COLUMBIA GORGE "Cliffs, Falls & Wind"
FULL DAY TOUR

Activities: Hiking, nature walks, waterfall viewing, wildlife viewing, birding, ecological & geological sightseeing with naturalist interpretation

Interests: Forest ecology, glaciology, volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, botany, natural & local history (wildflowers in summer)

Inclusions: Hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified naturalist guide, travel in adventure-outfitted luxury Mercedes Van or Jeep, an “On Safari” lunch, scrumptious morning tea with scones, afternoon tea, refreshments, snowshoes, all entry fees and comprehensive naturalist commentary.

**Extra warm gear available upon request

Escape Plan:
On its way to the Pacific Ocean the mighty Columbia River cuts a deep swath over 80 miles long through the Cascade Mountains, at points reaching depths of up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) deep. As we head East from Portland and enter the Historic Columbia River Hwy we will leave the present behind and travel back to a time when driving was about the journey, and not the destination. In the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, your naturalist guide will lead you out on a series of short hikes to experience a selection of the 90 + waterfalls that exist here, including the notable 620-foot high Multnomah Falls. We will enjoy some morning tea and scrumptious snacks as we take in the the waterfalls and wildflowers that adorn this natural wonder.

A little farther up river we encounter the town of Hood River, where nearly constant winds of 35mph create a paradise for windsurfers and kite boarders and breathtaking natural beauty draws many thousands of adventure sports enthusiasts and sightseers each year. After our delicious lunch in Hood River and a possible stop at Full Sail Brewery we continue Eastward across the Cascade Divide, where the landscape changes suddenly and dramatically before our eyes. We are now in the high desert. Take out the binoculars and spot for birds and wildlife, marmots, coyotes, elk, deer and fox roaming the basalt cliffs among sagebrush and Ponderosa Pines. In the town of The Dalles we visit The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Here we learn the fascinating history of the pioneers as they made their way West along the difficult and often deadly Oregon Trail, remnants of which can still be seen in the area. We will also learn of the native peoples of the Columbia River and of the treacherous journey of Lewis and Clark through this region in 1805 and 1806.

Our next stop is the Mary Hill Museum, where we will encounter an impressive collection of art from around the world, including more than 80 works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin, and a vast array of artifacts from Pacific Northwest indigenous groups featuring ancient petrogylphs, intricate baskets and beadwork. As we make our way back to Portland via the Washington side of the Gorge, we may stop and stretch our legs at Beacon Rock. As always we will be on the look out for additional photo ops and wildlife as well!

Tour Length: 9 Hours
Tour Code: EV60
Pick up: Downtown Portland Hotels & Cruise Terminals
Departing: 8:00am
Returns: 5:00pm
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Season: Year Round
Offset your Carbon Footprint: Contact for a quote
Tour Cost: $175 per Escapist
Departs: Thursday, Saturday - and at private request

This tour can be customized as a private tour or corporate retreat, call or email for a quote.

Check out Calendar of Escape Routes for Scheduled Departures!

Inquire about making this a multi-day escape encompassing Mt Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Bend, The Willamette Wine Country or Oregon Coast into an incredible Northwest Adventure!

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Northwest with EverGreen Escapes!