Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
About Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge
Along the route Lewis and Clark pioneered on their trailblazing journey in 1805, the Columbia Gorge cuts through the Cascade mountain range which is made largely of volcanic (basalt) rock, leading to a number of spectacular cliffs. The bountiful presence of water on the west side of the Cascades leads to a number of very tall waterfalls which intersect the river. The key characteristic of the Gorge's climate isWind. Wind speeds are often upwards of 30mph. This is because the gorge is a wind tunnel from the warm/dry east end to the cooler/damp west end. A large number of wind turbines have been installed on the ridges of both sides of the Gorge to take advantage of the power of the winds in this area. The unique setting of the Gorge is partly due to repeated mass floods at the end of the
Top Attractions in Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge
Explore the best things to see and do in Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge:
- ★Bonneville Lock and Dam
- ★Bridal Veil Falls
- ★Bridge of the Gods
- ★Horse Tail Falls
- ★Maryhill Museum and Winery
- ★Multnomah Falls
- ★Vista House
Mount Hood and Columbia Gorge Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: