In Portland, much to do. One of my favorite microbreweries, Bend-based Deschutes Brewery, has a nice outlet just a block or so from Powell’s, one of the world’s finest bookstores (a whole city block of new and used books, coffee shop included). Both in the heart of downtown.
Take a side trip from Portland east up the Columbia River Gorge, truly magnificent. Multnomah Falls, about 30 minutes east, is the most-visited tourist destination in the state. Its 620 feet tall (twice the height of the Statue of Liberty), and you can hike to the top for a magnificent view. And it’s totally free (unless you buy something at the lodge).
Another 30 minutes east brings you to Hood River, the windsurfing haven and fruit-growing valley with superb natural scenery, lots of outdoor activity and three outstanding microbreweries — Full Sail, Double Mountain, and Big Horse — within a few blocks of each other downtown.
From there, you could (a)
Head south from Hood River on Highway 35,(stopping at the small town of Parkdale to sample the Oatmeal Stout at the Elliot Glacier brewpub) then curve around the mountain to Timberline Lodge, on the side of Mt. Hood, a Depression-era artistic masterpiece of Cascadian architecture, with huge open spaces, timber beams, giant central rock fireplace, and lots of skiing. In May, you can ride the lift up to the Silcox Hut at 6,900 feet up the mountain for a stunning long-distance view as the hawks wheel about. Follow Highway 26 around the rest of the mountain back to Portland. You will have seen some magnificent scenery and had a great time.
or b) Head seven miles east on Interstate-84 to the small town of Mosier and the amazing Thirsty Woman pub. It’s a cozy pub with an English feel, run by a former London chef and his wife, who also operate the neighboring Good River Restaurant. The pub has 16 taps, and these people know their microbrews, assembling the best from malty stouts and porters to the hoppiest IPAs and ESBs from the Northwest and beyond. It’s the only pub I know that serves such fare as a fresh-spinach and feta calzone. There’s a large outdoor area with a view of the Columbia.
But, hey, those are only a few suggestions. I happen to like bookstores and beer. There are many other choices.
Oregon’s best-known wine country is generally south of Portland in the northern Willamette Valley, most famous for its pinot noir.
But the Columbia River Gorge has also become wine country in recent years, with some magnificentwineries. One winery, Maryhill, was just named “Winery of the Year” for the state of Washington, out of 602 wineries in the state. Its won more than 500 medals in wine competition in just eight years of existance. It’s on the Washington side of the Columbia, and just one mile from Maryhill Museum
For the record, I do not work for or have any financial dealings with any of the above, other than paying customer. I was raised in Hood River and have lived in The Dalles for 35 years. If you need any info on the Columbia River Gorge, give me a shout. E-mail’s in the profile.
j
