Columbia River Gorge

We had thought we would stay on the coast heading south through Oregon, but it turned out we needed an airport for Diego, so we decided to head a little inland and check out Portland.  We stayed at a state park about 40 minutes southeast of the city called Milo McIver.

There was an episode of Grimm being filmed just on the other side of our campground.  I don't know that show and wouldn't have even known it was being filmed except that we went on a hike and saw a couple of security guys and asked them what was going on.  The were hanging out near the dam located on the river there.

Hydrothermal Dam near Milo McIver state park.

This area was very different from the coast.  Much less humid with warmer temperatures and beautiful fields around.  Since the park was a little ways outside of town we had many country drives through winding roads.  Lots of those roads had Christmas trees growing in rows as far as the eye could see.  I'm guessing that's where Walmart and Lowe's get their load.

Christmas Tree farms as far as the eye can see.

The Columbia River Gorge was our favorite to see at this stop.  

View of the Gorge from the Oregon side sitting at Vista House.

The Gorge with the Coloumbia River running through.

It is just northeast of the city and the Columbia River runs through separating Oregon and Washington state.  We were at the end of the Columbia River at the previous stop in Astoria, but this time we were further upstream.  The scenic drive through the gorge is beautiful.  Even with some rain on one of the days, you could see the fall colors trying to pop out.  

Historic Columbia River Highway

Bridge near Latrouel Falls

There are many waterfalls along this stretch and we stopped at least 5 of them.  Each one so different and so pretty.  I may be repeating myself, but a ranger told us at Glacier NP that the most common question they get in the visitors center is "where can i see a waterfall?"  She said that someone later told her that our bodies release endorphins when we are in the presence of a waterfall.  So it's kind of like we're craving them cause they make us feel good.  The energy coming out of them is so powerful you can feel it.  

View from Vista House back towards the Oregon side.

Made a pumpkin pit stop.

Also spent some time in downtown Portland walking and an afternoon at their science museum.

The Gator Chomp in Portland.