Introduction
On a recent Friday, with family in town we embarked on another adventure, revisiting some cherished spots along the Columbia River Gorge and discovering a few new gems. Living in Portland, we're incredibly fortunate to have such natural beauty and fascinating history right on our doorstep.
The Gorge
Our first stop, as always when heading east on Highway 84, is the iconic Vista House at Crown Point. This magnificent 1918 structure, perched high above the river, always offers breathtaking panoramic views. While the upper observation deck was closed for exterior repairs, even from the main floor, the expansive vistas of the river valley stretched out before us, as spectacular as ever. It's a true testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship.
A short drive further brought us to Oregon's most famous natural wonder: Multnomah Falls and Lodge. The Lodge is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – a true landmark! If you're planning a visit between late May and September 1st, remember to snag a timed-use permit online. At just $2, it's a small price to pay for managing the crowds at Oregon's most visited site. The roar of the falls and the misty spray are always invigorating.
Just a stone's throw from the falls, we explored a fascinating piece of history: the recreated Mitchell Point Tunnel. Originally built in 1915, this tunnel was an engineering marvel, but modern traffic outgrew it. Reopened nearby, this 655-foot tunnel now serves as a unique path for hikers and bikers, offering incredible "portals" where you can peer out at the majestic Columbia River and the bluffs of Washington. Be warned, it gets windy inside – so maybe leave your hat in the car, but definitely bring layers to stay comfortable! If you're heading east from Portland on I-84, you'll find the tunnel at Exit 58.
Hood River
After soaking in the Gorge's splendor, we arrived in the charming town of Hood River, where the Hood River meets the Columbia River. Usually, we're just passing through on our way around Mount Hood, but this trip, we had a couple of specific destinations in mind. And when lunchtime hit, there was only one place I had in mind: Twin Peaks Drive-In.
This local burger joint truly feels like a step back to the 1950s, and I mean that in the best way possible! Whether you grab a spot inside or enjoy the outdoor seating, the food is pure comfort. We indulged in a feast: hand-breaded chicken fingers, crispy chicken sandwiches on light, fluffy buns with incredible hand-coated onion rings, and a gooey Philly cheesesteak sandwich with what tasted like perfectly twice-fried French fries – crispy outside, fluffy inside, and piping hot. While you wait, you can even challenge your dining companion to a game of Connect Four or another table game. Trust me, the food is worth the wait.
With full bellies, we made the short quarter-mile trip to the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM). Prepare to be amazed! This is, hands down, one of the biggest airplane and car museums I've ever seen. Their website boasts “…one of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country.”, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
It is simply jammed packed with aircraft ….
… and cars from throughout the history of both, from their humble beginnings through to mostly about the 60s or 70s.
And not just civilian transportation, as they also have militaria scattered throughout the collection.
And for those who appreciate the details, they have incredible displays of accompanying memorabilia, like their collection of license plates for both cars and airplanes.
If you have an interest in antique transportation, you'll easily spend a couple of hours here – your admission will be well worth it.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a perfect reminder of how much Portland and its surrounding areas offer, whether it's bathed in sunshine or shrouded in classic Pacific Northwest overcast skies. We experienced a little of both, and each moment was equally enjoyable. There's always more to explore, and we're already planning our next wandering adventure!
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