Enjoy dizzying panoramic views, five major ski areas, salmon fish hatchery, Columbia River Gorge, majestic waterfalls, overgrown bridges, and tunnels.
For you city slickers who crave a little outdoor adventure on the weekends, the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge Loop is a perfect “must see” panoramic getaway. Encompassing the rich landscape just outside Portland, Oregon’s largest city, this 4-hour drive will take you to dizzying heights. Catch a scenic glimpse of the Gorge at the Grotto as you leave the city on Sandy Blvd. Follow Route 26 to Sandy where you can try your palette at the Wasson Winery.
Proceed to Government Camp on Mt. Hood where 5 major ski areas are situated, including the only alpine slide in the Northwest. The steep size of Mt. Hood is enough to humble even the largest of egos. The biggest ski area is Mt. Hood Meadows, which provides lodging and a bite to eat at the Hoodland district. From here, you can loop around Mt. Hood on Route 35, which displays an abundance of wildlife and plants in this pristine ecosystem. Continue over the summit of the Cascades through the Mt. Hood National Forest and back down into the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Proceed on Route 35 to the Hood River at the foot of the valley. Here you get to experience the Columbia Gorge Hotel and walk down to visit the Mt. Hood Railroad Depot for a train ride to the foothills of Mt. Hood.
Drive west from the valley on I-84 and experience the wealthy Indian and pioneer history of the Cascade Locks. Just a stone’s throw west is the Bonneville Dam, seat of the Bradford Island Visitors Center where you can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, learn about salmon migration, and check out the under-surface viewing room.
Continue west on I-84 to one of the most scenic spots of the tour, the Historic Columbia River Highway. Pass overgrown bridges, majestic waterfalls, and tunnels before arriving at the famous lookout at Crown Point. Proceed to the town of Corbett to catch a breathtaking vista overlooking the Gorge. Turn around and drive back on the Columbia River Highway to where it joins with I-84 and stop in at Troutdale to visit the Harlow House Museum. The trip finishes with a spectacular view of Portland as you return to the city.
Starting Point:
Starts in Portland on Sandy Blvd./Hwy. 26
Distance of Drive:
194 Miles
Must Eat:
Bread and Ink Cafe
3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-239-4756
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Mt.Hood
Timberline Lodge
Numerous panoramic viewpoints
Cascade Locks
Columbia River Gorge
Bonneville Dam
Tagged with: best time:summer • Oregon • salmon • ski
Filed under: Best Road Trips