This scenic drive, on SR 14, winds along the Columbia River through the Cascade Mountains in the southernmost part of Washington State. The Columbia River Gorge Byway is 80 miles long, starting just east of Washougal and extending to Maryhill. Along the way, there are toll bridges leading to the Oregon side. Take time to explore, making stops along the way to hike, windsurf, picnic, bike, go boating and enjoy other activities. You may choose to camp or spend a night or two in a lodge along the way. Spring through fall is the best time for traveling through this area.
Instructions
1. Plan your road trip, starting from Washougal, also known as “Gateway to the Gorge.” A visit to the Two Rivers Heritage Museum will give you a historical overview of the Columbia Gorge, Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail. Located on 16th street, it’s across from the Pendleton Woolen Mills where you might opt for a mill tour and a look-see at their store.
2. Stop at some of the viewing areas as you drive on the byway. The scenery is magnificent and you’ll want your camera ready to take pictures of the awesome views.
3. Visit Beacon Rock, and perhaps climb to the top (approximately 850 feet) to enjoy panoramic vistas of the area. Technical rock climbing is also available, conditions permitting. This is a state park with campgrounds, a dumping station, a boat launch and dock. There is limited RV camping available but the main camping area is a forested area suited best for tent camping. There are over 20 miles of trails and 9,500 feet of shoreline along the Columbia River.
4. Watch for signs directing you to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson as you pass Bridge of the Gods. At this museum you can visit a storefront depicting life in the early 1900s, watch a film explaining the formation of the Gorge, see a restored steam engine that ran the sawmills and check out the world’s largest rosary collection. Please check their website for ticket prices and hours.
5. Spend some time at Skamania Lodge and enjoy a meal in one of their excellent restaurants. There is also a golf course on the property that’s open to the public. You might consider staying at the lodge; your pet is welcome to join you for an additional charge. Stevenson also has other lodges, motels and rental cabins.
6. Visit Horsethief Lake State Park where you’ll see some of the oldest pictographs (paintings) in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll need to make advance arrangements for a guided tour to see the petroglyphs (carvings), including the well-known “She Who Watches.” This park is part of a larger state park, the Columbia Hills State Park. Campgrounds are available, along with a day-use picnic area and dump station. The lake allows motorized boats with a five MPH speed limit. There are also 7,500 feet of shoreline on the Columbia River.
7. End your trip on the Columbia River Gorge Byway at the American Stonehenge, which is part of the Maryhill Museum of Art. This replica of the original Stonehenge was built by Sam Hill as a memorial to those soldiers who died in World War I. The museum itself is part of a mansion which was partially built by Sam Hill; the museum was not completed and opened to the public until 1940.
Tags: Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, River Gorge, along Columbia, along Columbia River, built Hill, Columbia Gorge
