On two separate days, we headed towards the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood, since there were so many trails to explore. Looking down from Vista House, situated at Crown Point, we could only imagine the feelings of Lewis and Clark as they gazed on this sight. (And we remember that it’s not so important what they sought to discover, but what they actually did discover.) Mark and I were directed to a few select trails by an older couple we met -- avid hikers, they had moved to Oregon from New Jersey, attracted to its wild beauty. Along the Columbia River scenic highway, there was one stop after another with trailheads to view waterfalls. (There are 77 in all.) Among those we hiked to, along steep trails and through lush forests, are Bridal Veil Falls, Multnomah Falls and Punchbowl Falls at Eagle Creek. Other photos are of Bonneville Dam and majestic Mt. Hood at Lost Lake. If only we had made it to Timberline Lodge that provided the exterior shots for The Shining. I thought the six-mile ascent circling Mt. Hood - by car - would have capped our day.
