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Columbia Gorge (Oregon)
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Contents
Columbia Gorge is formed where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, 80 mile section of which is designated as a National Scenic Area. This article covers the southern bank which is entirely within the state of Oregon.
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[edit] Understand
Along the route Lewis and Clark pioneered on their trailblazing journey in 1805, the Columbia Gorge cuts through the Cascade mountain range which is made largely of volcanic (basalt) rock, leading to a number of spectacular cliffs. The bountiful presence of water on the west side of the Cascades leads to a number of very tall waterfalls which intersect the river. The key distinguisher of climate in the gorge is Wind. Wind speeds are often upwards of 30mph. This is because the gorge is a wind tunnel from the warm/dry east end to the cooler/damp west end.
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By Car
Easily accessible from Portland (Oregon), take the I-205 North exit 288 toward the Dalles. Merge onto I-84 East exit 22 toward the Dalles/Mt Hood.
[edit] Get around
Interstate 84 is a great way to get around the gorge. Be sure to meander on the side roads like the "Old Columbia Highway", by taking exit 18 toward Lewis and Clark State Park/ Oxbow Regional Park. Take a left onto Crown Point Highway. Then take a right onto East Columbia River Highway. This road passes by multiple scenic locations such as Multnomah Falls, Punchbowl Falls, Eagle Creek and more.
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- Bonneville Lock and Dam [1]. The third highest hydropower project in the US, at about 1.2 MWatts. Accessible via exit 40 on I-84, you can visit the dam (after passing a friendly guard who will inspect your car) as well as a fish ladder installed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Salmon run in the river almost year-round, but the fall is peak season.
- Bridge of the Gods
- Horse Tail Falls
- Multnomah Falls [2]
- Vista House
[edit] Itineraries
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- Fishing Klickitat River
- Many windsurf on the Columbia River due to its consistent strong winds.
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[edit] Stay safe
[edit] Get out
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