June 23- 26 -- Crossing Oregon Along the Columbia River

Leaving the coast, we drive inland through Portland. Just east of Portland we stop at the Multnomah Falls -- the second highest continuously running falls in the U.S.



We stop at Ainsworth Sate Park to camp and hike. The forest is beautiful.





Beautiful scenery compliments one's morning constitutional.



We hike along the Historic Columbia Highway, but did not make it to the tunnels. We watched the large ships that can navigate the river and enjoyed the scenery.





Sadie is not so sure......



Our campsite just a few miles away at Viente State Park, near Hood River.



Chuck has gotten to be a real pro at dumping. As little as four minutes to dump just the gray water. As a result, we have showers every night.


On the way east along the Columbia,we stop at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Lots of history,


And even some windsurfing simulations....


Then on to an area that did not have many campgrounds. Seemed more like a rich agricultural landscape -- the wheat plains. We ended up at the Wildhorse Resort and Casino near Pendleton.




In addition to the striking sun down, the casino had an all steak buffet...best I ever had for $17! And Alexa loved the bosenberry cobbler.


The next morning it is up into the Blue Mountains where we "discover" the Oregon Trail Park. This is where the pioneers drove their wagons over the mountains if they were not brave enough to ferry them down the perilous Columbia River. You could see the indention of the wagon marks in the ground.






Then it is down the mountains and across the valley on our way to Willowa..