx. Hood River in one full day? Also what kind of weather can I expect in late August? Thanks in advance...

Are you starting in Portland? It's an Interstate from Portland to Hood River, and can be easily driven in a few hours. However, you need to jump off the Interstate (I can't exactly remember where) to a two-lane road that runs parallel to the Interstate. This is where all the Waterfalls are. And there are several. Some are more interesting than others. So, depending on just how much you like waterfalls, it's still possible to get from Portland to Hood River in a day, and still see the waterfalls (this doesn't factor in hiking up and down the waterfalls, however).

Thanx David...yep I'll be originating in Portland and returning there at the end of the route, as well. I couldn't tell from my travel guides, etc. whether there are lengthy hikes, etc. to see the various waterfalls which is why I wondered about feasibility of seeing them all in one day. Any thoughts on the weather? I expect moist... <BR>

If memory serves, a few of the larger waterfalls do have hiking trails associated with them. Somewhere (while I was in Oregon) I had picked up a small book on the waterfall trail and it lists all the pertinent info. I think some of the trails took an hour or more to complete (given that you were hiking straight up). We were there in Sept and the weather (overall) was clear and mild. But, of course, nearer the waterfalls there will be lots of ambient water and the ground will be mushier.

Chris: We are planning the some of the same trip Aug 25. Here is the info from National Geographic Scenic Highways and Byways book. "Troutdale, Or to Maryhill Museum of Art, Wahington, I-84, and Wash 14." Start downtown Troutdale, just off I-84, where 257th Ave meets the Columbia Riv Hwy. about a mile cross the Sandy River and pass Lewis & Clark Park. At about 8 miles- pullout for Portland Women's Forum St Park for 1st look at the gorge. 35-mile section of the hwy from Troudale is the longest original portion remaining. Leaving the pullout, you will soon reach Vista House perched atop a 733ft overlook. After Vista House, the narrow, winding road slips down to the river. About 2 miles pass Vista House, is the begining of the falls. 1st is Latourell Falls, 8 miles later 620ft Multnomah Falls. Then Oneonta gorge, Bonneville Dam. 4 miles past the dam exit at Cascade Locks to a 2hr cruise the Columbia River on a stern-wheeler. We then will go into Washington and drive Rt 14 east.

Yes, you can easily do this in a day. We lived in Portland for a couple of years about 13 years ago, and we took this trip a number of times; it was our favorite thing to do with visitors. Get on the Scenic Highway in Troutdale and head east. Be sure to stop at the Womens Forum State Park that Marge mentioned, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view down the Columbia River Gorge (there is a parking area right off the highway overlooking the view). You can stop at the Vista House if you wish to use restrooms, get a snack, or browse the gift shop. shortly after that you'll start seeing the waterfalls - most of them are visible from the road, with places to stop and see them. I know that many of them have hiking trails, but the only trail we ever went on was the lower trail at Multnomah Falls, as we had 2 infants and a toddler at the time. There is a Park Service Lodge at Multnomah Falls with a restaraunt, which is a good place to stop for lunch. The food used to be reasonably good there, I don't know if that's changed. After you get off of the highway you can take a tour of the Bonnieville Dam if you like, it's pretty interesting. There is a boat trip that you can take at Cascade Locks, but I don't know what their schedule is or how long the rides last. I do remember going on the boat and enjoying it, but my memory is hazy on the details. When you decide to turn around and go back to Portland you can get on Interstate 84 and zip back to town in about an hour and a half or so, depending on how far you traveled. If you have time and want to take a swim, you can stop at Rooster Rock State Park on the way back. There is a nice sandy beach there with a big swimming area, the river is very shallow for quite a way out, so the swimming is safe. It's a lovely spot. <BR>As for the weather, you'll be there before the start of the rainy season. The two summers we spent there were fairly sunny and dry, I don't know how atypical that was. However, it can be hot or very cool that time of year, so prepare for either type of weather. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery!

When we took the Gorge tour a few years ago, we drove back to Portland on the Washington State side and had a really memorable meal at the Skamania Lodge overlooking the Gorge. Beautiful view, best salmon I've ever had.

Thanks everyone for your help! <BR>

The weather should be sunny and in the 70-80 range in August. We have had a great summer so far, it's only rained a couple of days. <BR> <BR>You can probably do Portland to Hood River in half a day if you wanted. The Gorge itself is 30 minutes from downtown Portland. If I was you I would stop off at the gift shop at Multnomah Falls and buy a book on the hiking trails in the Gorge. The area is unbelievable and most tourists don't know about the really cool trails. One of the best easy hikes is the Eagle Creek Trail up to Punch Bowl Falls. If you are interested in driving but no hiking I suggest getting off at the Ainsworth Exit and head back towards Portland on the Old Historic Highway. Bring snacks and lunch, it's a great place for a picnic. <BR> <BR>Cheers