COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

I just listened to an interesting book: The Boys in the Boat which was about the 1936 US Olympic rowing team. And some of the boys worked on that dam during summer break, operating jack hammers while being hung from ropes along the cliff. They won gold by the way, a pretty good book if you have a chance to read it.

I hope you already know this, main line trains on both sides of the river. As much as I like trains I still can't sleep the night with them going by.

Ditto on this being a GREAT place to visit!

I am at Ainsworth State Park. GREAT PLACE TO STAY

If you are planning to visit Crater Lake, there is another great waterfall area (6 or 7 waterfalls on short hikes) along OR 138 - Some Photos. I've stayed at the Susan Creek BLM Campground (no hookups, but hot showers) & Joseph Stewart State Park. If you are in the Joseph Stewart State Park area at the right time (I was there in early July), the Cole River Fish Hatchery is going full bore - an interesting stop: Photos at the Hatchery.

Grew up in the Gorge on the WA side. Go back as often as we can. Everytime see something new. We also like Ainsworth SP nice and close to falls and Crown Point Visitor Center also Mamaloose SP near the Dalles. Also recommend the Book an amazing true story. Think this is a special year (100?) for the old Columbia River Highway which is one of the most scenic drives anywhere but not for big RVs. Beakon rock (a core from volcano) Wa is worth the climb and offers an amazing view. Hood River great town and offers views of wind surfing and there is a nice little county park there. Also a short drive to Mt Hood. So many other things if you will miss if you just drive through on the freeway.

Rt 30 is a GREAT drive to see all the waterfalls a long it...BUT...DO NOT try to drive any large vehicle along the scenic part!!! Its only about 1 & 1/2 lanes wide, VERY curvy with wall to wall traffic.