![]() ![]() WA-14 is a two-lane highway for most of its route, which some may consider a more enjoyable drive although it is marginally slower. Even if the freeway is open, caution is advised in wintry driving conditions.Īlternate routes through the Gorge include WA-14, which parallels I-84, but on the Washington side of the river. Be aware that I-84 can sometimes close in the winter due to icy/snowy/windy conditions. Interstate 84 follows the southern shore of the Columbia River through the Gorge and is the primary connection for all cities in the region. The Bridge of the Gods is the trail's connection between Oregon and Washington over the river. The trail then descends into the Columbia River Gorge over the next 25 miles where it reaches its lowest elevation and the only city on the entire route at Cascade Locks. Hood from the south and passes Timberline Lodge, circling the west side of the mountain. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. OR-35 will take more time, but is viable depending on traffic conditions or if a change of scenery is desired. Hood is to take OR-35 south from Hood River, which will eventually intersect with US-26 on the southeast side of the mountain. Hood from I-84 exit 17 in Wood Village, which will eventually lead through Gresham to US-26. Hood can be reached from the Portland Metro by US-26. To reach the Gorge from downtown Portland, simply follow I-84 east toward The Dalles. The region is included in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area which protects the scenic quality of the region by requiring most new development to occur inside of existing towns. The unique setting of the Gorge is partly due to repeated mass floods at the end of the last ice age, when the collapse of huge ice dams near Missoula, Montana unleashed walls of water over 1000 feet high at the east end of the gorge, which were still over 2,000 feet deep when they reached present-day Portland. A large number of wind turbines have been installed on the ridges of both sides of the Gorge to take advantage of the power of the winds in this area. This is because the gorge is a wind tunnel from the warm/dry east end to the cooler/damp west end. The key characteristic of the Gorge's climate is Wind. The bountiful presence of water on the west side of the Cascades leads to a number of very tall waterfalls which intersect the river. HoodĪlong the route Lewis and Clark pioneered on their trailblazing journey in 1805, the Columbia Gorge cuts through the Cascade mountain range which is made largely of volcanic (basalt) rock, leading to a number of spectacular cliffs. ![]() 45.706667 -121.521667 2 Hood River - At the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, with great windsurfing and kiteboarding, and relatively close to Mt.Hood with lodging and restaurants available 45.304167 -121.756667 1 Government Camp - A ski-village on the shoulder of Mt.45☂1′0″N 121☂7′36″WMap of Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |