Columbia Gorge

“Like Europe, Only Better”

This multisport adventure explores the waterfalls, mountains, and forests of the Columbia River Gorge, whose scenery the New York Times described as being “like Europe, only better.”

Gorgeous roads near Hood River, Oregon

The roads in this area have gained national acclaim in the bicycling community for their beauty. Chad Sperry, race director for the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, said: ”It was our roads that allowed us to get on the US Cycling Federation’s national calendar of elite bicycle races only two years after our first race as a regional event.  We have one of the smallest prize lists on the national circuit, but no one has the spectacular and scenic roads that we have in and around Mt. Hood, Hood River and the Columbia Gorge.  When the USA Cycling rep came out to observe last year’s event, she said she had never seen roads like these before in an area."

Spectacular Views from Scenic Byway High Above River

We meet in Portland on Monday morning, then cycle the beautifully restored scenic byway along the Columbia Gorge.  You'll see the Columbia River below, marvel at the intricate stone work in the road's Depression-era guardrail, and cycle past a dozen spectacular waterfalls plunging over basalt cliffs to the Columbia River.  We stop for lunch at a state park that has a magnificent hike to the base of one of these waterfalls.  The afternoon’s ride continues past Multnomah Falls.  At 620 feet, it is the tallest and most famous waterfall in the Gorge.  Our inn for the next two nights is Skamania Lodge, a luxurious, full-service destination resort with memorable dining, a spa, and an adjacent 18-hole golf course.

Follow Oregon Trail and Explore Hood River

On Tuesday we cycle down through the wooded slopes of Mt. Hood National Forest out into the wide open, rolling wheat country of central Oregon.  We follow the old Oregon Trail beside winding streams through remote canyons to a park beside the Columbia River at The Dalles.  From there we shuttle back to Hood River to explore its vibrant downtown before returning to our inn on the Washington side of the Columbia.  Scenic Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the United States, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.  Outside magazine named it one of America’s best towns.  You’ll want to explore its shops and art galleries, an upscale wine bar, and the micro-brew pub with deck seating overlooking the Columbia River at the Full Sail brewery.

Beacon Rock Hike, White Water Rafting

On Wednesday morning we take a white-water rafting trip (included in the trip fee — no experience necessary) down the White Salmon River.  The White Salmon is a glacier-fed river, which means the river has a fairly consistent flow rate, and the water is clear and cold.  The river cuts through a narrow rocky gorge with 100-foot cliffs and empties out into forested meadows.  We end the day with a bicycle ride on peaceful country roads through pastureland flanked by snow-capped Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.  We spend the next two nights at the Flying L Ranch, which commands a stunning view of 12,276 ft. Mt. Adams.

Hike Wildflower Meadows on Slopes of Mt. Adams

Thursday is a layover day.  We heed Mt. Adams’ call and spend the day hiking its wooded slopes.  You’ll see meadows of wildflowers in bloom, crystal-clear streams, and vistas of evergreen forest with other snow-capped mountains in the background.  Mt. Adams isn't as conveniently located to a major city as are Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood, so the beautiful trails are usually deserted.

Scenic Byway Lauded by Bicycling

On Friday we cycle along the old scenic byway high on the cliffs overlooking the Columbia River east of the town of Hood River.  This section of the road was abandoned for decades after completion of the freeway beside the river.  Recently it was reopened as a paved hiking-cycling trail closed to motor vehicles.  This portion of the Old Columbia River Scenic Byway was recently featured in Bicycling magazine as one of the great places in the United States to ride.  The trail leads us to a new Lewis and Clark Discovery Center museum in The Dalles, located where early explorers and settlers faced a tough decision: they could continue west down the Columbia River on rafts through dangerous rapids, or go through the roadless, thick evergreen forest over the Cascade Mountains beside Mt. Hood.  An afternoon van ride takes us back to Portland.

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