On this figure eight journey through Oregon you will see four of the most memorable highlights: Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, and Timberline Lodge. Much more is in store for your group as you travel down the path of Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Trail.
Day 1
Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway – This highway, built in the early 1900’s, is a national historic landmark featuring hand hewn stonewalls and bridges. The longest stretch runs from Troutdale to Multnomah Falls and features many spectacular waterfalls along the way.- Portland Women’s Forum State Park – This vista located along the historic Columbia River Gorge provides the most photographed view of the gorge in all its splendor. Keep your cameras ready!
- Vista House – Recently renovated, this historic building, built in 1918, is an interpretive display as well as a scenic vantage point 733 feet above the Columbia River.
- Multnomah Falls Lodge – One of Oregon’s top attractions and a site not to be missed. This double punchbowl style falls thundering down more than 600 feet is an incredible testament to the geologic forces that have shaped Oregon. The lodge sits just below the falls and is a great place to stop for a bite to eat and a visit to their interpretive center.
- Bonneville Locks and Dam – Get an up close view of how the mighty Columbia River works and witness prehistoric Sturgeons, thriving in their natural habitat. This National Historic Landmark includes a fish hatchery, viewing area of the working locks and an underwater fish ladder. Your guide will lead you on an interpretive walk through exhibits and displays.
- Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge – Enjoy dinner on an authentic triple deck paddle wheeler, providing 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Day 2
- Mount Hood Railroad – Your group will get to enjoy a train trip through the fruit growing region of Oregon. Have your cameras ready, as photo opportunities abound as the train winds its way up through the apple, pear, peach and cherry orchards, complemented by sweeping vistas of the Cascade peaks.
- Carousel Museum – Your group will visit the home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of antique carousel art, where you can take time to explore the rich history of this nostalgic machine.
Hood River County Historical Museum – Located in an historic home, the museum holds a rare collection of drawings by Hood River schoolchildren in 1905 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery.- Oregon Trail Remnants – At Hood River, the Oregon Trail divided into two routes. The river route afforded a quick but dangerous way to get to the “Promised Land” by way of some almost impassable cascades. Along your route there are several places to see the alternative overland route cut through what was, at one time, treacherous terrain.
- Barlow Road Access – This traversable part of the Oregon Trail is readily visible. Stretch your legs on the hiking trail that winds way down through the forest where the trail is still evident by gaps in the trees.
- Laurel Hill – After traveling most of their journey with much difficulty, this proved to be the most challenging part of the trail. Laurel Hill required settlers and immigrants to “pulley” their wagons down the steep hill face. Broken off tree trunks still bear the scars of the tremendous weight put on them, and the “chute” is still visible.
- Tollgate Campground – This is where the immigrants had to “pay the piper” and where Sam Barlow charged his fee for using his road.
- Timberline Lodge – Located at the 6,000 foot level of Mount Hood is this famous Oregon landmark. Some of the handmade details found in the lodge, which was built in the 1930’s, are artistic pieces unto themselves. Unobstructed views of the Oregon Cascades make this stop a memorable place for your farewell dinner.
Day 3
Imperial Stock Ranch – This is a National Historic District preserving an Oregon desert tradition. On your groups tour of the ranch, you will learn the history of the ranch and how they produce all natural beef, lamb and handcrafted woolen fashions with sustainable practices that date back to 1871.- White River Falls State Park – Discover one of Oregon’s secret hideaways at this historic site with extraordinary views of White River Falls. Witness white water plunging over a 90 foot basalt shelf into a pool of water surrounded by Oregon’s high desert. Discover the history of a power plant that once supplied electricity to two Oregon counties from 1910 to 1960.
- Sherars Falls – Watch Native Americans precariously perched on platforms as they dip net for salmon and steelhead in the treacherous waters of the Deschutes River.
- Dufur – The is the last link of the Oregon Trail providing means of overland passage to the Willamette Valley. This popular stop gave white settlers their first look at the picturesque valley and view of Mt. Hood. Take a step back in time visiting the fully furnished Schreiber log cabin, Endersby one room schoolhouse and barn packed with vintage wheat threshers and farm equipment at Dufur’s living history museum.
Day 4
- The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum – Your group will be taken back 40 million years to a time when massive geologic forces determined the future of the land. Learn about 10,000 years of Native American life and witness the salmon fishing at Celilo Falls before the waters from the Dalles Dam covered it.
- Downtown The Dalles – The Oregon Trail wound its way through this area and today building murals chronicle the journey of the travel weary immigrants.
- St. Peter’s Landmark – Built in 1898, this gothic red brick building has been historically used as a landmark by surveyors and steamboat captains. With a steeple rising 176 feet in the air topped by a 6 foot weathervane rooster, along with the many handcrafted inter designs, this building is a true work of art.
- Cascade Stream Watch – At BLM’s Wildwood Recreation Site you will witness the life of a salmon through a viewing chamber in their natural habitat of the wild and scenic Salmon River. Wander through wetlands on an interpretive trail.
- Oregon Candy Farm – Your group can tempt your taste buds with over 100 mouth watering chocolates and other confections where they have been making candy for more than 70 years.
Day 5
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center – Located under three fifty foot high covered wagons, your group will experience a living history interpretation of the journey and how the pioneers settled into the new land.- John McLoughlin House – As the chief factor for the Hudson’s Bay Company, McLoughlin, known as the “Father of Oregon,” was a welcome sight for the weary pioneers. He was greatly known for his generosity and never turned away anyone in need. His home has been preserved to honor the man.