Sunday 2 October 2016

Columbia River and Larch Mountain

Friday 10 June


It's only taken 3 months to do it, but finally my last post of our May / June travels in Banff BC and Oregon.


On our last morning in Cascade Locks, I was able to hike a short distance along the Pacific Crest Trail, that several of my blogging friends have hiked from end to end. I so admire their hiking and the fact that they take time to share the journey through their blogs and photography. 





We packed for the final time and travelled back towards Portland. Thankfully we had near a full day before our flight, so there was time to enjoy one or two more waterfalls.

An old tunnel on the Historic Columbia River Highway.







Bridal Falls





Columbia River taken from Vista House. 
At 733 ft above the Columbia, Vista House was completed in 1918, as a rest stop observatory for travellers and as a memorial honouring Oregon's pioneers.


Such friendly volunteers.





Our journey then took us to Larch Mountain, through amazing forest and fog.


The steps to the 360 degree viewpoint, but today hidden by the swirling fog.



Yes, I know there are at least 6 volcanic peaks hiding from me!




The beauty of the rhododendrons, foxgloves and numerous other wildflowers that we spotted on the drive, more than made up for the lack of view.





Roses in a park in Troutdale, where we had a delicious Italian lunch. 
I love the name Troutdale and it totally suited this pretty town.




Our final view of this mighty river, as we neared the airport. 

The weather matched my feelings as this wonderful, marvellous, magnificent, fabulous, sensational ............  [ I don't know which word describes it best]  holiday came to an end. I am so grateful for the time with Kim and Stuart, along with seeing the beauty of nature in spring, in this awesome part of the world.

I would love to read your comment.

8 comments:

  1. Despite the rain and gloomy weather, you hit most of the Gorge highlights! And you got to see all the beautiful spring wildflowers too. Enjoyed seeing my favorite places through your eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And all thanks to you Linda and your inspiring blog. Thankfully our day at Mt St Helens was sunny if hot. Such a memorable day!
      From your blog I had thought the Multnomah Falls were a bigger hike from the road, so that was interesting, especially how you get your fantastic shots without people!

      Delete
  2. Lovely pix, Helen. And leave it to a person from Oz to show me new and unexpected views of familiar places. Well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bill. Through your blog, I continue to enjoy the wonder of where you live. A daily dose of nature through your lens, always lifts my spirits.

      Delete
  3. Through your photos I'm reliving my own visits to this beautiful area. You had a great, scenic trip!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous views and wonderful flowers... Oh my, those rhododendrons!
    But what is a tree that grows Petunia flowers? :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's absolutely stunning, isn't it!?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the tour! :)
    Looks like you had wonderful visit.

    ReplyDelete