This fabulous loop drive along the Columbia River Gorge will provide you with a full day of breathtaking views and Native American History. From Vancouver, take in the natural beauty by traveling east on Highway 14 along the north side of Columbia River, crossing into Oregon at the Bridge of the Gods. Head back to Vancouver by crossing over the Columbia River into Washington I-205 North.
 9:00 a.m. - Tour Pendleton Woolen Mills and Factory Store – Washougal. Visitors are invited to take a free tour of the mill, where they can see the process firsthand from the state-of-the-art dye house, through spinning and weaving, to the finishing of their distinctive Indian blankets. When you’re finished you can visit the Mill Store where you can select from Pendleton's array of menswear, womanswear, blankets and fabrics. (Tours Monday-Friday 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 & 1:30)
Optional: Stop and take a rest at Beacon Rock, named by Lewis & Clark on October 31, 1805, and the core of an extinct volcano. For the more adventurous, trek the mile-long trail up to the peak. The magnificent view of the Columbia River Gorge makes the climb worth the effort.
11:00 a.m. - Stop for a tour of the newest and oldest hydropower houses on the Columbia River at the Bonneville Dam - North Bonneville. Explore historical exhibits and an underwater fish viewing station to see large salmon and sturgeon swim by.
12:15 p.m. - Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson. Over 11,000 square feet of exhibits interpret the area’s cultural and natural history. Some of the exhibits feature Native American Life, Heritage Quilts, Lewis & Clark, and the world’s Largest Rosary Collection.
1:15 p.m. - Lunch in the Historical town of Stevenson- Visit one of Stevenson’s group friendly restaurants or plan a box lunch at one of the stops along the way.
Travel south across the breathtaking “Bridge of the Gods” into Oregon and continue west on I-84.
2:30 p.m. - Stop and explore Multnomah Falls. Plummeting 620 feet from its origins on Larch Mountain, Multnomah Falls is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. A 5-minute walk is all that separates you from the exhilarating spray at the base of the falls but for for an even closer view, walk another several hundred feet up the paved trail to reach Benson Bridge, which spans the falls between the upper and lower falls. A restaurant and lodge are available.
 3:30 p.m. - Vista House Interpretive Center at Crown Point. The Vista House was built in 1916-1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a comfort station for those traveling on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The octagonal stone structure towers 733 feet above the Columbia River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Optional: Enjoy shopping at the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets where you will find an exciting collection of 45 designer and name-brand outlet stores.
For more information please contact our Travel Industry Sales Department at, grouptours@SouthwestWashington.com or 877-600-0800, ext. 20
|
