After touring the scenic highway around the Columbia River Gorge, my husband and I are spending the night at Timberline Lodge. We’ll leave there to visit the Rose Garden in Portland. Would it be better to return to Hood River via Hwy 35 then on to Portland via I-84, or to go by Hwy 26 from Timberline? Any suggestions to make this an easy drive would be appreciated.

The drive on Highway 26 is about 65 miles and takes about 1 1/2 hours.

If you want a special treat, take Highway 35 to Hood River. If it is clear, you will have great views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams (WA) on the way.

Hood River is a delightful town.

Take the Hood River bridge to Washington and drive West on WA-14 for sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. This is one of our favorite drives. It is about 125 miles and it takes nearly 3 hours, but it is a delightful experience (which the drive on 26 is not).

HTTY

Thanks! I've already printed out AAA map and directions and it looks good. This is all the way on 14 to I-5 in Vancouver. Is this what you're suggesting, or should we turn off 14 sooner? It looks less complicated with much less road construction. We should be able to endure a fairly short stretch on I-5!

The scenic part of WA-14 ends at Washougal.

Check road conditions when you arrive. There may be bridge construction on the river at I-5. If so, you will want to take 205 and 84 into Portland.

http://www.columbiarivercrossing.org/

Enjoy, HTTY

Thanks for the warning. We'll plan to do that.