Scenic Drive Along Columbia River Gorge

Watching the sun come up over the Columbia River Gorge

It may only be February, but it felt like spring, on a weekend trip to the Columbia River Gorge.  The Gorge is a canyon stretching 80-some miles bringing the Columbia River through the Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean.  It forms the border between Washington and Oregon, and is a protected National Scenic Area.

Despite living in Washington all of my life, this weekend marked my first trip to this area, and it’s clear that I’ve been missing out on a beautiful part of the state.

There are a few different ways to get to the area, but here’s my recommendation.

Head south on I-5 toward Portland, taking exit #7 to I-205, and then exit #27 to Highway 14 east.  It’s a quick jog off the freeway, and once on Highway 14 you can settle in for a beautiful scenic drive.  The highway eventually turns into only two lanes, and while the drive should keep their eyes on the narrow winding road, passengers should feel free to swivel their heads, gawking at the natural splendor.  You’ll be looking across the river to Oregon, the beauty of the foliage, rock formations, and waterfalls nearly rival that of the Columbia.

The drive takes you past Bonneville Dam.  In additional to producing hydropower for the area, the area is also home for annual salmon (Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye) and Steelhead trout runs, with fish ladders for viewing.  The dam is open for tours (group or self-guided), and will be a spot that I stop off at on my next trip down this way.  The dam has viewing areas on both the Washington and Oregon side, and entrance is free.

Continuing on the Highway you’ll pass the Bridge of the Gods.  While this bridge may be steel, the original bridge (after which this one was named) was a natural one created by a major landslide that dammed the Columbia River.  It was eventually washed away, and is the subject of lots of great folklore.  The modern bridge connects the two states, and has a $1 toll.

My drive stopped in Stevenson and Skamania Lodge, but the highway continues for many miles, continuing through some of the most beautiful parts of the state.

For the return trip, I’d recommend crossing the Bridge of the Gods, and driving I-84 west along the Oregon side.  This 4-lane freeway is a faster drive, and lets you look across the river to enjoy the craggy mountainous scenery on the Washington side.  Although a bit farther in mileage, it is roughly the same driving time, and will take you by the dam once again, and the very popular and beautiful Multnomah Falls.  Visitors can follow a trail that climbs to the top of the falls, with many great photo stops along the way.  This is another must-stop for return trip to the area.

Complete the driving loop by connecting to I-5 north, and then settle in for the drive home.

The drive makes a wonderful weekend trip, and there are plenty of places to stop.  It is about a 3 1/2 hour trip from Seattle. There are a few upscale hotels and lodges along the way, and even more smaller hotels and motels.  Camping is allowed in some areas.

Photo credit: Mary Jo Manzanares