Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood

Our first stop this morning was at an overlook above the Columbia River which marks the state boundary between Washington and Oregon.  As the mist started to burn off, the wide river and towering cliffs were revealed.

We diverted from the River Gorge road to drive and then walk through densely wooded slopes to Lark Mountain where, on a pinnacle of rock surrounded by tall fir trees for miles around, it was possible to see Mount Hood (22 miles away); Mount Adams (64 miles away); Mount Jefferson (62 miles away); Mount St Helens (46 miles away) and even, in the distance and blending in with the clouds, Mount Rainier (92 miles away).  We were very lucky that it was so clear.

The next viewpoint at the Columbia River was Crown Point, high above the gorge.

This is a purpose built (1916) vantage point and visitor centre for the benefit of early motorcar travelers on the Columbia Gorge Highway when it was newly built.

The views from the gallery of the Vista House were amazing.

The Gorge is renowned for the many varieties of wildflower that grow in its many different habitats - here it was an everlasting sweet pea that caught my eye.

Our next stops along the Gorge were to walk the trails to a number of different waterfalls.  All very spectacular and all reached by steep paths!

The trees at the side of the Gorge get little sunlight and the air is very damp - as evidenced by the extraordinary growth of moss on the trunks and branches..

Further along the Gorge we crossed the 'Bridge of the Gods' over the river.

At the end of the Gorge and close to the end of the day we sped on to our hotel near Mount Hood, through apple and pear orchards and past berry farms and wineries, before the road started to climb again and the tall Douglas Firs reclaimed the slopes.

Mount Hood was shrouded in mist when we got close.

We just had time to go to Lake Trillium, a known spot to photograph the mountain, as sunset approached.

There was very little light left in the sky, but it gives the images an interesting colour cast..