The Washington Side of the Gorge: Fort Cascades Trail

A nice place to wander to experience the mossy forest, learn about Columbia River fish and a little bit of Pacific Northwest history is the Fort Cascades Historic Site. This shady trail is located one mile downstream (west) of the Bonneville Dam and is reached from the Dam Access Road on Hamilton Island, off of Washington State Highway 14. Parking is free.

Cool, Mossy Fort Cascades Trail

Fort Cascades was an army fort built in 1855 to protect a portage road around the lower cascades rapids of the Columbia River.  The fort burned down in 1856 and the area was abandoned in 1861 and then flooded out in 1894. Pick up a brochure at the kiosk at the trailhead so you can follow the interpretive markers along the trail.

The 1.5 mile Fort Cascades Trail will take you past historic sites (don’t expect to see remains of buildings) where you can look for abandoned wheels and metal equipment among the beautiful mossy rocks, ferns, and woods. The trail eventually leads into the town of North Bonneville if you do not follow the trail looping back.

Remnants of the Portage Railroad

You'll catch some great views of the dam upstream and learn about fish hatcheries and the protection of fish in this area of the Columbia River.
 

Bonneville Dam

It is a lovely flat trail to take on a warm day because of the shade. Pets are allowed on leash. Map

Pacific Crest Trail Days in Cascade Locks, Oregon Slated for August

Pacific Crest Trail Days is a 3-day summer festival that celebrates and promotes outdoor recreation, with a focus on hiking, camping, and backpacking.  It will be held August 13th - 19th, 2018. Attendees get to participate in activities, games, classes & presentations, win awesome gear at the raffle, watch a series of films, and get great deals on the latest outdoor products from exhibiting sponsors at the Gear Expo.  Whether you’re into car camping, day hiking, or long distance hiking, the gear and info you are looking for will be there!

All raffle proceeds are donated to the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West.  PCT DAYS is free to attend, with a fee for overnight camping on Thunder Island.  Don’t miss out on being a part of a great time at the 12th annual PCT DAYS, located in Cascade Locks, Oregon, the heart of the Columbia River Gorge!

For more info, visit http://www.pctdays.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pctdays

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pctdays/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pctdays #pctdays @pctdays

PCT DAYS Official Video:  https://vimeo.com/241759472

Cascade Locks: Things to See and Do in this Columbia Gorge Community

As the wildfires burned this last September, we began to realize how the little community of Cascade Locks on the Oregon side of the Bridge of the Gods felt as the flames, smoke and cinders came closer and closer to their town. The visible remnants of the Eagle Creek Fire still line I-84. The town was all but shut down during the fires. And they are still recovering.

After the all clear was given, the townspeople began to pick up the pieces of their disrupted lives. Tom Cramblett, Mayor and Captain of the Sternwheeler Columbia that docks seasonally in Cascade Locks, was on television talking about the town, their strength and their financial woes.

A group of businesses gathered together and began a promotion to bring funding to the businesses who proudly were #CascadeLocksStrong. You could purchase gift cards from the many businesses thus giving them a boost when they needed it most. I was one of the people who bought those gift cards and now, that the fire was deemed 100% contained, it was time to head out to the Gorge and show them a little love.

Scenic Drive to Cascade Locks

Finally the rains were stopping for a week. With the imminent threat of landslides from the rain-soaked hills, I was reluctant to drive scenic Hwy 14 on the Washington side. But it was drying so I took off for Cascade Locks to meet some friends for lunch. Sure, we could have met for lunch in Vancouver or Portland, but we wanted to let Cascade Locks know that they were not forgotten.

The weather was promising as I headed out east on Hwy 14 on the Washington side. I always stopped at the Cape Horn lookout for a photo op. But things were different that day. All of a sudden the road was enveloped in fog. I’d never seen it like that.

Cape Horn Overlook - WA Hwy 14

The rest of the drive was quiet and scenic. I reached the Bridge of the Gods in record time and rumbled across the steel bridge with grids so open you could see the river below. It was good to be back in the Gorge once again.

Spirit of Cascade Locks

As I drove off the bridge I noticed a yellow hazard tape stretched across the entrance to the Pacific Crest Trail. Things had changed. And then I noticed the rest of the wooded drive was lined with lighted Christmas figures. Cheerful, pretty and full of spirit.

Since I had Francesca the Coonhound with me, and I had promised her that she could explore Thunder Island, we continued on and parked at the lot near the Locks Waterfront Grill where the sternwheeler docks in summer. The sun came out as we took a look at the statue of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark in their explorations of the area.

My dog stopped to sniff yet another statue, one I hadn’t noticed before… Seaman, the dog. Seaman was the only animal to complete the entire journey with Lewis and Clark. There are statues in his honor in several Columbia River cities. Francesca was impressed!

Francesca poses with Seaman, the Newfoundland

We continued our walk along the river and came to the bridge leading to Thunder Island.

Exploring Thunder Island

Thunder Island is a small island that was carved out of the mainland in 1890 to build the Cascade Locks and Canal. The historic locks and canal provided safe passage around the rapids for ships traveling up and down the Columbia River. There is a trail along the edge of the island. We checked out the interpretive information and then took a trail to the right. It’s fun feeling as though you are out in the mighty Columbia River.

At the end of the island we saw a huge blue heron, probably 5 feet high. It took off as soon as Francesca and I got very close. We rounded the end and continued on the other side of the island stopping to look at views of the Washington side of the river. We came upon a platform used for weddings on the island. (There is electricity and resin chairs people can use). As we reached the other tip of the island we stopped to admire the Bridge of the Gods. 

It was a beautiful, clear fall day on the Columbia River

 And then I looked up, at the hillsides. They were covered with snow. It was beautiful.

A recent snow dusted the hillside.

Also on Thunder Island, you can visit Thunder Island Brewing Company and the Thunder Island Historical Museum located in one of the original lock tender’s homes.

Cascade Locks for Lunch

I’m usually in Cascade Locks in the summer for hiking and walking and a favorite stop is the East Wind Drive Inn. This little drive in is a go-to place for ice cream after a hike or drive in the Gorge. They serve breakfast and burgers too. But we kept walking this time as our destination for lunch was farther up.

We passed some motels and a grocery store and the Native fish shop, the Brigham Fish Market. The serve up chowder and fish lunches as well as sell local and Alaskan sea food.

And then on the corner, just before you turn up to drive on the Bridge of the Gods is the Bridgeside Restaurant (used to be Charburger). It’s been there forever. And they still have the same arrowhead collections, wagon wheel chandeliers and marvelous char-broiled burgers.

Bridgeside was warm, cozy and decorated for the holidays.
The fire had not dampened the spirit of Cascade Locks.

Their baked goods are excellent too. Try a slice of marionberry pie. We sat at one of the many booths with a view of the Columbia River and Bridge of the Gods. It’s a homey, warm destination on a winter drive into the Gorge.

Marionberry pie with a view!

It’s one place we wanted to show some love on our day trip. It’s one place we had good memories and wanted to create more. Cascade Locks is a town worth exploring, having a picnic, stopping for an ice cream and enjoying the views. The people of Cascade Locks are strong and we were pleased to see that they were very open for business.

Bridge of the Gods

More on Cascade Locks and The Columbia Gorge

Ride the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge

Bridge of the Gods

Bindu Trips: Destination Columbia River Gorge

Help Cascade Locks Local Businesses affected by the Eagle Creek Fire

Overnight the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge exploded. People were evacuated and businesses had to close. The little town of Cascade Locks was cut off as I-84 was shut down. For two weeks now, the businesses have been shuttered. These are, for the most part, small locally owned businesses. I've enjoyed having a bite to eat at several of them after hiking or taking a ride on the Gorge Sternwheeler, captained by the mayor of Cascade Locks.

Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks

So now, you can help them get back on their feet. It's a virtual cash mob!

Help them rebuild their vibrant economy until they can open again. Their businesses have been closed for nearly two weeks in what should be the busiest times of the year. The Eagle Creek Fire disaster has been devastating for the businesses in Cascade Locks.

Get your gift certificate now and your ice cream later!

How can you help? Join the online Cash Mob! Buy a gift certificate, or two, or many, and make a commitment to go support the Gorge as they recover from the losses incurred due to this fire. Gift certificates can be purchased for as little as $10 and it all helps!

Liz

The Light Adventurer: Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge 2017

Being a 65+ person, I'm all for what is called "light adventure." This week, I found adventure and stunning natural beauty in Oregon's Columbia Gorge. With a group (a great idea for light adventurers) I trekked from the Eagle Creek Trailhead to Punch Bowl Falls. I'll tell you what I experienced and add a few tips for a safe and comfortable hike.

Choosing the Day for the Eagle Creek Trail

Eagle Creek, less than an hour from Portland, Oregon is a very popular hike. On weekends, you'll have a hard time finding a parking place and may end up parking a mile away at the fish hatchery. Plus, if you are a light adventurer like me, you might be taking it slowly and the Millenials and trail runners can get a little testy.

So choose a weekday if you can. Go as early as you feel comfortable. We went at noon on a Thursday in May and found a place to park. I'd recommend going earlier as the trail was getting busy when we returned from our hike at about 3 p.m.

Trailhead. Park here if you can. There are restrooms (flush toilet)
and a place to buy your pass.

 

Choose a Reasonable Distance

The Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls is not an easy one. It's very rocky in spots, is a smooth incline most of the way (we were told 500 foot elevation gain) and there are some narrow spots with cables provided to grab on to. So the 4 mile round trip distance is a good one for the light adventurer. 

You'll probably take two hours to reach Punch Bowl Falls because of the incline and, of course, stopping to take photos and admire the beauty of the area. Coming back is much easier because it is a gradual slope down, but the narrow spots and rocks remain. 

Eagle Creek Trail

What You Will See on the Eagle Creek Trail

So this is why you go.  You'll be hiking beside the beautiful Eagle Creek, look up to see water dripping off tall basalt cliffs and marvel at the lush temperate rain forest interspersed with warmer hillsides where oak trees grow. The greenery along this trail runs from maidenhair ferns to delicate wildflowers, clinging to damp cliffs. You'll experience old growth forest dripping with moss and catch a glimpse of what a rough winter can do to a trail and trees.

Maidenhair Ferns along the Trail

Although not all that far from the highway, you'll be hiking into wilderness and may encounter backpackers coming down from the mountains. Remember, the trail to Punch Bowl is only the beginning. There are more waterfalls and excitement if you keep going. But for me, the 4 mile round trip was just right. I was good and tired when I returned.

The Beauty of Punchbowl Falls

You'll be taking a detour off the main trail at about the 1.8 mile point. This trail will take you DOWN (remember if you go down, you must come back up!) a pretty steep trail to get to Eagle Creek. This is where you may not dive, just in case you are interested. You'll see people in bathing suits enjoying the rocky beach and wading for views of Punchbowl Falls.

However, I have to say, the creek was running high this week and I didn't get to see the falls. I had Goretex boots on and tried to walk out on the rocks, but many were slippery with moss so I turned back and just enjoyed what I could see... which was stunning!

I couldn't see the falls but it was beautiful!

 I was a little disappointed because, all along the way, I was thinking about a couple I knew who got married at Punchbowl Falls and had magnificent photos to remember the event.

Punchbowl Falls. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Common

Its a great place for lunch or a snack and to soak in the feel and sound of the rushing water and the play of light on the cliff walls. And then you'll hike back up the trail. The good thing is once you make it up that side trail, the trip back is pretty quick and is downhill most all the way.


The following information includes affiliate links, just FYI.

 

Tips for Your Eagle Creek Trail Light Adventure

Kids and Dogs - Remember those narrow trail areas on the cliffside with cable hand holds? Well it's no problem for careful adults, but if your kids are not careful and your dog is not under control, you can be in danger. Here are some dog safety tips from Cinnamon the Coonhound.

The paths aren't that bad if you are careful.

Gear Up for Your Hike - You'll be more comfortable and safe if you have the following:

 - Water Bottle or Hydration Pack - It was just a warm spring day when I went. I carried a small bottle of water and finished every drop by the time I finished the hike. There are cliff face trails that are exposed to the sun and can get very hot. Consider a small hydration pack.

- Lunch or Snacks - Carry at least some trail mix or snack bar. The hike might take longer than you think it will and a good trail bar or mix will give you energy. I prefer Corazonas bars. They taste great and are a healthy snack.

- Hiking Stick or Hiking Poles - Due to uneven terrain, rocks and tree roots, you'll need to consider a hiking stick. I prefer my collapsible travel staff. It gives me a third leg and helps a lot when I trip or slip (which isn't uncommon for me!)

- Gortex Hiking Boots with Good Tread - It's uneven terrain out there on the trail and it's rather rocking in places. I like a mid-height gortex hiking boot. We had to cross a small creek on the way up and my boots kept out the water.

- For Swimmers and Waders - We didn't plan for a swim in the rocky river but if you would like to indulge, take water shoes or water sandals and shorts with you to change in to. The water was high and we could have seen Punchbowl Falls (and cooled off) if we had brought a change of clothing.

Light Adventurers probably don't need this reminder!

 - Last but Not Least - Bring your camera. There is plenty to photograph along the way from scenery to wildflowers.

One reason it took us 2 hours on the way up!

When You Go

- Coming from Portland, travel eastbound on I-84, and turn off at Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road (don’t park at the fish hatchery unless the trailhead lot is full). When you leave, you’ll have to take I-84 eastbound to the Cascade Locks exit and turn around there. But you might also want to check out Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks and swap trail stories with the Pacific Crest Trail through hikers.

- (Coming from the east, there is no westbound exit at Eagle Creek. You must continue on I-84 and get off at the Bonneville Dam exit, get back on the interstate and backtrack to exit #41.)

- You will need a Northwest Forest Pass or Federal Senior/ Disabled pass. There is a drop box for purchasing the day pass at the trailhead. If you use a senior or disabled pass, just put it on your dashboard.

You'll be glad you went to Eagle Creek. It's beautiful!

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls is one of my favorite places to take visitors. Many others feel the same way. I've been working on an article for WanderWithWonder.com that will help you avoid crowds and get there more easily. Recently published!

Beautiful Multnomah Falls, the tallest falls in Oregon.

Spring Break: Columbia Gorge Discovery Center Free for Kids

Looking for a great family outing during Spring Break? Visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum. Kids through high school age receive free museum admission during Oregon and Washington Spring Break with paid adult admission from March 25 through April 23.

Enjoy the Kids Explorer room craft activities, and a fun scavenger hunt through the hands-on, multi-media museum exhibits that illuminate the cultural and natural history of the Gorge. Enjoy the wildflowers on the hiking trails and be wowed by the raptors in a live presentation.

Children (and adults) will learn and have fun at the same time learning about Ice Age geology, Lewis and Clark, Native American culture, the Oregon Trail, the Historic Columbia River Highway, renewable energy, and more. View the newest exhibit, “A Community Forgotten: Uncovering the Story of The Dalles Chinatown.”

Enjoy a tasty lunch from the Basalt Rock Café 11 am. To 2 p.m. and stop by the Columbia River Trading Co. museum store.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.  The museum is wheel-chair and stroller accessible. A paved nature trail circles the pond next to the museum, where you have the chance to see beaver activity, raptors and blooming wildflowers. Take the Riverfront Trail for miles of hiking and biking along the Columbia River.

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is located off I-84 exit 82, at 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058.  The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, phone (541) 296-8600 ext. 201, or visit http://www.gorgediscovery.org.

Information courtesy Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Oregon's Starvation Creek State Park: New Trail to Three Waterfalls

When the Columbia River Gorge gets crowded, you just open up some new waterfalls to public access, right? Well, after a visit to three falls, all easily walkable from the Starvation Creek State Park lot, I thought that Oregon State Parks had done just that.

The fall leaves brightened the grey day in the Gorge.
October is a great time to see waterfalls.

Historic Columbia River Highway Trail
This past year, the Historic Columbia River Highway celebrated its centennial. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has been charged with working with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), the State Historic Preservation Office and Travel Oregon to preserve, enhance and reconnect the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Much of this work has been accomplished. 63 of the original 73 miles of the Historic Columbia River Highway are now open to travel either by motor vehicle (Historic Highway or connecting county roads) or by foot and bicycle (State Trail). Only 10 miles are needed to complete the connection. We found we were to be walking on one of the new sections of the trail.

A new section of the trail.

Starvation Creek State Park
We had heard that it was just an easy walk on the Columbia River Highway State Trail to Hole in the Wall Falls now. Once you had to take a hike through the woods to see this pretty waterfall. Now the falls are accessed from Starvation Creek State Park, just off of Interstate 84, about halfway between Cascade Locks and Hood River.

 

Even from the parking lot, the fall leaves were stunning

The parking lot is not huge, so go early or go during the week. There is a new restroom and, to the east, the short paved route to Starvation Creek Falls. But first, we decided to head out to Hole in the Wall Falls along Mount Defiance Trail/Columbia River Highway State Trail.

The Falls
From the parking lot, follow the wide paved trail paralleling the freeway about a mile west. You’ll first come to Cabin Creek falls surrounded by stunning basalt cliffs and mossy woods. You can’t really see the bottom of the falls due to the huge boulders blocking the view. We found the moss on the boulders to be worth a photo.

 

Cabin Creek Falls

Next, viewable from a newly constructed picnic area, you’ll see beautiful Hole in the Wall Falls. Interesting name, right?  There is a story here. The original Columbia River Highway was constructed paralleling close to Warren Creek's major waterfall, Warren Falls. During high water, the creek would often wash out the road, so, rather than repairing or just moving the road, in 1938 someone decided to move the waterfall. A tunnel was blasted through the adjacent cliff, through which the creek was diverted, and Hole-in-the-Wall Falls was born. Continuing west, you’ll reach the end of the newly constructed trail and note that further construction for foot and bike traffic is in process.

Hole in the Wall Falls

Francesca the Coonhound wishing she could go wading
at Hole in the Wall Falls

Yes, you’ll hear freeway sounds for part of the walk, but the beauty of the woods, Warren Creek, and the falls is worth it.

 

Warren Creek

We retraced our steps enjoying the fall foliage and reached the trailhead once again. This time we took the paved trail east, up the hill to beautiful Starvation Creek and the falls. There’s a story or two here too. The origin of the name is not clear. Some say a group of pioneers reached the place and ran out of provisions. Others say that a train was stuck in the snow in this area and travelers had to wait for food to arrive. Still others say that the travelers had to help dig out the train to get it going along the track. No matter which story you believe, the place is worth a visit now. The beautiful cascading creek and falls is easily accessible year round.

 

Did someone place this leaf here for us to photograph?

Starvation Creek

We visited in October and the creek was running strong. It was tempting to stop for a meal at the picnic table. But, alas, the table had been taken by a group of photographers.

 

Starvation Creek Falls (Photo: Oregon State Parks)

There was lots to see at Starvation Creek

We enjoyed the falls, the surrounding trees and walked the short distance back to the car.

When You Go

Starvation Creek State Park is at exit 55 off I-84. When you approach exit 55 (from the west), don’t be whizzing along too fast.  You might miss your exit and have to drive further and turn around. The parking area is only accessible to eastbound traffic (if you are driving west, exit and turn around at Exit 51 (Wyeth), then to return to your westbound direction, do the same at Viento State Park at Exit 56).

There is no charge to park or bike and walk the trail from this point. Dogs must be on leash.

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk, photograph and enjoy the three falls.

Top 10 True West Western Museums for 2016 Announced

Hundreds of museums celebrate the American West (including more than a few east of the Mississippi). But which ones stand out?

True West magazine’s September 2016 issue has the answer in the feature “The Top 10 Western Museums,” on newsstands August 09, 2016.

For a dozen years, True West magazine has recognized the best Western museums in America for their dedication to their mission of keeping the Old West alive in our communities and nation.

I recently visited one of the top ten True West Western Museums for 2016, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum in The Dalles, Oregon. They were recognized for their superior exhibitions and ability to reach all generations through their creativity in interpreting the West while fulfilling their institution’s mission.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is honored for its extraordinary exhibitions and dedication to local and regional history. The museum has partnered with Nevada State Museum to display the traveling exhibit “John C. Frémont: Pathfinder of the West.”

Spur Award-winning writer Candy Moulton and the editors of True West picked the winners for this annual award based on the extraordinary efforts of the museums over the past year to create and host new temporary exhibits, as well as maintain dynamic permanent exhibitions.

The Top 10 True West Western Museums for 2016 include:

10. Autry National Center of the American West, Los Angeles, California

9. Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan, Oklahoma

8. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, The Dalles, Oregon

7. Yakama Nation Museum and Cultural Heritage Center, Toppenish, Washington 

6. Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada 

5. Days of ’76 Museum, Deadwood, South Dakota 

4. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Houston, Texas

3. Cody Firearms Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming 

2. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Canyon, Texas

1. Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City, Kansas

True West magazine is in its 63rd year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit http://www.twmag.com or call 888-687- 1881.

When You Go
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum is located at 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, Oregon. For more information call 541-296-8600 or visit http://www.gorgediscovery.org.

Antique Car Tour slated for Saturday July 23, 2016 from Troutdale to The Dalles

As part of the Historic Columbia River Highway Centennial Celebration, the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway is hosting an Antique Car Tour, Saturday, July 23, 2016 from Troutdale to The Dalles.

The tour will conclude at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, which is hosting a “Meet and Greet BBQ & Brews” welcome from 4 to 7 p.m. The museum will have free admission after 4 p.m.; exhibits will close at 5.  Restrooms will be open until 7 p.m.  Barbecue choices include ribs $12; chicken $10; burgers $9; side dishes of potato salad, coleslaw, or baked beans for $1 each.

The public is invited to enjoy microbrew beer produced by local breweries, including Freebridge Brewing, Sedition Brewing and Route 30 Bottles & Brews. 16 oz. keg beer on tap $5. The year 2016 marked the opening of all three breweries in The Dalles, the first commercial breweries in The Dalles since prohibition took effect in 1916.

The arrival of the Antique Car Tour at The Dalles is estimated to be around 4 p.m. where they will pick up Mayor Steve Lawrence to tour the downtown, then travel on Highway 30 out to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles. The public will be welcome to come and view the fleet of vintage autos, all manufactured by 1949 or earlier, and talk with the owners.

The day will begin as cars and other vehicles such as motorcycles and trucks assemble at 6:30 a.m. at the ODOT building in Troutdale, then at 7:15 a.m. proceed to a viewing along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Troutdale.  The vehicles will be on display while drivers and passengers have a chance to have a pancake breakfast, after which they will lead the parade beginning Troutdale's SummerFest, with the oldest vehicle leading the way and with Troutdale's Mayor Doug Daoust in the lead car to Glenn Otto Park.

The next stop will be Vista House, with its amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge. It will be followed by a 'tour-in-slow-motion' through the waterfall area, past the most visited natural site in Oregon — Multnomah Falls.

After a short drive on Interstate I-84, the vehicles will assemble on the lawn at the pavilion in Cascade Locks Marine Park, near the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. They will parade through Cascade Locks, then drive to Wyeth, followed by another short segment on Interstate 84 to Hood River.

The tour will travel through Hood River approximately 1:30 p.m. and onto the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and through the Mosier Twin Tunnels.

In Mosier, they will be greeted by the Mayor Arlene Burns and 'Mosierites' at approx. 2:45 p.m., who will be with the vehicles in the parade through town.  As the tour proceeds east they will drive by the beautiful mansion at historic Mayerdale Estate, and experience the panoramic view at Rowena Crest.

After touring through The Dalles, the Antique Car Tour will end at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, at The Dalles. Arrival time is estimated to be approximately 4 p.m. and the day will wind down with the BBQ and Brews from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gorgediscovery.org or  http://www.hcrh.org/events/2016-antique-car-tour/.